How to Make a One String Instrument
While most classical and folk string instruments are made with multiple strings, the washtub bass is a classic folk instrument that uses only one string to create as wide a range of pitches as a four string bass. The simple, inexpensive construction of this instrument makes it a great choice if you'd rather spend less time buying and building and more time learning to play.
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Things You'll Need
- Round metal washtub
- Hammer
- Roofing nail
- Braided nylon cord
- Wooden curtain rod (or similar wooden stick or dowel)
- Power drill
- Large metal nuts
Instructions
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1
Make a hole in the washtub. Turn the tub over and position the roofing nail at the center. Strike the nail with the hammer to create a hole.
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2
String several feet of nylon cord through the hole in the tub. Tie a large nut to one end of the cord (use several knots to make sure it's secure) and string the opposite end of the cord up through the inside of the tub so that the nut catches and prevents the string from passing through.
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3
Drill a hole in the curtain rod with your power drill. Position the hole a couple of inches from the top of the rod.
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4
Thread the nylon through the hole in the curtain rod. Hold the string in place for now.
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5
Place the bottom end of the curtain rod against the rear edge of the overturned tub. Tilt the rod and pull the nylon taught until you get a tightly strung section stretching from the top of the rod to the middle hole in the washtub. Test different lengths and tensions for the nylon cord by plucking this section and listening to the sound. Find a length that allows you to adjust the pitch of the string when you tilt the rod slightly back (without making the string too tight) and when you tilt it slightly forward (without creating slack in the string).
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6
Secure the nylon at the top of the rod. Wrap the loose tail of the string around the rod several times and tie it in place with several knots.
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