Wash tub bass
The wash tub bass is a stringed instrument that is occasionally used in American folk music . A metal and galvanized wash basin acts as a resonance body . The classic wash tub bass has only one string; however, there are also versions with four or more strings.
There are two basic principles for changing the pitch : While in the classic version the tension of the string was increased to increase the tone, today the length of the string is shortened with the hand or the neck.
The wash tub bass was particularly popular in England in the 1960s . In particular, like the tea-box bass , it was often used in skiff bands .
Variations
Because this instrument is very easy to replicate, there are many similar instruments around the world as well as a number of self-made instruments by famous musicians, for example the Whamola by Les Claypool and The Magic Pipe by Mike Silverman .
Web links
- What's a washtub bass. The Washtub Bass Page.