A one-string 'banjo' of sorts
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (346592)
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.
15 people like this
14 responses
@FourWalls (71502)
• United States
12h
How cool! I have loved the things you’ve written about from this museum!! Thank you so much!
5 people like this
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
I'm glad you've enjoyed the discussions. I've tried to space them out a bit with other stuff. It's so nice to be able to write about things I like and enjoy. I'm sure you find that with your music posts.
@TheHorse (223339)
• Walnut Creek, California
14h
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.
5 people like this
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
Yes, you're right. Someone mentioned having seen a saw played too. They're interesting to see.
@snowy22315 (185394)
• United States
15h
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.
4 people like this
@snowy22315 (185394)
• United States
1h
@JudyEv It might be the particular metal it was made of I'm guessing it wouldn't work equally well on all types.
@RebeccasFarm (92068)
• United States
13h
You show the most unusual things here Judy
Well I never.
Well I never.3 people like this
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
I guess they had to make do with whatever they had at hand.
@1creekgirl (42451)
• United States
1h
@JudyEv I think we're born with the desire and need to make music.
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
It wouldn't have a very big range but I guess at the time it did the job.
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
I enjoy museums too. More and more I find myself saying 'we used to have one of those'! 
@Beestring (14925)
• Hong Kong
9h
That's cool. I am interested to know how it sounds.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
I think it would be a low note like you'd get from a string bass or bass guitar.
@RevivedWarrior (3593)
• India
4h
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
@JudyEv (346592)
• Rockingham, Australia
1h
We saw some very good musicians playing instruments made from gourds once. And even our First Nation people get some wonderful sounds from their didgeridoos.
@lilacskies (4560)
• United States
14h
That is so interesting. I've never seen one of those before. It would fetch for a lot in antique auctions.
2 people like this
