[Dixielandjazz] Washboards - what and where?

[Bill Gunter]

Luis in Portugal writes:

>In the band I am leading, we are currently using drums in the rhythmic
>section.  However, we are thinking about start using a washboard (and,
>probably, get rid of the drums!).  The problem is: we are in Portugal
>and nobody seems to know what that is!  I searched in the Internet but,
>as I do not know nothing about the subject it didn't helped a lot.
>
>Could someone give me some suggestions?  It would be great to have:
>
>  * Some advice on buying the instrument - we will use it both in
>    concerts and in parades
>  * Some links/contacts to companies/people that build washboards;
>  * What are the needed accessories (for example, what is the name of
>    those "things" to put on the fingers?)

I'm glad you asked. The Columbus Washboard Company in Logan, Ohio, USA is, 
to my knowledge, the only company in the US still manufacturing washboards.

You can contact them at http://www.columbuswashboard.com/

You can also see some pictures of my washboard on my website:

http://www.theboondockers.com

There is a section of the Columbus Washboard Company web site devoted to 
musical washboards. These are special washboards that use stainless steel 
instead of the usual galvanized metal. The tone is brighter and the 
washboards last longer than with a regular washboard.

I use "thimbles" on my fingers to rub against the washboard to produce the 
sound. Thimbles are usually available at fabric shops where you can buy 
sewing supplies. They come in different sizes to fit your fingers (I use 
sizes 11 and 12). Thimbles are generally used in sewing and enable a person 
to push a needle through several layers of material without hurting your 
fingertips.

However, you can use all sorts of metal objects to strike the washboards. 
Spike Jones even used drumsticks . . . it's a matter of choice for the 
musician. Try all sorts of things and then pick one.

I also have a wood block (from my drum kit) attached to my washboard to 
produce that "knock - knock" sound. Cow bells are often attached to 
washboards and I've even seen cymbals attached to them. As a matter of fact, 
washboards can often get really loaded up with lots of odd sounding 
percussion devices to produce a variety of tones.  It's up to the musician.

Then there is the matter of attaching the washboard to your body. A simple 
strap across the top to hang around your neck is quite easy to fix. I use a 
guitar strap and attach it to the washboard as if it were a guitar. Again, 
musician's choice and it's not difficult at all.

Playing the washboard is a delicate matter.  Often people will simply hit 
the washboard and think they're "playing" it. The trick is to think like a 
drummer and adapt all the things drummers do on a drum kit to the washboard. 
It takes practice and creativity.

Finally, a word about the unique nature of the washboard. It's not as loud 
as a drum kit can be, but it does have what musicians call "cutting power." 
The sound of the washboard can carry through the other instruments and not 
get overpowered by a strong front line.  Played properly, a washboard can 
"drive" a band like drums do. However, the washboard is certainly more 
limited than a full drum kit and it takes skill to properly replace a drum 
set with a washboard.

Done right, the result is worth it. Done poorly you're better off without 
it.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com