Washboard in Percussion Instruments & Accessories

Is a plastic washboard playable as a percussion instrument?

Yes, but you won't get the gritty, metallic sounds produced by a metal washboard. The tones from a plastic washboard are more subdued, which is often a better percussion choice for some acoustic performances and recordings.

What do you use to strike a metal washboard to make the beats and accents?

Most washboard players experiment with different materials and finger coverings to find their preferred playing methods. You can use metal thimbles or metal fingerpicks on your thumbs and fingers, or use a mallet or stick to strike the ridged surface of the washboard. Try using a stiff-bristled brush, a quarter, a guitar pick, or a whisk broom to create your own unique sounds on your washboard.

What type of percussion sound does a stainless steel washboard make?

A stainless steel washboard makes a loud, up-front sound that's perfect for romping Cajun tunes, Zydeco music, and other rollicking music styles. Select a stainless steel washboard that's corrosion resistant to keep the metal surface sounding bright and booming.