Comment

Comment by Dave Lynas on July 1, 2012 at 11:40pm

Hey Craig, thanks for the nice note. Sandstone is across the state from Pipestone. Sounds like some fun gigs you guys do. I'd love to hear your bands too. I'd be happy to send you a CD of us if you wish. Just need to learn your snail mail address. I suppose through "messages" so it won't be plastered all over the net? I've got a new CD soon to be finished. Just the graphics and order of tunes to work out. We have one other CD that is available. I don't have a rig yet to make my own videos like many of you folks, but the time has come. Neediwanahavea video camera... I think the washtub preceded bluegrass. Jug bands of the early 1900s used them and many crazy inventions like the diddley bow made of a plank with one string made of any found wire.

Comment by Craig Franklin Wolford on July 1, 2012 at 5:28pm

Dave, is Sandstone MN anywhere near Pipestone. My other band, the 97th Regimental String Band will be play there at their Civil War re-enactment this year. Let Dennis know. He might want to drop by and give a listen.

  The washtub base has since been replaced by a Cracker box. More authentic to the period. Through research we found out that the washtub bass didn't really arrive on scene until blue grass became popular.

  I'd love to hear your band.  Craig

Comment by Dave Lynas on July 1, 2012 at 12:51pm

A friend of mine, Dennis Hansen of Sandstone MN has made two wooden washtub bass'. They sound so mellow and would look great with your historical theme. They are made like a barrel with a nice Spruce top. A large wood nipple in the center for the string and a wood footstand like a shoe shine box off to the side. Dennis' wife Steph plays them in our band "The Procrastinators". Dennis also makes beautiful mandolins which he plays.