The washboard as a percussion instrument goes back many decades- and can be a very fun instrument that will stand out in a crowd! I picked up two different ones on eBay that were being sold as used. One is okay, but the other, tone wise, is the one most sought after by "serious" washboard percussionists.
The first one I purchased used is a "Woodstock Country Band" washboard. It had a good sound, came with a little rust, but nothing that couldn't be cleaned off via playing or using a little elbow grease. Washboards are very light on their own, and can be played using wire brushes as shown in the photo above, or by placing metal thimbles on your fingers and brushing them against the metal surface. (kids: be sure to ask permission before taking metal thimbles out of Moms sewing cabinet!)
Unbelievably enough, I got what is considered to be the creme de la creme of washboards for a mere $5.00 + shipping on eBay. Obviously the seller was unaware of what they had and considered "The "Zinc King" made by National Washboard Co (model # 703 ) to be mere junk. This is the most desired washboard for it's tone and durability. Once mine arrived and I started knocking around with it, I understood why it's so in demand.
You can play the washboard in 2 positions: by adding a strap so it hangs around your neck with the washboard hanging vertically on your upper body, and by laying the board across your lap. I prefer the latter as I can lay other accessories on the upper part, such as a service bell, a pair of castanets, or a shaker. (If you were to play vertical, you'd need to attach the service bell permanently to the board)
Thrift stores and yard sales can be great places to find washboards and other percussion instruments so be sure to check those out.
The first one I purchased used is a "Woodstock Country Band" washboard. It had a good sound, came with a little rust, but nothing that couldn't be cleaned off via playing or using a little elbow grease. Washboards are very light on their own, and can be played using wire brushes as shown in the photo above, or by placing metal thimbles on your fingers and brushing them against the metal surface. (kids: be sure to ask permission before taking metal thimbles out of Moms sewing cabinet!)
Unbelievably enough, I got what is considered to be the creme de la creme of washboards for a mere $5.00 + shipping on eBay. Obviously the seller was unaware of what they had and considered "The "Zinc King" made by National Washboard Co (model # 703 ) to be mere junk. This is the most desired washboard for it's tone and durability. Once mine arrived and I started knocking around with it, I understood why it's so in demand.
You can play the washboard in 2 positions: by adding a strap so it hangs around your neck with the washboard hanging vertically on your upper body, and by laying the board across your lap. I prefer the latter as I can lay other accessories on the upper part, such as a service bell, a pair of castanets, or a shaker. (If you were to play vertical, you'd need to attach the service bell permanently to the board)
Thrift stores and yard sales can be great places to find washboards and other percussion instruments so be sure to check those out.