Query: bass cano?

Subject: Query: bass cano?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 05:40 AM

I inadvertently posted this "below the line" and got the predictable amusing responses but no serious help. Does anyone who stays above the line have an answer? Jokes to the below the line thread, please!

After so many years reading sleeve notes & discographies I thought I'd seen all the instrumental abbreviations on tracklists. However, as part of a railway songs (Lonesome Whistle) compilation I got recently, Yank Rachell's Hobo Blues contains someone playing "bass cano". Further research reveals one Alfred Elkins playing bass cano on several blues records, which is variously described as "false bass" (presumably a vocal imitation) or "one string bass" which would be washtub or teachest style, I guess. Can any early blues/ jugband experts enlighten me?

Rts
(vcl/wbd/kz/jug/train wh)

Subject: RE: Query: bass cano?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 06:02 AM

Have you heard any of the tracks in question?

What does it sound like?

Subject: RE: Query: bass cano?
From: Stanron
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 06:22 AM

According to google it's like the tea chest bass that was used in skiffle. Maybe an inverted metal wash tub or can as the base, with a pole and string to get the note.

Subject: RE: Query: bass cano?
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 06:41 AM

The clue is in the title CAN-O duh!

Subject: RE: Query: bass cano?
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 09:37 AM

It is a wash tub bass or similar. Often shown in discographies as Im.Bs.

Hoot

Subject: RE: Query: bass cano?
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 07 Nov 12 - 12:08 PM

Thanks, guys, what I thought.
RtS