WashTub Bass with Allison Krauss Oh, Atlanta

[@simonfarrell2537]

Your tone here is better than a lot of people on youtube giving lessons on actual basses.. well done!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Simon!

[@jakeedmond5217]

Wow! Your intonation is incredible for an instrument so vague. This has got to be the best video of a washtub bass player on KZbin. I'm definitely going to have to make one of these.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Lego!! Hope you get one made and have a ton of fun with it! :)

[@jakeedmond5217]

@@whistlingbirds I just made my own and it sounds great! Super fun to play!

[@RaW_Chaos]

this is amazing! i’m a 17 yo upright player from illinois and i got sucked down a rabbit hole listening to blues songs and somehow ended up here. i’ve been trying to learn a lot of music theory to play walking bass lines but i might just pick up one of these and give it a go just to see what it’s like

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, April...I hope you do get one! Get an older tub, not a new one...the new ones are too thin a metal, and just don't really work for more than about 1/2 octave. You might find one in an antique, or thrift store. Best of luck to you, and let me know if you end up having any questions. Be happy, and walk that bass!! :)

[@mylesstopmotionsandcats2482]

Who else is here because of CCR Anyways, this was actually very good, I haven’t saw washtub bass before, but you did a good job of doing a quick demo

[@Jacob-ht7im]

So many things about this video blow me away. The simplicity of how you break down a simple but crucial instrument. The song selection, an emotional/moving piece of music. And what blows my mind the most is you're humble enough to respond to each comment. Keep up the amazing work and PLEASE keep sharing your talent with the world. You blew my mind with a washtub bass. Give this man some gold damn it, he's worth it!

[@whistlingbirds]

Now, that was just mighty kind words there, Jacob! Thank you so much! Best wishes to ya! :)

[@LaurenBoelsche]

we just watched this in school and i liked it so much that i looked it up on my own time lol. great job!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! That's cool that it could be used in school. Hope it helped and was fun. :)

[@geleilaoshi]

Absolutely legendary

[@whistlingbirds]

Ha! Now, that's an amazing compliment! Thanks geleilaoshi :) Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you might even make a washtub bass for yourself!

[@Mantorp86]

OMG I totally expected more out-of-tune playing, but this is just GREAT! Love the sound and the playing! Just great...I'm totally impressed!

[@whistlingbirds]

ThankYou Mantorp! :)

[@felipeharger]

What a masterclass about this incredible instrument! Thank you!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@archieleechjb]

You're a real player. This video makes my day. Thank you, sir.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you, John. So happy you enjoyed it! :)

[@TheTraubenstein]

You sir are quite talented.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank You. Just loving fun instruments! :)

[@bunskilabonskiwashtubfun9841]

Washtub bass is one of my favorite instruments to play! Well done!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Bunski! :)

[@federico7748]

Perfect intonation, sir. You're gifted. Thank you.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you, Federico! :)

[@Josh-xr1xu]

OMG!! I've read about one of these in Shane Speal's book "Making Poor Man's Guitars." Had no idea they'd sound soooo good! Awesome playing!! Just might have inspired me to try one out. Thanks for sharing.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you, Josh! I hope you have one now, and are enjoying playing it! :)

[@trackie1957]

Hey! Where can I find a left handed one? They are scarce as hen’s teeth!

[@whistlingbirds]

Even more scarce than chicken lips!! But, keep searching, I think there is just one out there somewhere. :)

[@mellowords]

Is this a joke? Can't you just switch sides? :-)

[@trackie1957]

@@mellowords Even harder to find a metric one. All my strings are in millimeters…

[@mellowords]

@@trackie1957 ooooook 😆

[@PhillipLandmeier]

Winner! In this video casino called KZbin, once in a while you hit a jackpot. This video is exactly what I wanted to see. Nicely done and thanks for posting it.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Phillip! You wax poetically...you should be a song writer! :)

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@@whistlingbirds Hah. Thanks. Maybe I should.

[@jaex9617]

I just watched a video of a guy playing a partly fretted / partly fretless 7 string electric bass. Came here for the simplicity / sanity. Not disappointed!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks so much, J!! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@sore5246]

Incredible

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! :)

[@travisguide4516]

Great job

[@mitchellmccullough4776]

Incredible performance, very inspiring!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Mitchell!! :)

[@TheDavidBritton]

I watched this for the first time a few years ago and recently made my own washtub bass. This video is so good and gave me the confidence to try it. Thank you sir!

[@whistlingbirds]

Wow, David! That's great news!! You'll have tons of fun...make sure to take it out and play in public and enjoy the conversations it gets started! :)

[@Muzikman127]

Simply marvellous, all there is to say

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Muzikman! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@widowmaker4008]

Bad Ass sir!!!! I was very impressed by the wash tub bass. I do want one and will buy one soon. This song was amazing by Allison Krause with that wash tub bass❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@lindaliestman4397]

Great demonstration! Thank you! Many years ago I was in a singing group in which one singer played the gut bucket and he was pretty good at it. It is difficult to explain to people what it is and how it works. So this is perfect.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Lina! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@stevepethel6843]

Thanks for telling how the stick fits notched on outside rim. Enjoyed your video perfect bass for this tune.

[@trackie1957]

Watching this for at least the fourth time and still fun! Looking around at flea markets for a washtub...

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Trackie! Good for you....looking for a tub....hope you find one soon!! :)

[@bunskilabonskiwashtubfun9841]

Plenty of vids that show how to build one, just get your bucket and attachment from a hardware store, a broomstick and a clothesline, as fun to make as it is to play :) This here video is an awesome example of great bucket playing!

[@markmarkofkane8167]

I saw how to build one in popular mechanics years ago. I've always wanted to hear one. That sounds good on my stereo. It has excellent bass! Shakes the windows!

[@whistlingbirds]

Ha! Thanks! You must like to listen to music at the same volume I enjoy!! :)

[@Herowebcomics]

Wow! What an amazing but simple instrument! I like seeing everyday objects being used like this!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Hero! It's fun....get 'cha one today! :)

[@trackie1957]

Back again, still loving it!

[@whistlingbirds]

Ha! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@1822gtp]

Song is dope and the bass is hitting

[@mk17rmb]

That was freaking awesome!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks mk.....glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@juliaowen797]

This is such a great video. Thank you! I’m going to try to make one this afternoon

[@efa666]

You play in tune better than some fretted bassists I've heard :P

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! :)

[@raistlinmills131]

I like it, and it is an interesting instrument, might sound good when played with some big band jazz, or in a small family band with just an added piano, guitar and drumset.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! One of my most favorite jams was just a guitar and my washtub bass together. The guitar player was all over the map with some great music talent, and it was a ball just trying to keep up with him. We drew a crowd on that duo! :)

[@jamesbunch4537]

Very nice playing and tone !!!!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, James! :)

[@bassnut57]

Thanks! Great intonation and monster finger calluses!

[@whistlingbirds]

Ha! Actually, if I'm gonna play more than a song or two, I wear a "Michael Jackson" glove! :)

[@steviestoosh]

Blown away mate. I've just made a make do one at the moment and I've been playing odd rockabilly stuff, but hey!... with a bit practice I'll be as good as you. I'm impressed

[@whistlingbirds]

Wonderful!! Have Fuuuuun!! :)

[@Naeolestyle]

I came here after watching the how to make a washtub bass video, read your comment and gave a look. Mighty glad I did, I could tell you let on only a miniscule of the fun potential that exists with this instrument. Beautiful Kala ukulele you got in the foreground also, mahalo, and Aloha from Hawaii

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you, Brandon! Hope you have tons of fun with your washtub.....and yes....I love my tenor uke....ordered it from a shop in Hawaii. :)

[@st0rts11D4]

Soul and rhythm

[@jamiespeirs885]

Sir, you sure know what music is about. Having fun, not to mention your getting a brilliant tone. Much better than a tea chest. Thanks

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Jamie! :)

[@genobrown624]

I play the spoons an wash board .. oh boy lots of fun.

[@whistlingbirds]

That's great, Geno!! :)

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you for demonstrating. Sounds good

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you!!

[@johnniemcinnis418]

Great job, Stan. I miss hearing you play!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Johnnie! I miss playing with all the folks back in MS! :)

[@johnniemcinnis418]

@@whistlingbirds We are going to be coming up to the mountains in May. I can't wait. Been awhile.

[@rustynails68]

Awesome! If a grade school kid sees you doing that, you just made a convert. And, suddenly video games don’t seem so fascinating. I might try to do that and inspire some kids.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! Great idea!

[@therecordholder]

ehh, picking up the guitar at 14 didn't stop me from playing video games, fun is fun, wheter games or music

[@trackie1957]

That was great! Far better than I expected, but I suppose if you couldn’t make good music on it, we would never have heard of it. There’s a reason they were popular.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Trackie! :)

[@nylar4000]

love it

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks so much!!

[@Demsarenazis]

Check out The Pine Hill haints...Pretty awesome, and they have a washtub in the band

[@strobx1]

I used to play Washtub Bass

[@whistlingbirds]

Do it again! Folks need a good bass! :)

[@rgoldsmith6560]

Great playing and explanation, I play one also, must have thousands of hours on it, I use 805 leach cord (used in sail making) it doesn't stretch much at all, but nearly any cord works,, an old soldered tub, some padding inside to dampen the tinny sounds, and a piece of driftwood with the larger part up, it seems to hold a note better. Then just a piece of carpet and an sm58 in a sock or a lapel mic under it and I'm having a blast! There are some really interesting things that you can feel, like feedback thru the stick, and to quietly learn a tune I play gently with my stick hand thumb in my ear as my monitor. Like you say A wall or corner is the best, sometimes I'll move around a room to find a spot that works. Youre better than I am, but I'm still practicing!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks so much! Sounds like you are having lots of fun with your setup....and that's what counts the most! Enjoy!! :)

[@perfectwafflemedia]

Thank you! And your washtub bass sounds great.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you, Kay!! :)

[@Wyklepheph]

This is great!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Panda! :)

[@deonlion]

That’s awesome man!! 💜💜💜💜

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! :)

[@TW-me1wd]

This made my day. Fantastic!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, TW....glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@lastphil]

Yooo brother you killed it 100/200

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Basscas3!

[@eamonrodgers4751]

Brilliant thank you

[@whistlingbirds]

You're welcome! And, thank you Eamon!! :)

[@crackerjack3359]

A Tea chest works well too.

[@johnprice867]

Could you please please please upload a few more songs with you playing the washtub bass. I can't find any other videos of people playing one half as well as you do....

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank you very much! Yes, I will upload some more...may be a little while...gonna be "tied up" for about a month + right now. But, for such a kind complement...how could I not but oblige!! :) :) :) 😄

[@johnprice867]

I shall be eagerly awaiting the day you get the time to do so,and again I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent, have you ever noticed if different types of wood for your "stick" affect the tone or resonance at all or is a stick a stick as it goes?

[@whistlingbirds]

@@johnprice867 John, so sorry I didn't get back to you. The stick is just a stick....I can't hear any difference in them. I started with a wooden closet rod I bought....then saw this walking stick in the corner of my garage and decided it looked better with the tub. I tried the other day to make more videos. Actually recorded a couple songs about 3 times and could never seem to pick up the bass sound on the recording as I did before?? I'll try again....maybe using something else....maybe my old iphone? Anyway, I'll try to do that again somehow soon. Good luck making your own washtub bass! You can do it! :)

[@johnprice867]

@@whistlingbirds thank you so very much I was actually thinking the other day about contacting you again and see if you were ready try to upload some more songs I really appreciate it and if it doesn't go then it doesn't go it's not meant to be but if it does go great wonderful I appreciate your effort and your talent and your skill and you sharing your knowledge thank you so very much again. I just recently found a tub that I think might work so hopefully this year still I might be able to get something together and give it a try!! Music is everything music is life. And love wins, always no matter what!!

[@whistlingbirds]

@@johnprice867 Wonderful! Get that tub set up and start having fun!! :)

[@alfredorubencastillo9542]

Hola Chabon muy bueno ese bajo cualquier soga puedo usar? saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@whistlingbirds]

Alfredo, Encuentro que una cuerda de nailon trenzado flexible, de 1/8" a 3/16" como máximo, me da el mejor tono en general.

[@drkix]

One of my favorite AK tunes. Your playing was spot on. I have never seen anyone discuss cutting a soundhole in the side of the tub instead of using blocks to allow the sound out. I have already marked F-holes where I would put them. Why has this never come up? Being that #3 hot dips are not expensive and worth experimenting on, it just seems that this might have already been done.

[@whistlingbirds]

Good question. I find that when playing outside, on grass, I often don't need to prop the tub up to get a sound that carries. Seems the sound is always easy for the band to hear, it's just that I can't always hear it well enough without it propped? I also find that brand new tubs nowadays are not good enough quality to work very well at all...the metal is just too thin. I get about a half octave of decent sound out of a new tub. And, not sure about the strain on the overall metal if holes are cut in the side. I've worn a number of tubs out in the past just from metal fatigue...mainly on the bottom of the tub. Give it a try, and let us know what you learn?

[@drkix]

@@whistlingbirds kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIDOfIptepmrrK8

[@whatevernamegoeshere3644]

That was impressive :D

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks!!

[@arctichare8185]

Yes... I enjoyed that.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank You, WR! :)

[@rongrosstube]

Just saw an old photo of a friend of mine in the '70's in a band and the bass was a washtub! I had to hear played it and your page came up first. Awesome. You obviously have a decent ear and play the instrument well! One question: Do you have any sort of "feet" on the bottom (top) of the tub to get it off the ground? How best have you seen/heard to sit it on the ground/floor/carpet? Thanks for the entertaining and informative video.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Ron. I just generally set it on an old rolled up bath towel I have.....pretty complicated...hee hee. However, I find often that when I'm jamming with folks outside, on grass, I can get just as much volume by sitting it flat on the ground. Seems others always hear it well (even a block away...ha!), but, with me being right above it, I have to find a good corner when inside, or at least a wall behind me, in order for me to hear it. The problem is, of course, that you must hear what you're playing, or ya just can't play it in tune! Make yourself one....you'll have a good time! :)

[@st0rts11D4]

I can see the rhythm in your heels, legs, and neck. Goddamn my brother keep the rhythm brewing

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks!

[@genobrown624]

Geno plays the WASH TUB BASS VERY WELL .. GENO BROWN WASH TUB BASS.. YOU TUBE ❤️

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks!

[@whistlingbirds]

Here's a link to Geno's videos....take a listen! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/g32xcnx6mM6VnLc

[@johnaustin1825]

Great sound. I have just constructed one but not sure best string to use?? Are you from Atlanta - nice accent. (I'm British from Michael Caine country - South London)

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Austin! I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! And...no washers under the hole....just a knot big enough to not let the rope slip through. I was raised throughout the Southeastern USA. Mainly a South Carolina boy! I love the British accent, just have a little difficulty always understanding all the words....but, a pleasant sound to them! :)

[@larryn2682]

The song is originally by Bad Company.

[@whistlingbirds]

I would not know?

[@Dameentsia]

You are a great player. I have a washtub bass that I made but I can't get that deep of a sound out of it, using a very old square-style washtub. What kind of string do you use?

[@whistlingbirds]

I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! And...no washers under the hole....just a knot big enough to not let the rope slip through.

[@Dameentsia]

@@whistlingbirds Awesome, thank you for the reply. You mentioned how you keep it in the hole though, do you mean on the inside of the bin? The way I made my instrument was by fixing an eye bolt into the bottom of the washbin with split lock and fender washers on either side of the bin to keep it secure. Would you recommend not going with a setup like that and instead just a hole with a knot in the rope like you said?

[@whistlingbirds]

@@Dameentsia Well, I've done the eyebolt and washers, and just found that I didn't need to do that.....just a couple knots work fine to keep the rope attached to the tub. However, you might need to lightly file the hole to get any "burrs" of metal off the hole you drilled, and to sorta "smooth" the edges of the hole out so that they don't cut the rope over time. I don't remember if I could tell much difference in the sound between the two setups, but, just seems the bottom of the tub would vibrate a little better with nothing but the rope attached by knots. Hope this helps. :)

[@Dameentsia]

@@whistlingbirds I really appreciate the advice.. just want to get my setup to sound as close as I can to yours because it is very clean. I have some more experimenting to do now thanks to you!

[@whistlingbirds]

@@Dameentsia Well....let me say that, when indoors, where you set up to play is pretty important. Others seem to hear it well wherever you set it up, but, for you to hear it clearly (which is the only way you will be able to play in tune), it is best if you can set your back to at least one wall, preferably in a corner. Somehow, this seems to bring to sound up to you, and make it where you can "pluck" the rope softer, hear your notes, and get a really smooth sound. Outside, I find it works pretty well wherever, most of the time. I just use a folded towel to prop the edge upon (lifted 1" to 2") to help let the sound out. But, when playing outside, I've found that I hardly ever need to prop the tub up any. Also, you cannot play on a deck, or such, where there is a gap between the boards, for the sound just seems to disappear. I use a floor mat, rug, etc., if I have to play on boards with gaps between them. Hope you have tons of fun with this simple, but very playable, instrument! :)

[@Posijax]

Sweet 👍

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks! :)

[@TheDeuceofSpades]

You sound great

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks David! :)

[@PeaceCultureMusic]

really enjoyed this. thanks !!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thank You Daniel! :)

[@skaybaltimore]

Sweet!

[@Kaisimone4u]

What Key is the bass? Can it play all notes?

[@whistlingbirds]

Good question, Skai. You don't actually have the instrument "tuned" to any specific key. You can play in all keys. It's up to you to use your ear to simply follow who you are playing with, making up a bass part in your mind, and pulling on the stick to tighten the string until you are on the note that goes with the song at that time. :)

[@Kaisimone4u]

@@whistlingbirds Thanks!!

[@spacelemur7955]

Is that a G washtub or an A? (Just kidding. Great stuff).

[@johnaustin1825]

Great sound. What cord do you use? Is it amplified or miced up?

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, John! I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! And...no washers under the hole....just a knot big enough to not let the rope slip through. I only amplify it if I'm on stage, and need to do so. When I do, I usually just put a microphone on a towel, under the tub. The sound carries quite well, IF you are in a good spot, without a mic. :)

[@johnaustin1825]

@@whistlingbirds Many thanks for your help. I got some cord from a hobby shop - will see how it goes. Microphone sounds a good idea. I have purchased a pickup and 1/4 " jack from China - yet to arrive! About South Carolina area. One of the first songs I sang as a 'skiffler' with some words that went: "I was born in West Virginia, South Carolina I did go...............I Don't Want Your Green-Back Dollar"

[@fierrottt]

Who string You use?

[@whistlingbirds]

About 3/16" braided nylon...can get at Walmart. :)

[@brianskelly5420]

What Kind of string do you use such a great sound. I play for a bluegrass band. I really like the eyeless design and you also do not use washers under the hole great sound Brian

[@whistlingbirds]

Brian....sorry I'm so long in seeing your question. I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! And...no washers under the hole....just a knot big enough to not let the rope slip through. I've done eyelets, washers, etc. Found out it's just fine with a simple rope, stick and tub! :)

[@brianskelly5420]

Thank you so much Brian that is helpful

[@wayne00k]

Hi. Great video and thank you for sharing! I'd like to ask how did you "tune" the tub?

[@richp1939]

Wayne 00k a snark

[@wayne00k]

@@richp1939 Oh, I get it. First time I watched I didn't catch his "Not really", and my mind went to tuning those steel pan drums. For the life of me I just couldn't work that one out. Thanks for clearing my cobwebs. BTW- nice cover of Cocaine Blues

[@richp1939]

Yeah the tub would only change the tone ie louder thinner fatter etc. Hes changing the pitch with the tension of the string by pulling on the stick.

[@richp1939]

I was being sarcastic with the snark comment

[@wayne00k]

@@richp1939 I know.

[@louishugues4106]

Enjoy this ! please what kind of string do you use ?

[@whistlingbirds]

I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought!

[@louishugues4106]

@@whistlingbirds Thanks!

[@D-Man_Jam]

Can you play Iron Maiden with it? 😁

[@whistlingbirds]

Don't know....you start the song, I'll be in it shortly!! :)

[@aimeenorwich]

What a gorgeous tone. You're just playing acoustically, no mic underneath? What kind of stick are you using, and what kind of wood is it? Thanks, this was great.

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks, Aimee! No mic.....I do put one under it, on a towel, if I'm playing on stage and it needs to be amped, otherwise, the sound carries very well. The stick is just a walking stick I had in my garage. I started, years ago, with a wooden closet rod I bought at the hardware store. I've found that what you use for the stick makes no difference at all. Different strings/cords DO make a difference. I use a braided nylon string, I think about 1/8" to 3/16" thick. Find a fairly small cord that is limp, and will stretch a little. Other than that, it's just up to your ear, and reflex, to pull on the stick to tighten the cord for your desired note. You can do it!! Best of luck to ya! :)

[@aimeenorwich]

whistlingbirds thanks for the info!

[@hokanimaria8982]

what kind of string did you use??

[@whistlingbirds]

I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! And...no washers under the hole....just a knot big enough to not let the rope slip through.

[@johnaustin1825]

Is the washtub plastic or metal?

[@whistlingbirds]

It's metal. :)

[@kaudogg]

Your a pretty cool kat!!!!!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Kaudogg! :)

[@notwo1818]

the name of song please...

[@whistlingbirds]

"Oh, Atlanta"

[@guitaleleoeuvre]

SOLD!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks!

[@evanmatthiesen7478]

the cool thing about these is the pitch doesnt have to be spot on, or even very close, its like your brain fills in the note

[@whistlingbirds]

Hmmmm. :)

[@evanmatthiesen7478]

I should say though your pitch is quite good compared to most washtub bass ive heard @@whistlingbirds

[@onpsxmember]

What size is a #3 or #2 tub? Is there a big difference in sound in changes from different diameter or height? Is it more about the bottom of the tub rather than the volume below?

[@whistlingbirds]

The tub should have a number in the center on the the bottom of it. Look for a 2, or 3. I'm sorry, but, I'm not real sure what you are asking by the other questions.

[@robvangils3192]

nice!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks!

[@cellamarfan]

what did you use for the string?

[@whistlingbirds]

Marcella....I find that a flexible braided nylon rope, 1/8" to 3/16" at the largest, gives me the best tone overall. I've used larger ropes....they were OK, but not as good as the smaller ones. It needs to be able to stretch a fair amount, and the more "relaxed"/flexible it is, the better. You can find such rope almost anywhere, and it's the cheapest instrument string I've ever bought! Ha! :)

[@rasnickoutdoors8995]

2:42

[@mikesellers8020]

Very good,I play mine in a band,I've blower the tops off three or four tubs,my fingers bled down the rope numerous times until it was solid red,I finally went to a Mike so I don't have to hit it so hard,had a lot of fun,thank,good demonstrations that I can relate too, ,,,,,cowboy Mike

[@tezzzier]

Sweet!

[@whistlingbirds]

Thanks Denn! :)

[@loudavit3936]

I played the washtub bass many nights, after my 2nd shift job, at a blues club on Delmar Ave.in St. Louis. Don't know how well I played, but nobody cares.