Double Bass NWTBD!

[Michael Eisenman]

Back in the 70s, I went to several Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shows before they made it big with “House at Pooh Corner”. After one show I went backstage (small venue) and talked to Jimmie Fadden, who played WTB. He showed me how to build one, and I did so, but never mastered the playing of it.

 

[Sean Peters]

View attachment 5109297
You'll also see that I made a capo that I could slide up and down to shorten the pull I had to make on the broom handle.

That's a great idea. Thanks!! I like the sitting idea, but I find having my foot flat on top (I think bare foot is best!) acts sort of like a palm mute, and helps dampen a lot of the harsh metallic tone.

 

[John Chambliss]

Now remembering that I notched the bottom of the broom handle a bit so I could fit it on top of the rim, and it kept the handle from sliding away.

 

[GretschWretch]

Done!!! (but we can't forget the jug!)

You can do an entire set of the jug repertoire and call it "spit toons."

 

[Sean Peters]

Now remembering that I notched the bottom of the broom handle a bit so I could fit it on top of the rim, and it kept the handle from sliding away.

Yes, the notch is key! It was recommended to do it across the grain, to prevent further splitting.

 

[GretschWretch]

Back in the 70s, I went to several Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shows before they made it big with “House at Pooh Corner”. After one show I went backstage (small venue) and talked to Jimmie Fadden, who played WTB. He showed me how to build one, and I did so, but never mastered the playing of it.

My senior year of college (1970-71) the Dirt Band played a show at my alma mater (Louisiana Tech). It was the last show Les Thompson did with the band. I helped Fadden break down his drum kit. He told me Southern kids were "more rambunctious" than kids in other parts of the country.

Here is some Dirt Band love on both tub bass and jug.



(Jim Kweskin's version)



(Love that broken ninth chord right at the end)

 

[Sean Peters]

You can do an entire set of the jug repertoire and call it "spit toons."

I don't think I could physically do a whole set on jug. Yet! I get a headache after a few tunes. Trombone was my first instrument, so the embrochure and body mechanics are not entirely foreign to me. But it is way more taxing, continuously buzzing without any resistance from a horn or mouthpiece. Big props to those with the chops!

 

[GretschWretch]

I don't think I could physically do a whole set on jug. Yet! I get a headache after a few tunes. Trombone was my first instrument, so the embrochure and body mechanics are not entirely foreign to me. But it is way more taxing, continuously buzzing without any resistance from a horn or mouthpiece. Big props to those with the chops!

But you don't continuously buzz; you leave space. Steve Katz is a great guitar player, but he way overplays here (as he does on much of the rest of the lp). Plus his intonation leaves something to be desired.

 

[Sean Peters]

But you don't continuously buzz; you leave space. Steve Katz is a great guitar player, but he way overplays here (as he does on much of the rest of the lp). Plus his intonation leaves something to be desired.

Right, of course there is space left. I suppose what I meant by 'continuous' is how, like a tubist or bassist, you are blowing a two-beat, or quarter notes through the whole tune. With the exceptions of stops and breaks, or other signposts in the song.

 

[turf3]

I can't see how the sitting posture would allow you to put enough side force on the pole. Standing on the rim of the tub, you'd just need to lean against the pole to change pitches easily.

 

[John Chambliss]

I pulled the pole back toward my chest.

 

[Sean Peters]

I can't see how the sitting posture would allow you to put enough side force on the pole. Standing on the rim of the tub, you'd just need to lean against the pole to change pitches easily.

Wasn't sure either, so I tried it! Seems like I can get a good flat foot mute this way as well. With the advantage of being able to use the other foot too. When seated, I locked my elbows against my knees, most of the force came from my abs and biceps. Was able to get a similar range. When standing I feel it more in my back. Standing also gives you your full body weight to use. I think I prefer standing posture, like I do with bass. I think the higher up you grip the pole, the more leverage your 'pole hand' has. But, ultimately, it's whatever feels best to you.

 

[Keith Rawlings]

View attachment 5109297
Here's mine that I played in the early 70s. I preferred sitting. You'll also see that I made a capo that I could slide up and down to shorten the pull I had to make on the broom handle. I just used clothes line rope I think. I did have a little piece of a 2x4 under the front to prop it up and would put a mic under it at times. I may have to make me another one soon!

Cool!

 

[GretschWretch]

Right, of course there is space left. I suppose what I meant by 'continuous' is how, like a tubist or bassist, you are blowing a two-beat, or quarter notes through the whole tune. With the exceptions of stops and breaks, or other signposts in the song.

True. But that is like with pretty much any other kind of bass: once you're in, you're in for the duration. I've never had problems with back pressure, or lack thereof, on a jug, but after a six-year layoff from euphonium and getting into a new community band, my embouchure is killing me. No pitch slotting, no high range, no stamina. I never had these problems before.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

It’s been a while, but I’d string one of those tubs with plastic-coated steel clothesline.

 

[Sean Peters]

Thanks for all the jug and tub love, everyone. This has been fun!

 

[Sean Peters]

The moment you've all been waiting for! This goes out to BucketOfFish. Shooting High Dice, by the Mississippi Sheiks. Excuse my pasty leg!

 

[turf3]

Hey, it sounds surprisingly not bad!

I think you're gonna want a glove after a while.

You may want to try standing on the rim, also. I know that I'd get pretty tired with one leg up like that the whole time.

 

[Sean Peters]

Hey, it sounds surprisingly not bad!

I think you're gonna want a glove after a while.

You may want to try standing on the rim, also. I know that I'd get pretty tired with one leg up like that the whole time.

I know, right?! It's definitely the vibe for this type of thing. I used a glove for weedwhacker line, and will probably need one for any sort of metal wire. The gut feels nice on my right hand, and I can thump on it for long periods without any discomfort. I will need a glove for my left hand if I want to try any 'fretting' technique. The foot on the tub is comfortable, I do have to remember not to lock my left knee up (the leg that is supporting me) as that can cause aches and cramps after a while. I'll try standing on it, but I like what I've got, I think its a comfortable, sustainable posture. Time will tell!