Build a Les Claypool Whamola!

[Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker]

Les Claypool's one-string Whamola is the mutated and high voltage bastard-son of the washtub bass.  Using a lever tuning/playing system, the instrument delivers globular, freak-out sounds.    Just watch this video to get an idea...

We've seen many plans posted n the net for building your own, but none come as close as Jeremy Cook's plans (links below).  Just in time for Autumn instrument building season, we're sharing them with you.

Parts needed:

• Wood – 1 3/8 inch square x 8 feet long
• Axis of rotation – 1/4 – 20 bolt 6 inches long
• 2 1/4 – 20 nuts to lock bolt down and and some 1/4 inch washers
• Roller for string – replacement roller from screen repair tool
• String – “D” string for bass guitar
• Pickup – P-style bass pickup (single)  $6.49 at CBGitty.com
• Volume and Tone pot - Prewired harness for $23.99 at CBGitty.com
• Tuning peg from bass guitar $5.99 at CBGitty.com
• Wood screws (2) to attach handle assembly (roughly 4 1/2 inches long)
• Wood screws (2) to attach bridge (roughly 2 1/2 inches long)

Plans links are in 2 parts - the body and the electronics:

How to Build a Whamola! (Part 1, Assembly)

How to Build a Whamola! (Part 2, Electronics)

[the anonymous pick]

how bout a reverse  wamola lap hybrid ?   ;-)

[Paul Craig]

I think we need to see this in action pic. ;)

[the anonymous pick]

welp... you can "hear" it in action here ..

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/video/the-rack-reverse-whamola-and-3-...

[Paul Craig]

Very Nice.

Thought it funny that your "The Rack" instrument video was followed by a Breast Pump devise video on Youtube. Hahahaha

[the anonymous pick]

lol. :-)

[Clint Spotts]

This is truly awesome! Hats off to you, sir, for such an inspired build! Will definitely have to attempt something similar in the near future.

[the anonymous pick]

thanx man ;-)

[Thomas "Duck" Petry]

Nice one Mr Pick.

[the anonymous pick]

Thanx Duck . i gotta credit Smilingdog  for introducing me to  whamolas  a while back.. ;-)

[Grandpa]

I built a whamola from these plans when the post first appeared in 2015. I built my upright around a 1 x 1 1/2 aluminum square tube. I broke a lot of bass strings until I put a stop bolt to keep from over-bending the handle. Now I have a stand up bass string on it , .110, I think. A fairly limited instrument in my hands, but lots of fun.

[Cindy J]