The washboard is used as a percussion instrument in jazz, zydeco, skiffle, jug band and old-time music. It is played by tapping or scraping the metal with a thimble. They can also be played with a wisk broom or wire brushes. Sometimes, woodblocks, cowbells or small cymbals are added.
Woodblocks are basically a slit drum made from a single piece of wood and struck with a stick. Eastern Asia music uses woodblocks of various sizes ranging from small, hand-held to enormous and immobile.
Orchestral woodblocks are typically made from teak or other hard wood.
The washboard - now that brings back memories! When I was a little girl the washboard was being used. I found it to be a fascinating apparatus! There were many a days when my knockles were red and skinned from scraping them against the board; so thankful for technology!
It's amazing how they have taken a thing of the past and found a way to incorporate it into the music realm! It does provide for an interesting sound! Looks like they are having tons of fun- hahaha!
I remember the wood blocks from my school days! They too make an incredible sound!
Video number one: Okay, how do we get from that to the idea that washboard abs are desirable?
Video number two: Love the sound. Wouldn't mind a set in my house for the kids. The sounds would be so much more soothing than the screaming. Oh wait. There would be a fight over the drumsticks. Sigh.
My brothers and I tried to turn just about everything in the garage into musical instruments. We had quite the washboard sound on a galvanized wash tub and a metal file. That is, until we wore a whole in the side of the tub. Whoops.
Hello, Heather! This is so cool. I love musical instruments though I have no talent with any. My musical talent is two things: listening to music and enjoying it! ;)
I love the washboard! I saw it last year for the first time in Union Square, New York. Three guys were playing and singing on a folk tune, and the washboard guy was just the most interesting among the three! I gave them a couple of bucks!
Hi, Heather!
ReplyDeleteThe washboard - now that brings back memories! When I was a little girl the washboard was being used. I found it to be a fascinating apparatus! There were many a days when my knockles were red and skinned from scraping them against the board; so thankful for technology!
It's amazing how they have taken a thing of the past and found a way to incorporate it into the music realm! It does provide for an interesting sound! Looks like they are having tons of fun- hahaha!
I remember the wood blocks from my school days! They too make an incredible sound!
http://bettyalark.blogspot.com/
Video number one: Okay, how do we get from that to the idea that washboard abs are desirable?
ReplyDeleteVideo number two: Love the sound. Wouldn't mind a set in my house for the kids. The sounds would be so much more soothing than the screaming. Oh wait. There would be a fight over the drumsticks. Sigh.
Both of those instruments look fun to play! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Heather - what a great "W" post. You are really "rocking" this A to Z Challenge with your musical instrument theme.
ReplyDeleteI remember the other use of a washboard - now that really gives away my age, doesn't it!! *grin*
Cheers, Jenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
Being from WV no band should be without these instruments j/k
ReplyDeleteMy brothers and I tried to turn just about everything in the garage into musical instruments. We had quite the washboard sound on a galvanized wash tub and a metal file. That is, until we wore a whole in the side of the tub. Whoops.
ReplyDeleteHello, Heather! This is so cool. I love musical instruments though I have no talent with any. My musical talent is two things: listening to music and enjoying it! ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week and happy A to Z!!
I love the washboard! I saw it last year for the first time in Union Square, New York. Three guys were playing and singing on a folk tune, and the washboard guy was just the most interesting among the three!
ReplyDeleteI gave them a couple of bucks!