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washtub bass advice

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by mullets suk, Dec 8, 2007.

  1. Dec 8, 2007 #1
    mullets suk

    mullets suk Guest

    Aug 27, 2006
    i know you have seen this before, but there was only one thread that had the finished project, nothing with any answers.

    ill be using the plans from this: http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/db.htm

    Both my tech systems and orchestra teacher (i play cello in school) are willing to help me. I'll be building it at school, so ill have all the tools a tech class will have.

    some questions
    1) sound difference between all metal body and metal body with wood top.

    2) woods to use. hardwood for fingerboard, but what type? woods for the top?

    3) does different holes effect sound. (ex: difference between an f-holes and an open circle) i want to say no, but i want to be sure

    4) to play slap DB how high should the bridge be?

    5) any other suggestions?

    im most likely am not going to start this project till spring, so i just want ideas right now. cheers

    edit: im trying to kep this project as cheap as possible, so any really cheap string companies? also i would like to use the cheapest woods that wont effect the sound quality. also ill be playing rockabilly (if that effects any answers)
     
  2. Dec 10, 2007 #2
    mullets suk

    mullets suk Guest

    Aug 27, 2006
    bump...anyone?
     
  3. Dec 10, 2007 #3
    Dave Martin

    Dave Martin

    Jun 16, 2006
    Nashville, Tennessee
    Why not build a 'real' washtub bass? I heard Washtub Jerry at the Western Music Association festival, and he was truly amazing. Go to http://www.washtubjerry.com/ and order his Washtub bass book, which includes plans for building your own. (Takes a washtub, a large pole and a length of multi-strand cable - much less expensive than your approach). Of course, it does take a certain amount of skill to play one - strength, too.
     
  4. Dec 11, 2007 #4
    mullets suk

    mullets suk Guest

    Aug 27, 2006
    the reason i want to build this one is because i think it would be a much more fun project. expenses arent that big of a problem, so the 30-50$ i spend on this isnt to bad.
     
  5. Dec 11, 2007 #5
    K2000

    K2000

    Nov 16, 2005
    Brooklyn
    I'm interested in these, too. I'd prefer have the type of bass that has a neck and more than one string, rather than a broomstick attached to a bucket.
     
  6. Dec 11, 2007 #6
    mullets suk

    mullets suk Guest

    Aug 27, 2006
    same with me. if wrote down all the materials and re wrote some of the more confusing things, and it really looks simple. everything all together should cost me not more then $45. (not including strings) the majority of the cost is from the washtub (around 20$)

    right now i just need to know about the sound difference and the slap height. (questions 1 and 4)