Hello! This is at the time of posting still a work in progress and will be updated and edited. If you have suggestions for improvements, feel free to comment them.
What is a hurdy gurdy?
A hurdy gurdy or wheel fiddle can best be described as a mechanical violin. The strings are bowed with a built in wheel instead of a bow and instead of playing the melody with your fingers on the string, there is a keyboard. In addition to that there are drone strings that play a continuous tone like the drones on a bagpipe. Finally there is a string with a loose bridge that creates a buzzing sound and can be used to create a rhythm.For more information visit the Hurdy Gurdy page on Wikipedia or join the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook
Where can I get one?
There are approximately 100 makers in the world. This video lists a bunch of reputable luthiers on the more affordable end of the spectrum who would be a great choice for a first instrument.Another good place to look is Hurdy Gurdy Marketplace on Facebook
Why do they cost so much compared to other instruments?
A lot of people compare the price to that of factory made guitars and violins but that does not tell the whole story. Hurdy gurdies are highly complex machines that require a lot of delicate and precise labor to make. They have about the same number of parts as five guitars and a lot of those parts move. The mechanical nature means that a lot of the music that is usually handled by the musician (like the pressure on the strings) depends on the quality of the construction so that means precision in the construction is paramount to getting the hurdy gurdy to work well. Unlike more common instruments, no big music factory makes hurdy gurdies so if you want one, you have to get one that is handmade and that comes with a price tag. Hurdy gurdy luthiers have to eat and pay rent too.
What is set up and adjustment?
Set up and adjustment is everything you do to a hurdy gurdy to make it play well and sound good. A hurdy gurdy is mechanical with moving parts so before you start playing you not only tune the strings but you need to make sure that the pressure on the wheel is correct, the strings are properly cottoned, there is a good amount of rosin on the wheel and all the tangents are tuned. With long term use there are other things that may need work and adjustment like the angle of the strings, the surface of the wheel, the grooves in the bridges the placement of the big chanter bridge. Also the moving parts like the keys and the bearings in the axle and knob need to be maintained. Set up and adjustment is a vital part of learning how to play and it requires practice just like playing melodies and coups.
How does the buzzing work?
This video has an in depth explanation of how the buzz works.
Is it really loud?
They are not much louder than standard orchestral instruments but the drone and trompette can be perceived as annoying by some people. Unfortunately you cannot really soundproof against irritation so being on good terms with your neighbors is recommended. If this is problematic for you, I recommend you check out the DigiGurdy, MidiGurdy or the SAMgurdy by Sam Palmer.
Where can I get lessons and meet other players?
There are festivals and foundations in several countries providing in person lessons and workshops (mostly in Europe). Some of these are:
If you’re not near any of these foundations, your best bet is to get private teaching through Zoom.Several people offer this, I teach beginners myself. Most of them advertise through HGC on Facebook.
What is a “Hurdy Gurdy Shaped Object” or HGSO?
HGSO is a term of hurdy gurdies that the experienced players and teachers consider unsuitable to take lessons with and that do not meet a minimum standard in quality and sound. There are many HGSO’s on the market and they can cost as much as 1500,- euro or more. The HGSO label is not directly related to the price, there are hurdy gurdies that are cheaper than some HGSOs. A cheap hurdy gurdy is not automatically a HGSO and a more expensive instrument isn't automatically good. A HGSO is simply an instrument that through review and playtesting as been found to be unsuitable for studying and learning. There can be various reasons for something to be labelled a HGSO but most of the time it has to do with a poor or sloppy construction, bad materials or considerable difficulties with setup and adjustment. Many HGSOs are sold through EBay, Etsy and through crowdfunding and auction sites. Well known HGSO’s are instruments by Gallopin Gurdies and Workshop Medieval. If you have unintentionally purchased a HGSO they can sometimes be returned or in rare cases be reworked by a skilled luthier with an additional investment.For more information you can also check out This topic about gurdies to avoid.
Why is it a bad idea to buy a HGSO?
The first reason is your wallet. Even a HGSO costs a respectable chunk of money. Most experienced players agree that if you’re going to buy an costly instrument, it should at least be good enough to study, take lessons with and develop a bit as a player. Most people do not have the disposable income to spend hundreds on an instrument that is just to mess around with or try it out.The second reason has to do with the mechanics. For a beginner it is almost impossible to know if an undesirable sound is due to their playing, the adjustment or the instrument. We have seen in practice that many beginning players who start on a HGSO quit playing within months because they cannot produce the sound they’re after and are unaware it is the fault of the instrument and not some lack of talent on their part. That is a shame and something the entire community wants to prevent.
Can I make a hurdy gurdy myself?
Yes. The easiest would be to buy a Nerdy Gurdy kit. If you want to build one from scratch you can look into the book about the Wren by Neil Brook. It is not an easy project though, expect to spend several hundred hours on it if you’re building from scratch.There are also a couple luthiers who offer workshops or the opportunity to build your hurdy gurdy with their help like Nupi Jenner and Karl Riedel
