Saturday 7 May 2011

Stumpf Fiddle

This Stumpf Fiddle is from my own personal collection and is a wonderful thing.
(Click on pictures to see bigger versions)


It is basically a shortened broom handle with various things attached that make noise.
On the bottom is a rubber baseball. A bassdrum sound is achieved by bouncing the whole contraption on the floor. A wooden floor or a stage is preferable.
There is are two welded together pie tins filled with corn situated about a third of the way up. By shaking and striking you can produce variety of snare type sounds. There are two big springs stretched over the tin that are attached to either end of the stick. these resonate the sound you can also scrape your drumstick along them to get some other weird percussive effects.
Above the tin Is a woodblock with a ribbed top. a bicycle horn (Not the original as it didn't have one when I bought it but a vintage one I bought) a Bell and a bicycle bell. Also attached to the sides of the stick are jingle bells.
The Stumpf Fiddle is actually an american marketed version  of homemade rythm sticks also known as Pogo cello, Bumbass Devils Fiddle etc. These type of instruments have more than likely  been in existence for many years and many cultures.
The Stumpf fiddle is reputably named after a Harry Stumpf who apparently had a wooden leg.

And talking of rythm sticks (no Stumpf present but just an excuse to play it)



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