My First Attempt at Building (and Playing) a Washtub Bass

I have always been curious about washtub basses so... I finally decided to build one. In this video, I go over the parts I used and how to put it all together. This should be helpful to anyone trying to build their first washtub bass.

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Comment by Poorness Studios on June 29, 2021 at 12:37am

The washtub bass has a lot of history... that's for sure.

Comment by Bob "Elwood" Black (lol) on June 28, 2021 at 4:17pm

ROTFL - I earlier got a note from Jake (brother Jack) - he didn't realize I had been posting some on CBN and saw my blueberry thing -- I have such great memories of him coming home from college with a washtub bass and beyond -- so man decades ago -- he built my mandolin and both CBG's I play most :)

Comment by Poorness Studios on June 27, 2021 at 12:27pm

So true Dave. So true.

Comment by Dave Lynas on June 27, 2021 at 12:23pm

If it’s got that twang, it’ll make you swang, swing, sing and sway.

Comment by BrianQ. on June 26, 2021 at 1:59pm

My Grandfather was a great farmer/fabricator & influenced me at a young age to do my own thing!

Comment by Poorness Studios on June 26, 2021 at 7:56am

Oh jeez BrianQ. Age 12? You were way ahead of that curve. LOL

Comment by BrianQ. on June 26, 2021 at 5:47am

Great back porch build! I attempted my first Washtub Bass when I was 12, my grandmother wasn’t to happy about it, but it brought me hours of enjoyment that summer :)

Comment by Poorness Studios on June 26, 2021 at 2:36am

Thanks Richard. 1-string instruments can be both limiting and liberating. There's some technique to a bass like this. I'll get it eventually.

Comment by Richard Sundberg on June 26, 2021 at 2:00am

Excellent tutorial, your great at these Kale! Looks easier to play than I suspect it is. Reminds me of playing my 1 string 2x4 lap diddly with a bass string. Very limited and monotone. But the more I played, I realized with technique, the tones can successfully be expanded, especially with a few frets. That looks more difficult with your project considering the gap between string and neck.

Comment by Poorness Studios on June 25, 2021 at 3:53pm

Thanks for checking out the video Dave. Yeah, I think this basic design can be adapted to a number of different things... buckets, boxes, washtubs... who knows? I think you're right about playing with others. I'll give it a shot.

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