Washtub bass: Any players out there?

Subject: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 06:43 AM

I brought a washtub bass home the other day. The only advice I got from the music shop owner was "don't bring it back." Now what do I do with it? Can anyone recommend any good learning pieces? The lever(?) that tightens the string and raises the pitch is annoyingly squeaky. Would there be any risk in oiling the hinge?

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: dwditty
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 08:38 AM

I don't know beans about playing a washtub, but the best player I have ever seen is with WASHBOARD SLIM & THE BLUELIGHTS". Maybe you can send an email from this site and get some advice.

dw

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 08:53 AM

One of the guys in our group plays a washtub. It isn't fancy enough to have a hinge or anything like that. Instead the stick is notched and sits down on the rim of the wash tub. There aren't any levers or anything. Just a washtub, a string, and a stick.

I'll PM you with his e-mail address after I check with him to make sure it's OK.

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST,The Invisible Blazoona
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 12:25 PM

I play washtub bass. Go ahead and oil the hinge. I think you'll find that the washtub bass is one of the most indestructable instruments ever made(they need to be, in order to survive the attacks we suffer from angry musicians). Just start thumpin',and have fun, but first do a search for Lauren Miller's "Washtub Bass Page" ( may also be found under Tub-o-tonia).

Best, The Invisible Blazoona

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 06:58 PM

Good tips. Thanks, all

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 07:34 PM

I am just gonna be watchin' this thread to see what answers you get when you go on tour and want to know how to transport it on an airplane ...

Good luck w/your new instrument.

ww

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST,Debra
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 03:15 AM

Yes, I play washtub bass. Go ahead and ask me about it. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 03:55 AM

I'd love to get my hands on an English style tea chest to make into a tea chest bass. Anybody know someone that would help me get one?
yodelsallday at gmail.com

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 05:40 AM

Check the Small Ads in your local paper ! Thats where \I got mine .

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: Musket
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 05:45 AM

Milky Keith in Mansfield is no longer with us, sadly..

His was totally home made.

But I used to say "Give me an A" and he would bend the rod back, think for a moment, ease it forward an inch and pluck it. Be buggered if it wasn't far off!

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST,Will Merritt
Date: 20 Jan 12 - 06:58 AM

Check out a guy who lives in Arizona called Washtub Jerry. I am pretty sure he has a web site and loves sharing what he knows.

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST,Granpa Can
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 09:26 PM

Well, I'm kinda new at this site but I have been playing the washtub base for several years. I started as a 14 year old country boy and have built three of them and purchased one at a thrift sale four years ago. I play it every chance I get and it just takes a lot of practice but lots of fun.I usually team up with old time bands and blues players but require to fee as it is just a great time.

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 05:59 AM

The original poster asked if there were any washtub bass players "out there". Well, to a lot of folks, all washtub bass players are "out there"! No, seriously, if the bass has a lever, then the lever either already has, or can be provided with, an attachment which will indicate the lever position, thereby making it easier to "almost hit" those notes. Now you need a washboard percussionist, and a cigar box guitar player.

Subject: RE: Washtub bass: Any players out there?
From: GUEST,Mike Mandaville
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 06:01 AM

That last post was by me. Sorry.