Sycamore Creek Music

All Things Washtub Bass-Jo

I Built this banjo bass way back in the spring of '23.

I have built a very similar one for a friend since, but I don't sell them or build them on commission. If someone really likes it, the thing is open source! Build one yourself. I'm not claiming to have invented anything. The bass banjo has been around a long time. I'm also not claiming the best design or even having any idea what I'm doing, so use my design at your own risk. I plan to keep this post pinned near the top of my blog so keep scrolling for more recent work.

The "Plans"

I made this drawing at least a year after I built it because people asked.

A general construction video

Build Video

This is the second washtub bass-jo, but very similar. It does not include the neck construction. Warning! this video is a couple of hours long.

Some Pics of the neck construction

A little history

The first home made upright bass I built was back in '16. I was watching YouTube and ran across The Wayfarers, an old time band out of Ohio. The bass player was using a plywood top upright washtub. I had been building some home made instruments and became enamored with the thing. Built this. It uses the same size tub and has nylon bass strings. I found a old website from the 1990s with some plans and used them for a basic guide. This bass belongs to a friend now.

That one worked well, but didn't really have good volume in an acoustic jam with more than a couple of folks. I tried a few more ideas, building one with just the washtub turned around, an open backed snare drum, etc. This neck was originally designed for a huge drum in a box setup, but it was just too big and heavy.

F.A.Q.s

What are you using for strings?

Weed trimmer line for the G, D, and A string. Steel core cloths line for the E. 3 different sizes weed whacker. I don't remember the specs, it was what was in Dad's shop. Its the cheap smooth stuff and is easy on the fingers. More easy than bass strings.

Why not Bass Strings?

I put "Slap Happy Weed Whackers" Kevlar core nylon bass strings on the first one. The have a ton more tension. I originally just used this for a setup on a bass and it worked well enough I rolled with it. Fits with the theme I'm going for. And it's not expensive like bass strings.

Why didn't you use a bigger drum?

Because I didn't find a bigger one for $10 at the Nashville flea market when I found this one.

Will it slap?

I'm not a great player, and cant do it justice, but yes. I can't remember this guy's name but he slapped it quite well. Extraordinary. If someone can identify him I'll give credit.

Is it for sale?

No, I have been carrying this around for a long time and I like it. It would take a lot more to buy it than it is worth, and it would probably fly to pieces as soon as it was out of my sight.

Is there reinforcement under the bridge?

No, sitting on the drum head. Held down by the strings

Does it have a pickup?

No, I have mic'd it when needed. Here is a sort of electric take.

Is there a sound post? You need a sound post and a bass bar! Here is how they work!

Banjo! look up how they work. I put those in wood top bowed instruments.

How does it compare volume wise to a real bass?

Here is a comparison video to my low end 3/4 bass. This is as scientific as I could do it. Identical setup and volume for the recording, both throw a mic and PA.