Re: [Harp-L] Rhythm in a two piece

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Eddie Martin asks:

> Any of you folks try to play foot drums or stomp boxes? I am working in a two piece project. We do piedmont style and chugging works fine for the rhythm but when it comes to swinging a tune or a shuffle, we need some bass drum snare and a high hat.
> I am not beyond using a drum machine either.
> Any suggestions would be appreciated. Can be off list if you prefer.

Eddie, a popular musician in my area makes very simple and inexpensive 
but very effective wooden stomp boxes. I made my own because Home Depot 
cuts lumber that you buy there for you (I don't have the tools myself).

It's a simple wooden box with a hole in one side to insert a microphone. 
It consists of 2 identically sized rectangular pieces of 1/4" thick 
plywood and 4 lengths of 2x2. Three of the 2x2s are the same dimension 
as the edges of the plywood and one is cut 2" short so that when the 
plywood is glued/nailed/screwed to the 2x2s there is a 2" gap to accept 
your vocal (SM58, etc.) or instrument mic' (SM57, etc.). You end up with 
a 2 1/2" tall rectangular box of the dimensions of the plywood you choose.

The originator of this stomp box idea has a 3'x3' box (the originator so 
far as I am aware; it's so simple I'm sure the dude got the idea 
elsewhere but he makes and sells them to other musicians so he ain't 
talkin'). I didn't want one that big and bulky so mine is 18"x24". I put 
a drawer handle on one 2x2 side to make it easier to carry and some 
plastic feet to raise it off the floor and allow the bottom side  to be 
more resonant, especially if the floor happens to be carpeted. All you 
do is put the stomp box in front of where you sit/stand and insert the 
live mic' into the access port. From there you can set the PA to your 
desired tone and amplitude and you are ready to go. The box is 
surprisingly tough. The guy stands on his 3x3' box, no problem. He's had 
his for years. I sit when I play so that is why I didn't need as big a 
box. I also put a finish in mine; his is "raw."

I think that this simple all-wood stomp box may actually be more 
flexible than the far more expensive commercial ones. For example, the 
amplitude of your "stomp" depends on how hard you "kick" down on the top 
surface of the box so the dynamics are easily controlled. You can also 
get different tones and resonances by kicking the box in different 
places. A kick in the center will be of deeper tone than a similar kick 
off to one side. You can fasten a tambourine to your foot and get the 
"jingle" with each stomp. And you can use either or both feet to get 
more complex rhythms.

If I used effects boxes, I would think about making this box so that it 
would have a place for them. Maybe even put lid over them so that the 
rig could be carried to a gig and quickly set up/taken down. The 
possibilities are endless once you get to thinking. I thought of 
fastening one of those clip-on piezoelectric transducers on the inside 
of the top piece of plywood and a 1/4" jack in one of the 2x2s. But, for 
me, the beauty of this box is in its simplicity and resulting low cost.

Works for me!

Thanks,

Michelle