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...
https://worldhitz4u.blogspot.com/2013/12/ugly-stick-canada-musical-instrument.html
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.