Washtub bass

Encyclopedia : W : WA : WAS : Washtub bass

The washtub bass, or "gutbucket," is a folk instrument that uses a metal washtub as a resonator. Although it is possible for a washtub bass to have four or more strings and tuning pegs, most washtub basses have a single string whose tone is adjusted by manipulating the neck and finger board to change the tension.

The washtub bass is sometimes part of a jug band, often accompanied by a washboard as a percussion instrument.

In English skiffle bands and Australian and New Zealand bush bands, the same sort of bass has a tea chest as a resonator.

In recent times, Fritz Richmond (1939-2005) was considered the world's foremost washtub bass virtuoso, and his work can be found on numerous American musicians' recordings.

External links

[The Washtub Bass Page]
["How-to"] and much more information on homemade basses.

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