HOMEGROWN MUSIC...AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS!

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For that string (you only need one) I'd recommend starting with plastic-coated, steel-core, nylon clothesline. It's both the least expensive and the best, according to Quentin Rhoton (the bass player in the accompanying picture). "It's easy on your fingers," Quentin says, "that's why it's the best. 'Course, you can use piano wire or a gut D-string from a bass fiddle if you want to. Try anything you can find that looks like it might work. Remember, though, that resiliency is important: Your string has to stretch for the higher notes and then spring back again. "

The string is attached to the center of the upside-down washtub, usually by either one of two methods: [1] drill a hole a little larger than the gutbucket's string in the bottom of the tub, thread the string through the opening, and knot the line on the other side to hold it in place, or [2] bolt a small hasp or eyebolt to the center of the tub's bottom and tie your string to it.

In either case, it's advisable to reinforce the inside of the container's bottom with something like a peanut butter jar lid, a circle of sheet metal, or a circle of 1/4" plywood. You can cement the reinforcing disc in place or just let the knotted string or eyebolt hold it there like a big washer. It's also a good idea- if you use the knotted string idea-to pass the line through a couple of fiber washers first, then the reinforcing disc ... and to tape the string where it passes through the tub's metal bottom (all to protect the line from localized wear).

If you use a wooden pole for your gutbucket's neck, notch its bottom end so it can be hooked on the little rim that runs around the bottom of a washtub. Then bevel off the side of the notch that faces the tub's bottom, so it won't touch the metal (and dampen the tone) as the neck is leaned back and forth during a song.

A hole a little larger than your string is then drilled through the gutbucket's neck perpendicular to the notch on the lower end and about five inches down from the top (to leave you a nice handle to hold onto). If you don't feel that you need that much handle, cut your stick three or four inches shorter.

OK. Pass the string through the hole you've just drilled and adjust it so that it just pulls taut when the line is standing straight up and the stick is leaning over the tub. Then wind that dude around the neck and tie it above the hole and you're ready to play!

Hold the upturned washtub down by planting your foot (left foot for southpaws, right for the rest of us) on its opposite side. And make sure that foot rests only on the tub's little rim ... otherwise you'll deaden the gutbucket's sound.

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