I have played the washboard since the mid 60's and used different sized thimbles for each finger which kept them from falling off. I sometimes used tape inside the thimbles to protect the fingers.

I still have a collection of different types of washboards and have 'scraped' holes through quite a number of ones over the years through my time in the following semi-pro bands from Leeds.

1966-1967 The Peers Family Jug Band (John Wall on Guitar, Kazoo - Jim Peers on Jug and Mark Peers on Washboard)

1967-1972 The Jug & Bottle Washers Jug Band (also known as The JBW Jug Band)This band was the above line up from the Peers Family Jug Band plus Jon Rennard on Guitar,kazoo, Ukulele,& vocals

The band was a regular booked guest at most of the folk clubs and folk festivals in the north of England and played a mixture of traditional jug band, jazz and comedy numbers. the band also played several times at big concerts at the Leeds University on the same bill as The Who, Johnny Kid & the Pirates, Kenny Ball, Aker Bilk etc. The band made a tour of Ireland as a support act for Johnny McEvoy and was featured on Radio Leeds. Various musicians have 'sat in' with the band including the late great Diz Disley.

1972-1977 Count Orlando's Spasm Circus. This was the same line up as the above JBW band with Bob Clark on Guitar, Kazoo, vocals & Spasmaphone replacing Jon Rennard (who tragically died in 1972) and plus Paul Oldroyd on Guitar and vocals and occassionally Ken Butler on Guitar & vocals

1980-1992 The KC Moaners Jug Band. The above line with Dave Cromack on Guitar & vocals replacing Bob Clark. Later Alan Dailey on National Guitar joined the band and John Peers on Tea Chest Base replaced Jim Peers on Jug.

This band also played the folk clubs & festivals around the North of England made a tour of Germany.

1992-1999 The KC Moaners Skiffle Band. Line up same as above but later Kath Stewart replacing John Peers on Tea Chest Bass and Jenny Dailey substituting on Washboard for Mark Peers when the band went full pro for a spell.

The band played pubs & clubs and did a summer season in Scarborough and twice played in New Orleans. It was featured in a BBC Radio 2 programme on Skiffle with Joe Brown. Chas McDevitt appeared with the band on several occassions.

At one time I was the only 'washboard player' in the Musicians Union. I have also played the washboard with the Dennis Armstrong Hot Five and played washboard on the signature tune of the "Rag Dolly Anna" childrfens series for Yorkshire TV I have also guested with the Hot Pot Belly Band from Leeds.