# Washboard

> Virtual washboard instrument app with customizable sounds and MIDI controller functionality. (iPhone/iPad app by Arlo Leach.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/washboard/id363227793 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Arlo Leach](https://appshunter.io/developer/353281976)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: $1.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-04-01
- Data updated: 2026-08-15
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/washboard/id363227793/reviews.md

## What is Washboard?

Turn your mobile device into a musical washboard! You can play the classic metal washboard as is, or customize it by adding instruments like horns and woodblocks in any combination. You can even add decorations like a flower, a sticker or party lights. Play along with your iPod music, or plug into an amp and join a jug band!

Some reviews say the app doesn't sound like a washboard, but it does use audio samples taken from a real washboard. The samples come from a metal board played with 1" zinc washers -- this gives a sound harder than thimbles but softer than spoons -- and include a tap, scrub and wood sound. The add-on instruments also use real audio samples. Instruments include:

- Small cowbell
- Large cowbell
- Small horn
- Large horn
- Tambourine
- Cymbal
- Small woodblock
- Large woodblock
- Service bell
- Vibraslap
- Toy chicken

Decorations (no sound) include:

- Toy dinosaur
- Flower
- Bow tie
- Hula girl
- Woody Guthrie sticker
- Party lights

If you have any MIDI equipment, you can also use Washboard as a MIDI controller. Map each instrument in the app to a note number in your sound module, then tap the board or attached instruments to send note-on commands. The MIDI commands are sent on channel 10 for easy access to most percussion modules.

Before buying this app, I recommend watching the demo video at washboardapp.com to see how it works. If you need help after your purchase, please contact me before writing a bad review. I have no way to respond or help you if you publish your complaints in a review, but I respond promptly to all emails.

## Key features

- Virtual metal washboard instrument
- Add-on instruments like horns and woodblocks
- Customizable decorations
- Play along with music
- Connect to external amplifiers
- MIDI controller functionality

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/washboard/id363227793/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Love it

*2019-04-07*

Bought this app on a whim but it was a great purchase. It’s hilarious to mess around with, and the rubber chicken makes the app.

### 1/5 — Totally rubbish

*2013-02-05*

Sounds nothing like a washboard, a complete waste of 69p - avoid at all costs. Deleted in under a minute, possibly the worst app I've ever paid for. 1 star is a star too many.

**Developer response:** The app uses audio sampled from a real washboard; this is described in more detail in the app description. If you deleted the app in under a minute you probably didn't try the accessories like cymbal, bell, horn ... that's where the real fun is.

### 5/5 — More fun than ice cream!

*2012-07-21*

We did a music camp performance with jug band app and washboard app. We had a professional sound crew and the audience loved it. I can't remember when I had more fun. Easy to use and replicates the real sound. You will love it.

### 1/5 — Worst app I ever downloaded

*2012-04-15*

Horrible. Sounds nothing like it.

**Developer response:** The app uses audio sampled from a real washboard; this is described in more detail in the app description.

### 1/5 — Lame

*2011-07-31*

More like a washed-up and bored.
Save your money, or go see a live zydeco band. Two thimbels down.

**Developer response:** Did you try the accessories like cymbal, bell, horn? That's where the real fun is.

### 5/5 — Bonus Rubber Chicken!

*2011-02-27*

I don't know what all those one star ratings are about. This is a fun little app that is as visually entertaining as it is musically. Decorate the washboard with amusing instruments and accessories, then play along with your ipod music. What more could you ask for? A rubber chicken? Done.

### 1/5 — Catastrophique

*2010-08-16*

Passez votre chemin. Son ridicule. Aucun intérêt.

## Frequently asked questions about Washboard

### Does Washboard have ads?

No, Washboard does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application that offers an ad-free experience for users.

### What is the price of Washboard?

Washboard is available for a one-time purchase of $1.99. This grants you full access to all its features without any additional in-app purchases.

### What devices does Washboard support?

Washboard is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to provide a seamless experience across Apple's mobile ecosystem.

### How often is Washboard updated?

The latest version of Washboard is 2.0.9, last updated on August 17, 2025. Updates typically include improvements and new features based on user feedback.

### What is the age rating for Washboard?

Washboard has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The app's content is generally appropriate for children and adults.

### Can I use Washboard offline?

While the app's core functionality as a virtual instrument can be used offline, playing along with your iPod music requires access to your music library. Connecting to an amp or using MIDI functionality will also require external hardware.

### What kind of sounds does Washboard produce?

Washboard uses audio samples from a real metal washboard played with zinc washers, offering a distinct sound. It also includes add-on instruments like cowbells, horns, and woodblocks, all using real audio samples.

### How does Washboard function as a MIDI controller?

You can map each instrument in Washboard to a specific MIDI note number. Tapping the board or attached instruments sends MIDI note-on commands on channel 10, allowing integration with sound modules.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.9 — 2025-08-17

Updated for iOS 18.

### 2.0.8 — 2022-04-01

- Fixed the initial display when the app is launched in landscape orientation.

- Updated for iOS 15.

### 2.0.7 — 2016-10-03

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- Updated for iOS 10.

### 2.0.6 — 2015-11-04

Fixed some incorrectly aligned hotspots used for positioning items on the washboard.

### 2.0.5 — 2015-10-06

Fixed a crash when using the party lights on iOS 9.

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## More apps by Arlo Leach

- [Jug Band](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jug-band/id353281973)
- [Autoharp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/autoharp/id366274361)
- [Mouth Harp](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mouth-harp/id376563785)
- [My Music Alarm](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-music-alarm/id384494602)
- [Set List Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/set-list-maker/id410496349)

All apps by Arlo Leach: https://appshunter.io/developer/353281976

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-15.*