stompbox

     

A stomp box or stompbox is a simple percussion instrument consisting of a small wooen box placed under the foot, which is tapped or stamped on rhythmically to produce a sound similar to that of a bass drum. A stomp box allows a performer such as a singer or guitar player to create a simple rhythmic self-accompaniment. Stompboxes are most commonly used in American folk and blues music, but are found across the musical spectrum: Natasha Khan, for instance, has a very large (1m2) stompbox which she strikes with a staff to accompany herself.