Make a Washtub Bass

Materials
1 galvanized steel washtub (check hardware stores)
2 metal washers (size 1 5/8")
1 wooden dowel or pole (1" diameter and 4' long)
1 large eye screw (The eye opening is about 1 inch and the screw should fit into the washer)
2 nuts to fit the eye screw
1 bolt (1/4" X 2 1/2")
rope (about 1/4" thick)
handsaw
drill and drill bit to drill a hole for the eye screw
 

1) Drill a hole in the center of the washtub just big enough for the eye screw to fit through.

2) Drill a hole in one end of the pole just big enough for the 1/4" bolt.

3) Screw the bolt into the hole on the pole so that equal amounts stick out on each side.

4) Assemble the eye screw, washers, nuts and washtub as shown in the diagram.

5) Cut a 10' length of rope.

6) Tie one end onto the eye of the eye screw.

7) Wrap the other end of the rope around the bolt on the end of the pole. When you have it tight enough so that the angle looks about like the diagram, tie it. If the rope stretches, you can wrap some more around the bolt on the end.

8) Cut a groove in the end of the pole opposite the bolt. This is to hold the pole in the lip around the edge of the washtub when you play.

9) To play the bass, place the groove in the lip of the washtub, put a foot on the tub to hold it down, pull on the pole to make the rope taut and pluck the rope.

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