Washtub Basses? What the. . . ?

mattzink · #1 04-06-2003, 12:15 PM

hey guys and gals
hope all is well. i'm going to ask this question, knowing that i could get teased merciliessly for doing so. but anyways. . .

i'm thinking about constructing a washtub bass. i never would've considered it until i saw a street musician in new orleans playing one with a guitar player about 8 years ago. let me tell you - it was phenomenal. the guy was doing walking bass runs on the thing. i could not believe it for even two seconds.

has anyone out there ever made one? anything i should know about making/playing one? the big question i have is what material should i use for the string? are there any good websites dedicated to this sort of playing? thanks a ton. just curious, matt

Rimas · #2 04-06-2003, 03:27 PM

I dont know the URL's, but if you look on Bob G's bass links site, theres a few washtub bass page.

String material is debatelable. I opted to go the authentiv route and use clothesline, a handle from a garden hoe, and a washtub.

Track down bobs site, and theres directions on how to make them.

I made mine for my senior physics project in highschool

Marcus Johnson · #3 04-06-2003, 04:06 PM

I saw a guy down in Tahiti play the hell outta one. Gave me new respect for the instrument.

olivier · #4 04-07-2003, 12:59 AM

Maybe this site could help:
wash-tub link
Anyway, it's easy: get a beer keg bucket at your hardware store, remove the handle (they would rattle), nail a hole in the bottom and screw in a hook with large washers so you don't rip the thing out. You'll need a broomstick with a notch at each end, one to rest on the rim of the tub, the other one perpendicular for the string. Clothesline grasswiper line, G LaBella Supernil or G Obligato all work quite well as string. Metal tubs are more traditional, but plastic tubs do the trick too, with a more "gut-like" tone... be prepared for a very special relation with your blisters !!!

Rimas · #5 04-07-2003, 03:37 AM

Im pretty sure I followed the Tub-o-tone directions also, But we renamed mine the TUb-o-love...

Has a nicer ring to it

jdombrow · #6 04-10-2003, 04:01 PM

There used to be band (John the Conqueroo) in Milwaukee comprised of almost all home-made instruments, including washtub bass. The bass player wore a leather glove on his plucking hand (and possibly on the fretting hand also).

The best part was the drummer sitting behind a card table full of pots and pans, cardboard boxes and various other items. He had a pedal duct-taped to a large plastic garbage can for his bass drum.

They played full 3- to 4-hour shows, and were VERY popular. They were all accomplished players and all quite good.

jd

mattzink · #7 04-10-2003, 05:24 PM

they sound way cool! anyway to get their music (i.e. downloads, cds)? the band you mentioned reminds me of seeing a band appear on the show that would later become the arsenio hall show. they were called "pianosaurus" and they played all toy instruments. they released a cd, i think. they rock my butt off. i couldn't believe it. they did a song called "thrift store shoppin'" it was pretty neat.

anyways, thanks for the tip!

jdombrow · #8 04-11-2003, 09:02 AM

I remember hearing Pianosouraus on NPR. They were pretty cool!

Here's what I was able to find on John the Conqueroo:

http://www.acaentertainment.com/Band...nqueroo/Audio/

I'm not sure if they're still playing anymore. I Moved out of Milwaukee 3 years ago.

JD

chris4001asat · #9 04-11-2003, 09:18 AM

I've got the Pianosaurus album. It's actually pretty good. Muppet Babies drum set and all! They did a really cool cover of "Memphis TN".

Barefoot Larry · #10 04-15-2003, 01:55 AM

Quote:

i'm thinking about constructing a washtub bass.

Visit www.thecove.us. After the main page finishes loading, it will play a 15 second clip where you can hear me playing mine.

Visit www.jugmusic.com/wtb.html for building instructions.

PollyBass · #11 04-15-2003, 01:57 AM

you DB guys are weeeeeird.

For real. A real wash tub bass?

Holy Crap.