Making a Washtub Bass

Tubthumping for Music's Sake

Sep 14, 2009 Douglas Howard

The low thump of the washtub bass is often associated with jug bands, but it can be used in many genres to good effect. It can be made easily with a few common materials.

The washtub -- or "gutbucket" -- bass, has been around for ages. Although washtubs aren't as common fixtures around the home as they once were, finding a workable substitute isn't difficult.

Materials

Bear in mind that some the materials used to make the washtub bass won’t be able to return to their former life of service. Hence, it’s wise to consider options when deciding on materials.

• A metal washtub, solid metal wastebasket, two-gallon oil or turpentine can, or any large metal can at least 15 inches in diameter. Cardboard and plastic can also be used, but to a lesser effect.
• Heavy string, cord or twine, 3-4 feet long. Heavy nylon string can also be used
• A wooden peg or scrap piece of dowel; a piece of cork or rubber bottle stopper can also be used.
• A 30-36 inch long dowel: Depending on the player’s height, this can be a broomstick or mop handle, a hockey stick, a hardwood tree branch or some other form of stick, approximately ¾ inch in diameter.
• A left handed or right handed glove, depending on plucking hand preference.

Tools include a simple saw, hammer and a drill with a ¼-inch bit.

Assembling the Washtub Bass

Both the stick and the cork or dowel should be held stable in a vise, and protective eyewear should be used.

1. Drill a hole through one end of the stick about 1 inch from one end.
2. Saw a groove in the other end, perpendicular to the direction of the hole. The groove will serve as a notch to rest on the rim of the bucket or can.
3. Punch a hole in the center of the bottom part of the bucket, if necessary.
4. Tie the cork, peg or dowel to one end of the string.
5. Thread the string through the hole in the bottom of the bucket or can from inside to outside.
6. Tie the loose end of the string through the hole in the stick

Playing the Washtub Bass

The player shortens or lengthens the string by moving the stick, or neck, of the instrument. Lowering the tension lowers the pitch; tightening the string raises the pitch. The tub serves as the resonator.

1. Connect the notched end of the stick with the rim of the bucket or can, bracing the opposite end of the bucket with a foot.
2. Choose a plucking hand. Then, with the opposite hand, tighten or loosen the tension of the string by moving the stick backward and forward. Experiment with these motions to understand the feel of the instrument.
3. Place a piece of wood or other flat object under one end of the bucket or can to allow it to resonate more freely. After some experimentation, use a glove for the plucking hand to prevent injury.

Since low pitches are more difficult for the human ear to discern than higher notes, aim for rhythmic rather than pitch accuracy at first. Experiment with different materials and thicknesses for the cord, length of stick and size and material for the resonator. Played with practiced technique, the washtub bass can lend its folksy, powerful voice to many types of outdoor merrymaking.

The copyright of the article Making a Washtub Bass in Folk Music is owned by Douglas Howard. Permission to republish Making a Washtub Bass in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Washtub bass

Materials