• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Can a "Whamola bass" be built? And by who?

B

Bad Brains

Inactive
Jan 7, 2004
2,732
3
Detroit, michigan
Visit site
#1
Hey there, i am currently trying to get this thing called a "whamola bass" designed and built. I was originally going to try and do it myself but i realized i have to clue how to do this. People have been telling me they are easy to make, but I don't see how so. Probably the biggest problem I would have would be with the electronics, which I know nothing about. I have even asked some music stores about it, but no one there has any kind of clue either. So i was just woundering is there is any place or anyone that could hook me up with one of these, and perhaps exchange ideas on how to design it better then the original? It dosn't need to be anything special or hand crafted or anything, i basically just wan't something that would work and i could use for a gig and to have some fun with. Anyways lets hear what you guys think!
 
#5
The "thing" is so simple that it doesn't require a lot of research, or technology to create. The "correct" parts are whatever you can use to create the instrument - JUST LIKE THE GUY THAT BUILT THE FIRST ONE!

I think I was one of the ones that told you that earlier but you didn't respond. It's sort of tough to understand something when you won't attempt to believe or understand any of the explanations offered.
 
#6
The whamola part doesn't ring a bell but I'd bet that you are talking about a "tub bass".

I remember seeing a thread on building a tub bass that may show up with a search. Google should get you going in the right direction.

If that's not what you're describing, I'm like Hambone, I'm lost too. :)

HarrellS.
 
#8
Bad Brains - Go to the Primussucks.com bullboard: http://www.primussucks.com/frames/fbull.html and post this question. At least a few of the regulars there have built Whamola's and I've seen parts lists & plans posted and seen people comment on what worked and what they'd do differently if they were to build another. Ask the Claypool heads. While your there, say hi to Lupin and thank her for the photo posted in this thread. (and check out wildlupin.com for all kinds of great photo's) ...also, say hi to Dick Rush and tell him to please remove the block that keeps me from posting there anymore! :rolleyes:
 
#9
Pkr2, I think its different to the 'tub bass'. The tub bass is just a big metal washtub with wooden pole with some sort of string attached such that when you move the pole it creates different tensions in the string and also such that when the string vibrates it transmits the vibrations to the big washtub, which amplifies them. How you do that is pretty much up to your own creative desire.

The whamola is fairly similar creature, though slightly different. I'm with Hambone, its actually a really simple device, to my knowledge exactly as SK said, a one string bass with an arm that varies the tension and in doing so the pitch of the note. Check the picture he posted, you can see the backbone of what it is (looks to me like a piece of square aluminium tubing) and if you've found other pictures I'm sure you can piece together the rest. Make it up, thats all the first guy did, at least you have a few pictures as a template.

Josh D
 
#13
ok, look at this picture i found: Link Removed

it looks at me as if it is the following: a squared off aluminum tube with a regular upright bass pin screwed into the bottom. there appears to be a wooden fretboard (in this case, just a rectangular slab of wood that may or may not taper) to avoid getting the harsh tone of metal on metal. there is a makeshift bridge at the bottom that looks like a ring of metal that anchors the string. there may be some sort of pickup on there as well with an output jack to the side. the top crank area looks almost like half of a wrench.

if you want to know the mechanics of how it works, more research would need to be done, i can see how one would use it to raise the pitch, by pulling down on the handle, but lowering it is a bit more confusing as you wouldn't be able to keep it at any sort of reasonable note.
 
#16
For your square tubing try a local hardware store, if they don't stock it (they should) they'll be able to point you to someone who does. The pup looks like half a P bass but installed with the poles parallel to the string and, by the looks of it, pretty much straight to the output jack (no volume, tone, etc), easy to wire.

The arm is probly the hardest bit I can think of, because it looks like they have the arm and a kind of pulley wheel all in the same thingy. Spose you could carve the thing out of wood, mount a tuner and just cut a whole in the back and front of your tubing and you'll be laughing. Probly the way I'd attempt it.

Josh D
 
#18
I know the Stove Whambola was built by a fan of Les and it was given to him. But If you've never heard it before check out "Whambola" by "Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade" If your into crazy stuff, your in for a treat. By the way the bubbly sound near the end of the song is done on the whambola, dont know how though.
 
#19
hello, im a very amature luthier, im in the middle of building my first four string. but ya, im really intrested in the whamola. i first heard it on the flying frog brigade's purple onion album. it dosent look like it would be too difficult to put one of those together(it dosent look easy either). i may do it actually, ill post again if i made it and on how it sounds.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back