Whamola facts for kids

The Whamola is a cool and unique bass instrument often heard in funk and jazz music. It gets its name from combining "whammy bar" (a part of some guitars) and "viola" (a string instrument).

The Whamola is a modern version of an older instrument called the washtub bass. The washtub bass was a simple folk instrument popular in America, especially with skiffle and jug bands. Just like its ancestor, the Whamola has only one string. This string is played using a special system of pulleys and levers, which allows the musician to change the sound in interesting ways.

What is a Whamola?

The Whamola is a type of string instrument. It's designed to play low notes, just like a regular bass guitar or an upright bass. What makes it special is how it's built and how it sounds.

How the Whamola Works

The Whamola has a single string stretched over a long neck. Instead of pressing the string against frets like on a guitar, the player uses a lever system. This system allows them to change the tension of the string, which changes the pitch of the note. It also lets them create a unique "whammy" effect, similar to what a whammy bar does on an electric guitar. This gives the Whamola its distinct, bending sound.

Who Plays the Whamola?

One of the most famous musicians to play the Whamola is Les Claypool. He is the frontman and bassist for the band Primus. Claypool is known for his unusual and creative bass playing, and the Whamola fits perfectly with his style. He often uses it in his funk-jazz music, adding a really unique sound to his songs.

Images for kids

• 

  Primus frontman and bassist Les Claypool playing the Whamola at The Rave (Milwaukee, WI).