Ugly stick: Canada musical instrument

The ugly stick is a traditional new-found and musical instrument that has been designed out of household and tool shed items, specifically, a mop handle with bottle cap, tin cans, small bells and other noise makers. The instrument can be played with a drum stick and has a differing sound.

source: rivermarinesupply.com

In remote villages, social gathering like a concert, mummering and kitchen parties, were an essential part of the rural tradition, the main melody instruments were accordions and fiddles with rhythmic following from the ugly stick.

The main body of the instrument is a mop or a broom handle that is cut to approximately 4 fts. An ancient rubber boot was affixed to the bottom of the instrument and the cymbal fixed at the top. At relating intervals along the length of the long handle, nails fixed with the bottle caps, felt tins and other noise creators would be kept into the shaft. The musical instrument would then be ornamented with items of color and fluff to the player’s taste or desire

The ugly stick is held in one hand at about ¾ above the shaft and the player or the musician would hold a drum stick in the other hand and the instrument would be lifted and dropped on the floor in a rhythmic way while the musician will strike the attachment and the cymbal to modify the sound of the instrument.