1. Strong Dark Tin Plated Rubbing Surface
The thin dark tin surface delivers a distinctly lower tone than the Shiny Midget, but a distinctly higher tone than the Dull Midget and Zinc King #703. So it sings with a marvelous character all its own. Steel is a strong metal. But don't worry about the weight. After all, a pail-size washboard like this is nothing more than a corrugated tin can with a small wooden frame. So it won't weigh you down. Besides, it weighs just 15.8 ounces more or less. So this dark Midget is the lightest of the bunch.

2. Wooden Back Panels Resonate Sound
The two wooden panels on the backside form an enclosure behind the metal rubbing surface. This creates a resonating chamber that adds tonality and helps drive the sound - kind of like a drum. The Midget #442 is one of the few washboards that sport such a chamber.

3. Brilliant Floating Construction Boosts Harmonics
The frame design is elegantly simple and compact. The metal rubbing surface floats - and resonates - within a deceptively simple tongue & groove and rabbeted framework. So the entire unit is amazingly sturdy yet flexible. That's why the whole darn structure rattles when you play it. And it is all secured in this vibratory state with just four small strategically placed nails. What's more, no elements stick out, fall off, or snag at you.

Near Mint
Light wear. Hardly used. Usually good ink color. Little or no rust.

Mint
Appears unused. Might show signs of age and minor wear from storage or display. Don't know why you would want to scrape up a fine antique relic like this to play music on it though.