In our recent O Wow Moment video Play It Again, Mr. O, we featured the kids making several different instruments. We used a full-size version of the washtub bass during the intro scene and in the final scene in the background. For that, we used a 5 gallon bucket, monofilament, and a piece of wood. But, you can also make a MUCH smaller version using some basic office supplies:
What You Need
- a Styrofoam cup
- two paperclips
- a pencil
- some tape
- a rubber band
What To Do
- Cut the rubber band in one place, so you have a long elastic band.
- Punch a small hole in the bottom of the cup.
- Thread the rubber band through the hole in the cup.
- Tie each end of the rubber band to a separate paper clip
- Hold the paper clips to either end of the pencil and hold the pencil against the side of the cup (see the picture below to get an idea.
- If the rubber band isn’t tight, cut it so it is smaller, then re-tie to a paper clip and test again.
- Once the rubber band is tight, tape the paper clips to either end of the pencil.
- Finally, tape the pencil to the cups.
NOTE: for more detailed instructions with pictures, check out the Instructables link for the inspiration for this instrument HERE. Thanks to “Fwirt” for coming up with such a great idea!
What’s Happening?
When plucked, the rubber band vibrates, creating sound. The cup acts as an amplifier for the sound, so you can hear it. Have fun!
Cindy Miller
February 8, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Where can I find instructions to build the washtub base and other instruments?
Mr.O
February 26, 2010 at 1:10 am
Glad you enjoyed our video! Most of them are already on the blog – check under our “At-Home Activities” category. The washtub bass was getting some errors when people tried to access it. If it continues, I’ll recreate in a future video blog.
office design
August 30, 2010 at 2:49 am
What an instrument! Oh my god, looking absolutely funnier and amazing as well. I am really searching for some instruction to make it.