The ugly stick is a folk percussion instrument originating in Newfoundland, Canada, that gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It is traditionally constructed from a length of broom or mop handle, to which a variety of everyday objects are attached, such as bottle caps, tin cans, small cymbals, bells, and wooden dowels. The assembled instrument is played by striking it against the floor or by tapping its attached metal elements with a drumstick, producing a combination of rhythmic bass tones and high‑pitched rattling sounds.
Construction and Materials
- Core shaft: Typically a wooden pole, broom handle, or mop handle ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 metres in length.
- Attached resonators: Metal items (e.g., bottle caps, tin cans, jingles) are fastened to the shaft with nails, wire, or zip ties.
- Sound‑producing elements: Small cymbals, cowbells, or tambourine frames are added near the top of the shaft to create higher‑frequency accents.
- Striking implement: A separate drumstick or smaller wooden stick is used to hit the shaft and the attached metal pieces.
Performance Technique
The performer holds the shaft vertically, often braced against the floor, and rhythmically strikes the base of the stick to generate low‑frequency thuds. Simultaneously, the attached metal components are tapped or brushed to create complex, layered percussive textures. The instrument is commonly used to accompany folk songs, sea shanties, and dance tunes, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador cultural events.
Cultural Significance
The ugly stick is closely associated with Newfoundland’s maritime heritage and community celebrations such as ceilidhs, festivals, and heritage weeks. It embodies a tradition of improvisational instrument making, reflecting the resourceful use of readily available materials in rural and coastal communities. The instrument has been featured in educational programs promoting Newfoundland folk music and has been adopted by some folk ensembles outside Canada.
Notable Practitioners and Recordings
- Rex Snow is credited with popularizing the ugly stick in the early 1980s through performances with the band The Wonderful Grand Band.
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival regularly includes ugly‑stick workshops and performances.
- Recordings featuring the ugly stick appear on albums by Newfoundland folk groups such as Great Big Sea and The Irish Rovers.
Contemporary Use
In recent decades, the ugly stick has been incorporated into modern folk-rock arrangements and educational outreach programs. Workshops teaching the construction and performance of the instrument are offered by cultural heritage organizations across Atlantic Canada. The instrument has also appeared in international folk festivals, introducing the distinctive sound of the ugly stick to broader audiences.