Compleat Washtub Bass - Part Two

Instructional video - How to build and play the washtub bass. Part 2 of 2, by Gut Bucket Giff (Michael Gifford)

[@MrBlackbass59]

I've been a bassist since the age of 12. I'm 56 now and I've always wondered about the details of how these relatively crude instruments are made. Wow! Anything can be learned on KZbin! Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent video. I'm inspired to make one of these and start playing it myself.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Thanks for the kind words. Let the instrument fit the music. The washtub bass is perfect for some situations, like jamming with other acoustic instruments. When I want to sing lots, I play string bass. To rock loud, it's the bass guitar. The tuba sounds great with old-timey, raggy stuff. And the jug, of course, works best with the funky blues of jug band music. There's no reason not to have a whole arsenal of (toys) bass instruments!

[@KrzysiuNet]

There was a band called Morphine, which was heavily bass-oriented. They used different number of strings on their guitars, depending on situation :) It wasn't a washtub bass, but I think it proves words of gutbucketgiff - they had skills and a lot of guitars, but they were using instrument that fits. I don't say it's a rule, but I noticed that good (or at least innovative) musicians are fitting the instruments to music, instead fitting music to instruments :)

[@stepno]

Terrific how-to, far beyond "boom-chuck"... I love the demonstration/comparison of string bass, electric bass, washtub bass, tuba and jug! And the overview of blues bass-patterns, even chromatic-scale runs, starting at about 20:00.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Glad you enjoyed the videos. After teaching music forever, it seemed like a good thing to do. Thanks, GBG

[@stepno]

@@gutbucketgiff Thanks for writing back! You just reminded me to share this with a friend in Blacksburg, Va., who recently acquired a washtub bass. Maybe she'll invite me over and we can both learn to play it! (We both play guitar and ukulele, and I'm as good or better on mandolin.)

[@ColinBrain]

Exactly what I was looking for. Very thorough and comprehensive- thank you for taking the time to make this.

[@gutbucketgiff]

+Colin Brain It was fun to put it all together. I'd been telling people about the WTB since my first in 1965. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

[@MrEyesof9]

I love your non over-complicated description theory lol It took me years of learning to understand how simple it is.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Yes, it’s simple, but difficult to play. At any given time in the music, you must find the one right note (pitch), and there are an infinite number of wrong notes. Then do it again and again…… and all you have to go on is your concept of what that note may be, like singing…. Totally abstract. GBG

[@dylan_1884]

You're a jug band hero! Thanks for showing so much of your washtub bass knowledge, this was a real trove of information.

[@gutbucketgiff]

The washtub bass is a fantastic instrument for people with a good ear and a love of the bass line. It certainly isn’t for those who can’t sing. But what fun!! Thanks for the thanks….GBG

[@robertcross1565]

amazing video been playing bass for about 7 years but have always loved making cigar box guitars and the likes gonna do one of these next to add to my collection and honestly such a chill dude cant wait to see more of your videos

[@michaelgifford9003]

Check out the “2 Bit Jug Band” videos..live performances with a great finger picker driving the old blues swing tunes, plus washtub bass, tuba, jug, cornet, kazoo, & lots of fun!

[@thelifeofnikkimarie9445]

Such an awesome video!! Thank you for breaking everything down. Best Washtub Bass video I've found and seen.

[@michaelgifford9003]

This is a late response to your compliment, but thanks.....I’d been wanting to break it down on a instructional video for years. Since I began playing washtub bass in 1965, I must have said these “how to” words a zillion times. Glad you got something out of it. .... Gut Bucket Giff

[@alexbeaumier]

This video has convinced me to make my own WTB and learn! Thank you very much

[@gutbucketgiff]

Hey Alex… thanks for your letter. Best to you! GBG

[@gutbucketgiff]

Molly, you're too kind! And thanks. I enjoyed putting my experiences and thoughts together. The music teacher part of me lives on! GBG

[@atcolombini]

This might be one of the best videos in youtube. Thanks!

[@gutbucketgiff]

kabuki128 Hi kabuki 128...... Thanks for the praise. I hope people start to play the washtub bass, seriously, in tune. It's a winner! GBG

[@lauramontgomery9057]

Thank you. Clear cheerful instruction on build and playing basics. Very appreciated. My next winter project!

[@michaelgifford9003]

I hope your project has been successful, and I hope you had fun building your first washtub bass. When built my first WTB in 1965, it changed my life. I began playing music with others, learning more about music, and meeting people with incredible musical talents. From all of that, I found a life-long career and passion ... music. Now I play everything, all because of that first washtub bass. Onward! Gut Bucket Giff

[@KrzysiuNet]

Thanks for the tutorial! Especially for the calm and clear speech, which is important for me, as I'm not a native speaker. I usually turn on subtitles, just in case I wouldn't understand some words, but here I didn't need it at all. Cheers from Poland :)

[@michaelgifford9003]

You’re welcome. I have been a music teacher forever, and I’m pleased you can understand me. Understanding how to build & play the washtub bass is important to me. Thank you for the kind words..... Gut Bucket Giff

[@utubvwr9]

This was amazing to me. I've been wanting to play the washtub for 4 years. As of 2 days ago, my dear husband put one together for me as a surprise. This video series has given me the confidence and inspiration to actually believe I can make this happen. I am so excited to begin my journey to making my music adventure come true. My husband plays 6 & 12 string guitar and sings professionally. Once I learn, I can join him and the rest will be history! I am indebted to Gut Bucket Giff and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sharla Lind

[@gutbucketgiff]

Washtub bass is a great instrument if you have the "ear" to hear the right note (that fits) and have the confidence to play loud enough to be heard. Keep listening for the bass notes in music you hear, and keep singing those notes. Keep it simple and in rhythm, filling in the bass line. It's a great feeling to participate and provide the very important bass part. Pluck on! Gut Bucket Giff

[@gutbucketgiff]

Thanks. Be patient, sing the bass note, match the string pitch with the note, develop the double action [pull-touch], hold the pitch [stick] steady. It can be done if your husband will allow you time to match his chord.

[@MosquitoBite82]

Thank you for a great, entertaining and informative video! I just built my first washtub base and this was a great introduction for me. Many thanks!

[@gutbucketgiff]

+MosquitoBite82 Good for you! ...building and playing it. Best way to practice? ......keep singing the bass line to music you hear.

[@rhiannonlarsen5805]

I loved this video! I am a making a washtub bass as a physics project and this was both informative and inspirational! It’s amazing what excellent pitch he gets on the washtub bass!

[@gutbucketgiff]

I think that if you can hear the note in your head, then produce it by singing aloud, one should be able to match the idea with the sound. Just be patient and hold the stick steady.

[@jeanboisleduc5255]

Awesome video, you answered all my questions! I just picked up a tub someone put to garbage, i look forward to turn it to a bass! And God, you're talented! even switching from strings to Brass!! Thanks for sharing1

[@gutbucketgiff]

Glad to hear from you….. don’t forget to clean up the crappy galvanized sound by putting lots of duct tape inside the tub, and putting lots of stickers and stuff on the outside covering with clear packing tape if you want. Cuts the highs, lets the lows come through the sound. Make it one-of-a-kind! GBG

[@jeanboisleduc5255]

@@gutbucketgiff i covered it with platidip rubberish spray paint instead and added a couple stickers... eventually ill add more stickers.. also i ordered a real upright bass string, but i think i prefer the previous string i had on it, similar to weed wacker string... more experiments to come

[@tommckinnon1005]

Wow, Michael, you are a certified bass playing fool and I mean that tongue in cheek! What an informative video. I only play electric bass and you have shamed me! Thanks for this video.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Wow, thanks!

[@gabrielaquino6589]

This video was awesome, playing the bass myself and teaching it to my kids I wanted something they can explore and be creative, thanks a lot for this work.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Have them sing the bass notes of the song first before trying to find it on the string.

[@johnrodriguez9056]

Some favorite parts: 3:59 Plucking with pull and touch method 8:37 position of hand and stick 9:36 String placement 12:45 body positioning 15:09 playing with scales 21:09 different bass runs with a 12-bar blues 25:15 Some extra bass runs and licks I'm still curious about how the string is fastened on both ends.

[@gutbucketgiff]

About attaching the string at both ends… I thought I covered that, but here it is: At the top, I carved a groove just below where my hand holds the stick when the arm is in the tucked position. I made a loop in the string, adjusting the length of the string to fit my playing posture. But first at the bottom, I tied the string to the eye-bolt in the centre of the tub. I’ve had two 1/8” aluminum washers made by a machinist, and they are on both sides of the tub, giving a 3-4” surface in the centre so that the eyebolt won’t tear the metal from pulling on the string. GBG

[@mr.c8033]

OUTSTANDING! What an amazing instructional video. Oh...I had to sub. I just HAD TO!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Hey, thanks for the compliment… I LOVE talking about the WTB and its potential. Gotta do it…GBG

[@bartcrawford8462]

thank you! excellent tutorial! Best, Bart

[@gutbucketgiff]

You're welcome!

[@BardofCornwall]

Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@gutbucketgiff]

You’re welcome….it’s been a great instrument in my life.

[@dantaulbee6187]

Good stuff Giff! My wtb is very similar to yours. I use parachute cord for a string. Thanks and pluck on!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Never tried a parachute cord…I bet it’s great! Thanks for the heads-up. Gut Bucket Giff

[@gutbucketgiff]

Thanks Alvin, it's been on my mind for quite a while to put it out there. I think showing people what the washtub bass can really sound like is a great goal, so I'm glad you liked the video. Hope others also discover it on KZbin! GBG

[@goldschmidtcompany431]

The opening music so beautiful, I’ve been trying to find a recording of it. Is there a place I can download or buy recordings from this group?

[@gutbucketgiff]

I believe the song is "Sweet Marie", an old-time fiddle tune. It's out there....make a search for that name.

[@Mordolap]

This video is amazingly informative. Thank you a lot!

[@michaelgifford9003]

You are very welcome. Glad you got something from the video. The washtub bass has never been anything but amazing to me! I’m so happy to have others watch my video and approach the instrument seriously. I realize that many other bass instruments exist (and I play them all!), but nothing sounds like a WTB, and no other instruments creatively challenge you like WTB. It ain’t easy! But what fun! Gut Bucket Giff

[@oldmanpainter]

Great videos!!! I've been playing a gut bucket for 1 year now with a uke group. Much fun but I have no idea what I'm doing. Now I will. Thanks much for answering a lot of my questions. I will be able to play better now. You mentioned lessons? I would be interested.

[@gutbucketgiff]

The best lesson is your own: get a patient friend to repeat playing one chord, and you sing the root note, scale, and then play it on the tub. Listen well, and your lesson begins. My gmail address is at the video end if you want to talk...Pluck on! ....Gut Bucket Giff

[@chucksavage3712]

Thanks for the clear instructions!

[@michaelgifford9003]

Hi Chuck Savage, I’m so glad you watched (and hopefully understood) my video on the washtub bass. I’ve seen quite a few other videos that fell short of the compleat picture, and I wanted to put it all out there. Thanks for watching. Hope you build and play one. Gut Bucket Giff

[@julieturner258]

Wow, excellent presentation Michael. I am a very unremarkable fiddle player but am hoping to find my niche with a washtub bass. I've got a galvanized tub ready to go. Question: I don't know how I could possibly find enough stickers to plaster this tub with. Do you have any idea if painting the tub would acheive a similar effect as the stickers/tape?

[@gutbucketgiff]

Stickers, duct tape inside, I've taped children's drawings, anything to dampen the sound. I've rejected paint, simply because it might be more difficult to remove if one changes one's mind. I've experimented a lot with the inside with duct tape. I don't think you can over-do it. So make the outside, creative, lovely, and personal. DO get some larger disc-washers built for the center; it's so sad to have to retire a beautiful tub because the center cracks.

[@Kyledisieno]

After I make one, my life will be Compleat!

[@gutbucketgiff]

+Kyle Disien Making it is only the beginning. Next .... can you play it musically? Always a challenge. It's not a joke. make it sound great, in tune!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Make it first, then master it for compleation!

[@GlowShow5113]

Lmao. Still doesn't understand the joke.

[@doctorstrainlove6318]

That SG bass looks crazy, what pickups are on that thing.

[@michaelgifford9003]

If you’re referring to my bass guitar, it’s a 1972 Gibson EB-OL. I added the other pickups for more punch & clarity, but don’t remember what they are, sorry.

[@badastronautgreatloser5421]

Enjoyed your video! Thank you !

[@gutbucketgiff]

So glad you liked it. Trying to spread the word on the potential of this great instrument!

[@GlennRicci]

Very helpful! Thanks! There are a few Jim Kweskin albums on Spotify, including a "Vanguard Visionaries" release that sounds great and includes some washtub bass tunes you can play along to.

[@gutbucketgiff]

......Kweskin recorded four great albums with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, plus two live "coffeehouse" albums with Fritz Richmond (and several other friends) on washtub bass/jug. His album with the Neo-Passé Jazz Band is one of my favourites, although no washtub on that one.

[@LerikCuritiba]

Loved the explanation on various bass styles on the 12-bar! Is there anyway we can have access to that backing track? Amazing.

[@gutbucketgiff]

If you contact me on my Gmail account (see credits at end of video), we can discuss that. Gut Bucket Giff

[@hankjourdan4010]

I love this guy!!

[@michaelgifford9003]

Aw, shucks! This is so sudden! Hope you enjoyed the videos. Gut Bucket Giff

[@gabrielnairn2294]

nicely played! hittin those notes with tension must be tricky

[@gutbucketgiff]

It takes concentration and a good ear - if you can sing it (imagine what note you want), you can play it, one note at a time. Attack the end of every note (stop it by touching it) for clarity and precision....GBG

[@gabrielnairn2294]

Thanks. I look forward to building one soon!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Hi jaysdisk.., I've seen ports on some basses. Anything goes! I have always blocked (3) up my bass so sound gets out over any surface - lawn, carpet, sand, or even a good hardwood floor. Pluck on! GBG

[@duanecleveland1796]

Very nice! thanks

[@gutbucketgiff]

+Duane Cleveland I'm glad you watched and enjoyed it.

[@johnaustin1825]

Great sound!

[@michaelgifford9003]

Hello, John Austin, yes, the washtub bass can have a great sound. Or... it can sound like crap. It depends on many factors. I’ve tried to build one with a sound as good as you can get from galvanized steel (which doesn’t have good resonate qualities), and my suggestions on the video try to deal with the tone challenges. The other part of the “good sound” is the ear (pitch) of the player, and the concept (think like a bassist) of the player. A good player can make a poor instrument sound OK, and a poor player can make a good instrument sound poor. Concept and technique are everything. I’ve always believed that the WTB has more to offer than people realize. Hope you build and play one! Gut Bucket Giff

[@johnaustin1825]

@@michaelgifford9003 Many thanks GutBucket

[@elishem8533]

That is so damn cool...I must make one

[@michaelgifford9003]

If you make one, be determined to build it right, play it musically, like a string bass. Less is better!

[@jaysdisk]

Great video - thanks! I was wondering, have you experimented with cutting holes in the side of the bucket for the sound to come out of instead of propping up one side?

[@michaelgifford9003]

Actually, I don’t prop up just one side... I raise the entire tub off the floor with three wooden blocks. As far as cutting a hole, or port, in the side.... I’ve seen it done, but I haven’t found it necessary to let the sound out, and I don’t want to wreck to sound from a compleat chamber. But you go got it....that’s how you find out.

[@danpritchard8363]

Very cool, just built one and learning to play. How do you stop the center ring of the bucket from making a popping sound when tension is applied to make a higher note? Thanks for the great vid!

[@GlennRicci]

It's important to have really huge washers or large metal discs on the top and bottom to distribute the tension.

[@michaelgifford9003]

Never had a popping sound, except when I built a WTB from a thinner tub, as many of the new ones are. I suggest duct taping the inside, (& maybe the outside) to reinforce the metal. Also, I've had matching 1/8 inch aluminum discs cut for the top and inside, secured with nuts, to pull on a larger surface area. That beefs up your metal to keep it from ripping after you get to love your tub. Very sad.

[@gutbucketgiff]

I've not experienced that popping sound. You might try using 6" washers made of 1/8 " aluminum. I had some cut for me by a machine shop. One on top, one inside, locked tight with a nut each side. That makes the top secure from cracking, perhaps will prevent popping. Either that, or maybe try a different washtub. New washtubs tend to be thinner; older ones are thicker.

[@impreston1433]

Are there any pros or cons to using a 28 gal washtub?

[@gutbucketgiff]

Not sure til you try. I’ve always believed the bigger, the better. Bass vibrations are big, so go big. I do know that a small resonating chamber won’t work as well as large. Go for it! GBG

[@gutbucketgiff]

Go big, rather than small. I’ve always used 17 gallon #3 tubs because those were the biggest available in the store. Washtub Jerry goes to Mexico to get larger tubs. Gotta give it a try if you can find a larger tub…..probably sound good! GBG

[@johnvanscott4590]

A question, my washtub does the "oil can" thing, when the string goes slack the tub goes "doing". Any way to stop that from happening short of replacing the bucket?

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

I’ve not build one myself yet but I’d imagine damping the tub in some way might help, the stickers on his tub in this video might not just be for aesthetics… failing that I’d try sticking a duvet or pillow inside while you play, or maybe stick some small pieces of butyl flashing tape inside.

[@gutbucketgiff]

The solution is to attack the note (touch the string making it dead) at the end….equal sound to equal silence… a double action. If you only play the note’s beginning, then you will get the continuing “doing” (as you call it) instead of a clean note. Pull, Touch, Pull, Touch.

[@ericlindal8008]

Sounds cool.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Is cool.

[@prophetchadrack3840]

Where do you get the washtub?

[@gutbucketgiff]

Hardware stores usually have them…the bigger, the better.

[@johnaustin1825]

What is the string made of?

[@gutbucketgiff]

The string is a string bass D string, a nylon La Bella “Supernil” string. I’ve found a source where you can buy a single string for less than $30…. Gollihur Bass.com. I’ve tried other strings, and gut strings sound great, but they’re much more expensive, and they stretch when wet. You don’t want a string that stretches, but tightens. My nylon string seems to last forever! GBG

[@robertdobbs2265]

Do you ever use a G string?

[@gutbucketgiff]

I tried G string and A string, but I liked the D string best… it gave better tone on the notes within my 18 note range. Having said it that, I think everyone should experiment and make their own discoveries and decisions. La Bella’s Supernil D string is my favorite, less than $30 US, try Gollihur Music for sourcing.

[@EndureTemptation]

washtub and tuba sounded the best ha ha

[@michaelgifford9003]

They ARE the best!

[@richardwooten7657]

WE ALWAYS CUT A 20 INC CIRCLE IN THE FLOOR , THAT REALLY GIVE A WRAP A ROUND SOUND TO THE FOLK DOWNSTAIRS ! BUT A FEW KINFOLK , AND A PIG GOT BUSTED UP DURING THE WEEK WHEN WE WERNT PLAYIN MUSIC .

[@gutbucketgiff]

Hang in there! Better times a-comin'!

[@gregormay6243]

Hello! Im in Dominican Republic, Blues, Folk, Jug Band Fan. I want make me Washtub bass.

[@michaelgifford9003]

Hello Gregor May, glad to hear from you. I hope that you’ve made your washtub bass. It’s a fantastic contribution to any kind of music, especially blues, folk and jug band music. I’ve played my bass since 1965, and it’s always been lots of fun, especially when people hear how great it sounds. Gut Bucket Giff

[@gutbucketgiff]

Go for it!

[@vanadiumroad7548]

Aint no hole in the washtub!!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Holes are optional…. Cost a bit more.

[@gutbucketgiff]

Available for viewing now (Feb, 2016) are 28 videos of the "Two Bit Jug Band". In the band I play washtub bass, perhaps giving better examples of how well it functions in a group. Our CD will be available mid-2016.

[@VideoGameWasteland]

Where can I find your CD, Giff?

[@gutbucketgiff]

Check out the Two Bit Jug Band videos for hearing the washtub bass in action!

[@verasen777]

Цудоўна!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Sorry, I don't know what that means!

[@verasendiy5079]

@@gutbucketgiff It's means Great!

[@gutbucketgiff]

@@verasendiy5079 Now THAT I understand...Thanks!

[@KhernelPanic]

is it new years tonight ? this is what i was doing i guess.

[@chancewatkins5071]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing; Jesus Christ Bless! :)

[@gutbucketgiff]

My pleasure!

[@robertdobbs2265]

Do you ever use a G string?

[@gutbucketgiff]

I experimented with 3 string bass strings: G, D and A when I was first trying string bass strings. This was in my earlier gut string days. I found that the G string worked, but had less range toward the low end, and had a thinner sound than D. The A string didn’t give me the higher range; I settled with D. You may find different results if you experiment; there are no rules!

[@gutbucketgiff]

Great question, thanks! GBG