A one-string 'banjo' of sorts
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (379703)
Rockingham, Australia
February 21, 2025 6:27pm CST
I told @TheHorse I’d write about a rare, and probably unique, musical instrument that I saw in the Collie Museum. The main ‘body’ of this is a kerosene tin. These were very common in my parents’ day, and were often flattened out and fashioned into various items of furniture such as cupboards.
The tin is supported by an iron frame and there is a single string. The notice calls it a ‘banjo’. As it has only one string, I guess it operates like a tea-chest bass. It was created by the founder of the museum for his bush band. What a great museum he created.
16 people like this
16 responses
@FourWalls (85855)
• United States
22 Feb 25
How cool! I have loved the things you’ve written about from this museum!! Thank you so much!
4 people like this
@FourWalls (85855)
• United States
22 Feb 25
@JudyEv — yes, and traveling and history.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (237676)
• Walnut Creek, California
22 Feb 25
I would love to play one. Here in the US, some old-timey musicians use a wash tub bass. I bet they do there too. You don't change the notes by "fretting." You change the notes by increasing or decreasing the tension on the string. I am pretty good with such instruments. I bet your bass player son is too.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (207310)
• United States
22 Feb 25
It reminds me of America's Hot Talent. I once saw people playing a shovel and a saw. They sounded pretty good too I guess there is no end to human creativity.
3 people like this
@snowy22315 (207310)
• United States
22 Feb 25
@JudyEv It might be the particular metal it was made of I'm guessing it wouldn't work equally well on all types.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91301)
• United States
22 Feb 25
You show the most unusual things here Judy
Well I never.
Well I never.3 people like this
@JudyEv (379703)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Feb 25
I guess they had to make do with whatever they had at hand.
@1creekgirl (44521)
• United States
22 Feb 25
@JudyEv I think we're born with the desire and need to make music.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (379703)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 25
@1creekgirl Yes, I'd agree with that.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (379703)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Feb 25
People were good at inventing anything they needed.
@Juliaacv (55876)
• Canada
22 Feb 25
@JudyEv Harper and Willow each have a little stool that they sit on and they lay their yukelee on their lap and they strum it while singing the A, B, C's song. It is so cute. It is a simple way to see if they will develop and interests in playing musical instruments.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97078)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
22 Feb 25
That does look interesting.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
22 Feb 25
Now that's an unusual item. The person who plays that type of banjo would be limited in the sounds they can create. The good news... not a lot of notes to learn, lol.
1 person likes this
@Beestring (15376)
• Hong Kong
22 Feb 25
That's cool. I am interested to know how it sounds.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
22 Feb 25
I am sure @TheHorse would love this post. It sounds like an amazing and perhaps a unique instrument. It is incredible how everyday items such as kerosene tins were repurposed so creatively in the past. Not sure if people have that creativity level at present. The ingenuity behind the homemade “banjo” speaks of the creativity and ideas, especially in bush music traditions. You should have found it amazing to see it in person at the Collie Museum. It is definitely a great testament to the museum’s founders and the rich history he is preserving! Have a wonderful weekend!
1 person likes this
