Rubboard Buying Guide - Choose the Right Size
How to Choose the Right Rubboard
Not sure which size rubboard is right for you? This guide will help you choose the perfect Zydeco washboard based on your needs, playing style, and experience level.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Model | Best For | Dimensions | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard 24 Gauge Boards Large Colored Boards 24 Gauge |
Adult players, professional musicians, most popular size | 24 gauge stainless steel. 13.25" wide x 17" playing surface | $265.99-$283.99 |
| Standard 22 Gauge Boards | Adult players wanting heavier weight. | 22 gauge stainless steel 13.25" wide x 18" playing surface | $288.99 |
| Pro/Custom 22 Gauge Boards | Professional performers, custom dimple designs, premium quality | 22 gauge stainless steel 13.25" wide x 18" playing surface | $298.99 |
|
Women's Pro/Custom Boards Plain Women's is same as Women's Pro/Custom with no dimples |
Female musicians, smaller frame, professional quality dimple design |
24 gauge stainless steel light weight 12'x8"x12" wide. 15" playing surface |
$253.99-$263.99 |
|
Child Size Child Size Colored Boards |
Young musicians, music education, smaller frames |
24 gauge stainless steel light weight. 11"wide x 10" playing surface |
$178.99-$189.99 |
| Mini Boards | Decorative, gifts, travel, beginners trying the instrument |
Compact size 11" x 6" wide 6.5" playing surface 24 gauge stainless steel |
$37.99-39.99 |
Detailed Size Guide
🎸 Standard 24 Gauge Rubboards - Our Most Popular Choice
Perfect for:
- Adult musicians of average to larger build
- Professional Zydeco and Cajun performers
- Music schools and cultural centers
- Anyone wanting the authentic, full Zydeco sound
Why choose Standard 24 Rubboard
- ✅ Most versatile size - works for most adult players
- ✅ Full, rich tone that projects well in performances
- ✅ Comfortable playing surface for extended sessions
- ✅ Industry standard size used by professional musicians
- ✅ Best value for serious players
Not ideal for: Very small adults, children under 12, or those wanting a decorative piece
Shop Standard 24 Gauge Rubboards →
🎵 Standard 22 Gauge Rubboards - Heavier Weight Option
Perfect for:
- Adult musicians who want a Heavier instrument
- Players who find 24-gauge too light and rather a heavier gauge
- Musicians wanting easier playability
- Standard size with a little more weight
Why choose Standard 22 Gauge Washboard
- ✅ Heavier gauge than the Standard 24
- ✅ Crisp clean cutting sound
- ✅ Great tone with less physical effort
- ✅ Perfect balance of size and playability
Not ideal for: Those wanting the lightest rubboard which is the Standard 24
Shop Standard 22 Gauge Rubboards →
🎵 Pro/Custom 22 Gauge Rubboards - Premium Performance
Perfect for:
- Professional performers who want premium quality
- Musicians wanting custom hand stamped dimple design
- Players wanting to make a statement on stage
- Players who want a great all around professional board
Why choose Pro/Custom 22 Gauge Rubboard
- ✅ Professional-grade construction and materials
- ✅ Custom hand stamped dimple design
- ✅ Slightly heavier than Standard 24 gauge rubboard
- ✅ Premium sound quality
- ✅ Great for stage performances
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, children, or those wanting the entry level rubboard
👩🎤 Women's Pro/Custom Rubboards - Designed for Female Musicians
Perfect for:
- Female musicians and performers
- Smaller-framed adults
- Players wanting professional quality in a women's fit
- Musicians who find standard sizes too large
Why choose Women's Pro/Custom:
- ✅ Proportioned specifically for women
- ✅ Professional-grade 24 gauge stainless steel for quality and sound
- ✅ Comfortable fit for smaller frames
- ✅ Custom hand stamped dimple design
- ✅ Perfect for female Zydeco performers
Not ideal for: Larger-framed players or those wanting the largest playing surface
👶 Child Size Rubboards - Perfect for Young Musicians
Perfect for:
- Children ages 5-12
- Music education programs and schools
- Smaller-framed individuals
- Young musicians learning Zydeco traditions
Why choose Child Size:
- ✅ Properly proportioned for smaller bodies
- ✅ Lighter weight 24 gauge stainless steel for young players
- ✅ Easier to handle and play for extended periods
- ✅ Builds confidence in young musicians
- ✅ Available in fun colors and designs
Not ideal for: Adults, professional performances, or those who will outgrow it quickly
🎹 Mini Rubboards - Compact & Decorative
Perfect for:
- Decorative wall art celebrating Louisiana culture
- Gifts for music lovers and tourists
- Travel musicians who need a compact option
- Beginners wanting to try the instrument affordably
- Collectors of Louisiana music memorabilia
Why choose Mini:
- ✅ Affordable entry point to try the instrument
- ✅ Easy to display as Louisiana-themed decor
- ✅ Lightweight and portable
- ✅ Great gift option
- ✅ Available in many fun designs (Gator, Crawfish, Fleur de Lis)
Not ideal for: Serious musicians, professional performances, or those wanting full sound projection
Still Not Sure? Here's How to Decide
Ask Yourself These Questions:
1. Who will be playing it?
- Adult male → Standard 24 or Standard 22 Gauge
- Adult female → Women's Pro/Custom or Standard 22 Gauge
- Professional performer → Pro/Custom 22 or Standard 24
- Child (5-12 years) → Child Size
- Gift/Decoration → Mini
2. What's your experience level?
- Professional musician → Standard 24, Pro/Custom 22, or Women's Pro/Custom
- Learning/Beginner → Standard 24 or Standard 22 Gauge, Standard Women's
- Music student → Child Size or Standard 24
3. How will you use it?
- Live performances → Standard 24, Pro/Custom 22, or Women's Pro/Custom and Standard Women's
- Practice/Learning → Standard 24 or Standard 22 Gauge, Standard Women's
- Decoration/Display Playing at Festivals or anywhere→ Mini
- Music education → All Models
4. What's your budget?
- Under $50 → Mini Boards
- $180-$260 → Child Size
- $250-$320 → Standard, Pro/Custom, or Women's (best value for serious players)
Wholesale & Bulk Orders
Are you a music school, cultural center, or retailer? We offer special wholesale pricing for bulk orders. Contact us to discuss your needs and get a custom quote.
Questions?
Still not sure which rubboard is right for you? We're here to help! Contact us with questions about sizing, sound, or which model would work best for your specific needs.
Every rubboard is handcrafted in Sunset, Louisiana with care and attention to authentic Zydeco tradition.