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07 Jun 99 - 10:57 PM (#84802) Subject: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: GutBucketeer Last weekend I got out my gutbucket and went down to the Washington Folk Festival to Jam. People always seem to be amazed that "real music" can be played on it. In response I have been searching for information on gutbuckets and washtub bases on the net. There doesn't seem to be any references in the Mudcat forum so I thought I would start this thread. There are tons of sites on Jug Bands and playing the jug, but little on the one string bass. No wonder it is a lost art. I first built one in college, because we heard about them by word of mouth. I had never seen one and just experimented until I could play a passable bass line on it. A bunch of my friends played very good blue grass and we ended up playing old time music at a a local (Ann Arbor) art festival. It kept us in beer and pizza for about three days, and we thought this is great! Since then I have experimented with a number of different options for Le Gut Bucket and come up with a design that I have not seen anyone else use. First, I use a 1 and 1/4 inch dowel for the pole. I like the larger diameter since anything thinner is too flimsy and you don't get a good grip. Second, I have built a cross brace for the pole using a board the width of the tub supported by two small blocks that fit on the rim. This allows you to support the pole closer to the center of the tub and get good notes without putting as much tension on the string and your fingers. I screw a rubber table leg cover to the middle of the cross brace that the pole fits in. This allows the pole and brace to be disassmbled for the trunk of the car. I have attached the string to the top of the pole a number of ways. Right now I simply saw a slot in the top of the pole which the string fits into and then drill a hole perpindicular to the slot for a bolt which when tigtened pinches the two sides of the pole together and holds the string. Most important, I had someone give me some old base strings from a standup base. The D string seems to work the best. Whatever you do do not get the lowest string it will kill your fingers. |U| ===| Bolt through hole | | | | | | | | | | | | 1 1/4 inch dowel | | ____|_|_____ I use a cross brace on two little blocks here =__________= / \ Good aluminium wash tub. / \ Use either a hole through tub with washers on /____________________\ string to stop it from sipping through or an eye bolt to hold string. Good luck plunking. Do any other Mudcatters play the gutbucket seriously? How did you make yours? How did you Learn how to play? and What type of Music do you play with it? Do you know of any gutbucket or washtub bass sites? Jim in Silver Spring |
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08 Jun 99 - 10:18 AM (#84904) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Howdy Jim. I play too. I've been playing about 25 years with various jug, blues and dixieland bands. I like the looks of your design. My first one was a trial and error design that was improved upon by studying every picture I could find of a Gutbucket player. Today I play a gutbucket made of a plastic paint bucket and weed whacker cord that has greater volume, better tone and a greater ability to play in tune than any other washtub bass I've heard. I have a website with the plans on how to make one yourself at http://www.homestead.com/oldmusic/bucket.html in recent years I've begun pulling the stick and plucking with one hand, while playing the washboard with a harmonica rack with the other, while always keeping a pair of bones handy. This only works on tunes with VERY simple chord changes though. If the tune has a complex structure I have to put one down, and concentrate on either Bucket or Percussion. The bucket seems to be regarded as a somewhat "whimsical" instrument by other musicians, but I take it seriously(i.e. I practice).My wife and I also play in a band with the inventor of the bucket that's on our website, in which he plays the gutbucket, and I'm stuck on guitar and vocals. |
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08 Jun 99 - 10:31 AM (#84910) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Oops! That site address is actually http://homestead.com/oldmusic/bucket.html |
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08 Jun 99 - 10:36 AM (#84912) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mudjack The wash tub is likely made out of galvanized steel, isn't it? Aluminum would be a bit pricey. I've thought about building one to use for the Jew's Harp Festival in Richland OR in Aug. They always invite "unusual instruments". There is one that appears there played by the author of the "Roadside Kill Kook Book". Thanks for the info.... Mj |
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08 Jun 99 - 11:12 AM (#84930) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Tony Burns I read somewhere that Fritz Richmond (of Jim Kweskin fame, now playing with John Sebastian and the J-Band) has his tubs custom made. (I know there are no handles but I don't know if he has other things done to the tub.) I don't have time to look for the information for at least a couple of days but I think I found it in an old online edition of the Jug Band Rag. I remember Fritz had a glove on his left hand with metal on the little finger edge. He would use it to slide down and shorten the string for higher notes. The bass player for Jughead, a Toronto jugband, uses a bicycle brake cable for the string. The Jug Band Rag can be found at http://nj5.injersey.com/~jugband/index.htm |
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08 Jun 99 - 11:20 AM (#84934) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Bonedaddy Hey Jim; When I was eight, I played gut-bucket and drums behind my dad in a little bar in West Palm Beach. He used to make and sell them for 25.00 back in 1960. He learned how to make them from his father using a large zinc covered wash tub, shroud cord, mop handle, two large eyescrews with a bolt, large steel washer with a rubber or leather backing, and several feet of garden hose. My whole family played and my father made sure we all knew how to make one, unfortunatley, I believe none of us ever has.(cept me.) For the past several years I have offered to give a workshop at the White Springs Folk Festival, but so far, no go. (I wonder if the new administration knows what a gut-bucket is? Maybe I'll send a video.) Over the years I've seen a few around, so you're not alone out there:-)> |
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08 Jun 99 - 01:16 PM (#84968) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Hey Mudjack; I'm going to the Jew's Harp Festival too. I guess we'll have a plethora of Washtubists(is that like a gaggle of geese?). See you there. |
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08 Jun 99 - 01:19 PM (#84969) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: RWilhelm My wife plays washtub bass. She uses just the basic washtub and broomstick with just a cord connecting them. It's getting hard to find good washtubs any more. Amazon just had a washtub bass with an interesting design up for auction. It sold for $40. |
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08 Jun 99 - 02:21 PM (#84979) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Hey Mudjack Part 2; On second thought, I'll leave the washtub at home. It will be a unique thrill to go to play somewhere and have all my instruments fit in my pockets. I could get used to that easily. |
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08 Jun 99 - 04:08 PM (#84997) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles I too have worked with a number of jug/washboard ensembles one of the most noteworthy was called Washboard Jackson's Hot Damn Jug Band, a group I met up with in New Orleans. Our bassist was Dr. James Rhythm. He holds the record as far as I'm concerned for the most innovative design. Instead of a tub he used a bass drum. It only needed one head the other side was face down. I believe it was a plastic head but I'm sure skin would do. This sustitution made all the difference in the world. He could get more volume and tone out of his design than any other tub or upright or any unamplified bass I've heard and he could amplify it as well when necessary. Other than that his design was fairly standard tub type. The difference in sensitivity between a tub and the drum head is obvious. There are certain asthetics you loose by using a drum instead of a tub but if it's tone and volume you're after the answer is get you a drum, it can't be beat. (Sawry 'bout that, I tired as hard as I could but couldn't resist that one.) His was a fairly small diameter rock & roll bass drum. It made it a little easier to carry. Saw ya Reggie |
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08 Jun 99 - 04:38 PM (#85001) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles Hey Mudjack and Mike, that festival in Richland, Oregon do they hire acts to perform there? Do you guys have any other info about it you could share ie, which weekend in August, contact numbers etc. I'm thinkin that may not be too far a drive and an excellent event to attend. Oh yes, there is another site I learned of from a previous post here at the MC, it's the Musician's and Instument Maker's Forum MIMF This site has a thread called "other strings", I think, that has a discussion about this very subject, tub makin' I mean. Has anyone ever seen the one string tube bass? It's based on the same idea but had a tuner at the top of the neck with a single string that was fastened to a disc of metal that was fixed inside a cardboard tube about 8-10 inches in diameter. The neck was fastened to the side of the tube and extended below to form a leg to stand on. This idea is certainly worth an exploring. I have one but the neck broke and I haven't repaired it yet. Weird stuff huh? Reggie |
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08 Jun 99 - 04:53 PM (#85005) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles That thread at the mimf site is called other "stringed instruments". Reggie |
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08 Jun 99 - 04:54 PM (#85006) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Tony Burns At http://edcen.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/ (the making cheap instruments site) there's an interesting fixed neck wash tub bass. |
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08 Jun 99 - 07:51 PM (#85030) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Greetings Reggie; All the info you'll need about the Richland OR festival is at the Jew's Harp Guild website at (this is an unusual address)http://216.22.182.31/ if that doesn't work, run a search for Jew's Harp Guild. The bass drum as a tub idea seems brilliant. The only question I have is, didn't the tension on the drum cause it to get near breaking when he pulled on the stick? How close are you to Richland OR? |
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08 Jun 99 - 08:37 PM (#85035) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Frank of Toledo I live near the central Oregon coaost in Toledo, and I think you're talking about Richland, Washington, which is over near the southeastern corner. It's called the tri-cities area. I just looked on the map for a possible Richland, Oregon but to no avail. If the dates are right. I'll be there with my kazoos....... |
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08 Jun 99 - 08:47 PM (#85037) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: pam Hey Mike Billo! Hope you and your flu-ravaged family are feeling better. When exactly is this festival in Oregon, and when are you gonna let me trade you that Guiness for a bones lesson? Pam |
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08 Jun 99 - 10:48 PM (#85074) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Pam!!!!!! Great to see you here. Our family defeated the Martian Death Flu some time ago. We lost your phone number and couldn't remember your last name(we blame it on the brain cells lost during the Martian Death Flu). Sorry. Please call us at (415)751-1789 or email to mbillo@earthlink.net hope to hear from you soon. |
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09 Jun 99 - 12:02 AM (#85103) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Les B There's an Australian variation of the gutbucket, called a "tea chest bass" which is mentioned in some threads on this forum, or you can find by looking up Australian Bush Bands in a search engine. From the drawings they seem to adjust the string's tension by stepping on the lid of the chest, rather than pulling back on the stick. Also, the description of using a drum made me realize I have seen somewhere a picture of early folk/country musician Pop Stoneman & family with one of the kids playing a drum/bass instrument they called "thumper" -- anyone else remember that ? |
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09 Jun 99 - 01:17 AM (#85112) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles Hey Mike, to answer your question, no the tension on the head wasn't as necessary as it is on the gut bucket version. You see as I mentioned the drum head is much more sensitive and therefore responsive to work with and not nearly the tug of war that a wash tub demands. Reinforcing the head around the hole through which the eyebolt passes is necessary though. Dr. James used leather washers which he glued into place on both the top and bottom of the head. They were rather thick, like belt thick but not as stiff, as I recall and about two and a half inches in diameter. That may be something that one would have to experiment with a bit. I'm sawry but I don't presently have any way of contacting the good Dr. for a more definitive description. Thanks for the info about the festival. I live about an hour northeast of Seattle, I too am not sure where Richland is I'll have to look it up to tell you how far I am from there. Saw ya, Reggie |
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09 Jun 99 - 01:55 AM (#85116) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles Hey all, I just looked up Richland Oregon. It's a tiny burg in northeastern OR, southeast of Pendelton OR and the tri cities area and Richland Washington. Though Richland OR is even smaller than it's WA counterpart. It's northwest of Boise Idaho, I hope that gives you enough references to find it on your maps. There are only about half a dozen streets in the city proper so there's no chance of anyone gettin' lost wanderin' through the back streets. I think State Route 86 is the main road through. Reggie |
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09 Jun 99 - 09:39 AM (#85154) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Bert I must admit that the best one I've seen was made by Elliot Kenin, a bolshie folk singer from this area. It has the neck and bridge from a real double bass. the washtub is mounted on it's side where the body of the bass should be, with the bridge in the middle of the tub, I can't really remember but I think it has a reflecting board at the back. Oh, and it has a pickup as well. So Elliot, if you're out there send us a picture. Bert. |
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09 Jun 99 - 11:37 AM (#85182) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: reggie miles Hey Bert, that's sounds very similiar to an idea that I've been waiting to get a chance to work on for some time now. I have everything I need to make a banjo cello. I found a cello at the swap meet it was in pieces. The body was only partially there but the neck, tuners, tail piece were fine and so was the post/endpin. So I figured all I needed was a body. I kept a sharp lookout for a drum body, the thin maching type, and finally found a great one, once again at the swap meet. Is there no wish that this amazing institution will deny? Nay I say, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find. The one I found was from the Seattle Buddist Church. I figure it probably has good karma too. I can't wait to get it up and runnin'. Reggie |
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09 Jun 99 - 12:23 PM (#85196) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mudjack Richland OR is about 50 miles east of Baker City in the Eagle Valley area. Be prepared for all kinds of fun. The jews harp is the main focus but ALL unusual instruments are welcome. There are band scrambles, workshops. Camping is available for participating musicians and volunteers only at the Grange Park(fest site). Get on the web site and sign up to do something. Free camping in the park is the best since everything is there.Showers avail. in town Festival begins Friday at noon through Sunday where most everyone visits and slowly get themselves ready for their trek home. For Reggie... We have two high profile harpers from Seattle that show up every year. Gordon Frazier and Larry Hanks are there every year and to my knowledge are not compensated for their performances. The festival folks attempt to pay travel expenses for special guest. For Mike and Frank...See you there and alas we can meet as Mudcatters in the flesh.I will be sure to sport my MC T shirt. Reggie...hope to see you there also. Any other Mudcat folks gonna be there? Mj |
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09 Jun 99 - 12:46 PM (#85204) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Bert That sounds great Reggie, I can't wait to see a picture of the finished product. I don't think I'm quite so eager to HEAR it though :-) Bert. |
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09 Jun 99 - 01:10 PM (#85214) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Hi Mudjack; I'm going. I'll wear my Mudcat T Shirt. I've already arranged to borrow a car that meets the requirements for a long road trip(I'm driving from San Francisco), a good tape player and cruise control. |
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09 Jun 99 - 10:33 PM (#85388) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: takeo i am also a washtub player. you can see me playin tub by quicktime file on my homepage.(very short time) and also see detail of construction at washtub section of our japanese page though all letter are not english. we learned to make this from internet. -takeo |
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10 Jun 99 - 11:19 PM (#85747) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: GutBucketeer Thanks everyone for a great discussion. I go off on a business trip for two days and everyone starts talking! Looks like I will have to start playing with different designs. Very interesting stuff. Jim in Silver Spring |
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29 Mar 00 - 01:39 PM (#203355) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Bert Mudcat Radio are now the proud owners of a Washtub Bass. Tune in tonight. |
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30 Mar 00 - 03:33 AM (#203771) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Billy the Bus Yeah Gidday, Having just found MC a couple or three weeks back, before going to the "mainland" for a Celtic Festival, I'm rapt to find a thread about "Gutbuckets". I've still got a couple of blistered fingers from thumping a "Tea Chest Bass" 'til 3am St Paddy's night. First time in a couple of decades....;) You'll find out a bit about Aussie/NZ "Bushband" instruments here. Les B - the only reason for the foot on top of the T-chest is to stop the bloody thing tipping over. You do all the "tune" playing by pulling the "stick" to adjust tension. Always assumed you "footed" washtubs for the same reason. The Stoneman family - remember them from 78s when a kid. Hmm... May even find a "Popular Mechanics" washtub design from the 50s, if I dig back in the archives. Hey, you lot, even on Stewart Island (NZ) you'll find folk who've thumped the one-sting bull-fiddle. Now, the one I'd like to find out about is the "Foot-doodler"? May have to start a thread....:) Keep yer finger's pluckin' Sam
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30 Mar 00 - 07:18 AM (#203800) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Crowhugger In the 1960s and 70s, there was a little known Ottawa band called The Hitchhikers (in the 60s) who changed their name to The Livin' Colour when the the alt world went psychedelic. Three "housewives" sang the most eclectic repertoire you could imagine, from true traddie to political adaptations of any tune that fit the target, to 7/8 time Afro-beat. The gutbucket bassist used what any "good housewife" would have at hand: a washtub (bottom draining, of course) a broom handle and household twine. (Or maybe it was clothesline, not the thick pulley stuff, from the newfangled post-in-the-ground type; hey I was 6 years old, memory is rough on this detail.) There was no rig-that, add-this 'n' that... After all, what "good housewife" had time for hobbies that didn't improve eating, the kids' lives or the home decor? Or hubby's comfort?! **gag** She just knotted one end of the string to slip into the slot in the round end of the broomstick - yes, she did have to make a slot, done with a very slim saw. She found no need for drilling to bolt and using twisty bits o' hardware. Tied the other end of the string to a handle on the tub. Plop the threaded end of the broomstick into the drain hole. And pull. String too long? Make a new knot and go again. I think they called this a sound check. No fancy finger things, here, dear 'Cats. She'd just pull to tense the string for the note she wanted. And she got it. Once in a while she'd have a go with a finger for a high note, but still mainly the pull got the note. They played on stage to add variety to barbershop shows, did sing-outs in nursing homes, etc. They had 3 voices to die for and a knack for both clowning and beauty. The other instruments were guitar (my mother) and maracas. tambourine, etc. So I'm rather agog at all the modifications people make to what I thought was a quick-to-make, anywhere anytime kind of bass. I gotta tell you folks that I do not understand the point of a washtub bass with a fixed stick. How does it fit into the trunk of a car, or be carried easily on public transit...I'm picturing the gigbag for it. No gigbag? No problem! I do custom quilting...just get yourselves in touch with Crowhugger for a one-of-a-kind beauty to envelop your one-of-a-kind beauty! Toronto area or Lanark County only (these are both in Ontario, Canada) - I gotta see, measure and touch the instrument I'm gonna cozy. And you gotta choose the colours. signing off this morning as: Learningcurve-hugger! ...fixed stick, holy cow. Bolts, wow...custom TUBS? arrgh... |
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30 Mar 00 - 12:54 PM (#203983) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Of interest to all washtub bass players is the Washtub Bass page at |
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30 Mar 00 - 12:56 PM (#203984) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Mike Billo Ooops. Sorry, that address is http://3624anderson.homepage.com/Tubotonia/WTBFRFR.html |
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25 Jan 01 - 11:36 PM (#382798) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: GutBucketeer Refresh for those interested. JAB |
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26 Jan 01 - 12:31 AM (#382820) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: rangeroger On Tom Rush's first album,"Got a Mind to Ramble", several of the songs were recorded in his living room with a gut bucket player accompanying his solo guitar. The sophistication of the notes the player got from that gutbucket amazes me to this day. Will have to dig out the album to see who it was. rr |
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26 Jan 01 - 10:52 AM (#383052) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Wesley S I'm pretty sure it was Fritz Richmond. And I think he has a nice article about how to build a washtub bass at the jugbandrag.com |
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16 Nov 11 - 01:13 PM (#3258225) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: GUEST,jake maguillacuddy me too iheard that bass player from new york jim (dirty whore house shirpa) but i saw a better one in belgium on tour with his band the glory hogs and this guy was the best ever played a 24 inch ludwig bass drum with duel senheiser drum mikes with twin peavey 200 watt bass amps awsome truly awsome his name is pablo winfrey and he came up playing with snotty vile loosers like reggie miles and cleared out for france that is the north west theme hippie scene there in seattle even artis the spoon goon couldnt stand any more of the double jesuit secret fag bullshit. but mr. pablo he's fantastic they even did gigs at disney land paris all over holland ,germany swiss, france spain have opened for screaming jay ,jorma, and loads of hot american blues acts way to numerous to mention pablo told me his first semi pro gig was with reggie miles and scare crow and c,dog reggie supposedly went viral and acted like a little girl a lot , well i don't know,me, but i made an impression on pablo long live the wizard king of the one string wash tub bass. |
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05 Dec 11 - 01:09 PM (#3268824) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: GUEST hi there seems like some body beat me here, my first gut bucket was a galvanized wash tub picked up in a hardware store in santa cruz my stick was a tree limb and with the help of my very dear friend REGGIE MILES i made a bass and started playing poste haste with reggie scarecrow and robert amblade the music circus ,they were discussing it heatedly at the time it seems that reggie wanted to call the band the reggie miles holy gospel band , me i thought the tub was a chump instrament but they needed manpower for the streets of nola and i could sing tite harmonys off reggies tennor, so i played and just like that i was sold there was music in that tub and i found it and became the wizzard of the ship of fools reggie painted it on my tub and i bought a regular broomstick and in just a few days time we were off to nola , hitchin , together, washboard guitars bags clowns thumbing on I 10 it was ominous ,the end the other side of oxnard 1400 miles left to go, it was not funny and it was cold, along came the strangest looking hippy buss named mathuselah piloted by silver bear and he dropped us off in quartsite, arizone home of hi joly, and we made it, the largest ever tailgate gem and mineral extravganza was waiting for us ,buskers. ten days later we drove out a town in our own car, money a jingleing ,living proof that pablo winfrey was the wizard of the ship of fools and interstate ten was his playground ha, |
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05 Dec 11 - 01:36 PM (#3268848) Subject: RE: Gutbuckets and Washtub Bass': Who Plays? From: Rusty Dobro Suffolk's incomparable Trembling Wheelbarrows feature an amplified washtub bass, played by Jilly-B and constructed by Mr Doc Cox. |