How to build a washtub bass pt. 3 - playing

The Viper shows you how to build a washtub bass, based on instructions by San Antonio's Barefoot Larry Collins (see his directions at http://www.jugmusic.com/main.html). This section of the video shows you how to play it. (Guest drumming by my daughter, Irene.) See part 1 for the materials you'll need and part 2 for how to assemble the parts.

Two notes on what you see here.

COME ON UP FOR THE RISER: In the video, I'm using a book as a riser (clothbound works better than paperback). For a less wobbly and slippery base, you can use the notched plunger described in parts 1 & 2.

AMPLIFICATION: The bass sounds great on a wooden floor when playing acoustically. When onstage and mic'ed, it's a good idea to have a carpeted surface to limit feedback (a kick drum or other mic can be placed near floor level and pointed at the opening created by the riser).

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• washtub bass
• charles schultz
• seven nation army

[miho9000]

Does the cup plunger go in place of the book our is it somewhere I can't see in the video?

[jerving]

@miho9000 - You've got it right. The plunger is not in this set-up (its a filmmaking continuity error -- I'll be firing the script supervisor you see at the end of this video.)

In the video, I'm using a book as a riser (clothbound works better than paperback). For a less wobbly and slippery base, you can use the notched plunger described in parts 1 & 2 of these videos.

[serveTHEservants]

Lol shes so cute, just please dont let her do that to a professional bass like a Rick or somethin, haha.

[jerving]

@serveTHEservants -- You might enjoy the following, starting from 1:45 (Bob Haggart & Ray Bauduc playing "Big Noise From Winnetka," which is sort of a proto-"Seven Nation Army" song. Do a Google search for KfFBdViZHzk

[kissyfish2010]

@definiteNZ - Yes, you change the notes by changing the angle of the staff, making the clothesline tighter (higher notes) or looser (lower notes). Some players also "stop" the clothesline along the staff (as with a regular string bass).

In terms of slack: tie the clothesline so that it is tight enough to sound a note when it is directly vertical to the tub (the staff leaning in slightly). This will be your lowest note and will give you the maximum flexibility to go higher.

[MaxwellChillington]

WHITE STRIPES

[definiteNZ]

thanks so much - im certainly going to make one! so let me get it right - the notes are changed by the angle of the staff? how much slack do you need to leave so the staff can move?

[phoenixmidwife]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much! Love your series! We could watch you all day!

[bigme75201]

great video series, glad to see you are being a positive musical influence on your little girl, heck from the looks of your living room she probably knows what a record is...

[jerving]

@Amcclai785 Parachute cord did not make a significant difference to my ear. It's a little stretchier (so a few notes more range) but also not as resistant (so a little loss of thumpy tone).

If you want to try it yourself, anyway, you can find it at Army/Navy surplus stores. I don't remember having to choose among different diameters -- though there was a color choice (I went with Army green) -- but if you run into that, I'd try to get something pretty close to clothesline thickness.

[Amcclai785]

@jerving Did using the parachute cord make a significant difference? and if so, where do you get one and what diameter? Thanks!