Maid-Rite Spiral Stainless Steel Washboard, family size

Maid-Rite Large "family-size" Spiral Pattern Stainless Steel Washboard
Spiral textured wavy stainless steel corrugated rub surface generates loud boomy, yet relaxed "muddy" tone, holds up to abuse
Brand new genuine Maid-Rite washboard made in Logan, Ohio by the historic Columbus Washboard Company (est. 1895).

Brand New Genuine Maid-Rite Washboard made by the Columbus Washboard Company
The Columbus Washboard Company was founded in 1895. It all started when Frederic Martin, Sr. began building washboards in his backyard. Today the business is the sole remaining washboard manufacturer in the US.

This Maid-Rite washboard was assembled by hand on vintage equipment from the early 1900s. Besides holding a reputation as a popular musical rhythm instrument, the fully functional washboard features a "Bear-On-Easy" rubbing plate patented on February 5, 1907.

Spiral Stainless Steel is Textured & Tough - Won't Rust

The hard corrugated metal rub surface is made from tough stainless steel. This washboard is essentially a spiral patterned Cajun-style frottoir in a wooden frame. The Maid-Rite is also a favorite with jugbands. So grab your thimbles, bottle openers and spoons and scratch this board to your heart's content. Guaranteed to make the rhythm fly!

This large family-size version delivers a loud, yet relaxed "muddy" tone and is more "boomy" than it's smaller pail-size Dubl Handi brother. Both versions sport an open back that lets you play both sides of the rub surface. You can also mute the tone with your hand or belly.

Tip:
Put vinyl tape on the back to mellow the tone a notch.

Large Family Size

This Columbus Maid-Rite washboard is a large family-size washboard. It is significantly larger and heavier than the smaller pail-size version.

So just to be clear, washboards come in two basic sizes: Large and small. The Maid-Rite "family-size" washboard is large. The Dubl Handi "pail-size" washboard is small.

Which Size Should You Get?
Some players prefer the small size because it is lighter in weight and easier to lug around. Others prefer the large size because you get more surface area to scratch and more frame to mount accessory items. The small size generates a slightly diminished and reserved tone compared to the large size which delivers a relatively stronger and boomy sound. Either size works fine for any musical genre (or body type). So whether you choose a large or small washboard is purely subjective and just a matter of personal preference.

What Makes This Washboard So Special?
You can boil it down to three factors:

1. Stainless Steel Rub Surface Generates Loud Tone, Withstands Abuse
The first thing you'll notice about stainless steel is that it's a lot louder than the tin rubbing surface on a vintage washboard. And unlike vintage tin that develops ruts so easily, stainless steel is tough and can take a good pounding. On the other hand, hard stainless steel wears down your thimbles fast.

Now before you get all huffy, none of this makes either washboard better. But it does make them different. So if you want a metal surface that puts out a loud tone and if you plan to scrape the heck out of it (say for Zydeco) - then get stainless. If you need a softer tone for bluesy stuff or old-time music, then go with vintage tin.

2. Open Back lets you Modify Tone
All Columbus Washboards sport an open back that lets you play both sides of the rub surface. Plus you can dampen the tone with your hand or belly.

Two-Tone Rub Surface
The raised corrugations on the front of the washboard sport the spiral pattern. The raised corrugations on the backside are smooth. So the front generates a slight vibrato tone, the back a smoother sound. Maybe not a great deal of difference. But in the right hands, two-tone nonetheless.

3. Handmade Solid Construction
The frame design is elegantly simple and compact. The metal rubbing surface fits snug and secure in the precision machined framework. So the entire unit is amazingly sturdy and reliable. The durable poplar hardwood frame is held together by 6 small accurately injected steel staples. What's more, no elements stick out, fall off, or snag at you. The shallow channel in each leg helps the Columbus Washboard Company keep production costs down - and guarantees your washboard is the most current model.

How to Attach Accessories:
With a Janka hardness rating of approximately 540, poplar is a relatively soft wood. Still, you should avoid hammering nails into the frame or you might crack the wood. The safer way to add accessories and hardware is to drill holes with a sharp wood-cutting bit, then attach with bolts (preferably) or screws.

Buy a Washboard...Save your Place in Musical Roots History

The washboard business was a thriving industry at the turn of the century. During World War II the Columbus Washboard factory churned out more than a million washboards a year. But the invention of the automatic washing machine sent the washboard industry spiraling into decline. By the early 1970s only about 10 washboard companies operated in the US. All except the Columbus Washboard Company eventually closed their doors.

On the verge of extinction the business relocated in 1999 from Columbus, Ohio to the small town of Logan - which now hosts the nation's one and only Washboard Music Festival.

Make no doubt about it, your purchase keeps this historic company, and working museum, and important annual washboard musical roots festival alive & well today...and for generations to come.

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