Instrument | A Millennia Of The H

"In order to play musically and express themselves, a violin player must spend years perfecting their intonation and bowing technique. In contrast, a hurdy gurdy player achieves much of their sonic expression and stylistic refinement in the selection, preparation, and set-up of an instrument, inventing time and technical skills before playing to ensure good sound and function." (Lommel and Nagy n.d.)

Originally the Hurdy-Gurdy was a two-person instrument but due to humankinds increased knowledge and crafting techniques we have been able to make a Hurdy-Gurdy into a one-person instrument. The Hurdy-Gurdy has been known by many names between all the different cultures that have made it and attributed to its continued development. It is classified as a Vielle being a string instrument (bowed), but has also been known as an Organistrum, Wheel Fiddle, Wheel Vielle, and Zanfona.

Below we will go into a brief overview of the workings of the more modern designed Hurdy-Gurdy's.

On the left is a crank you pull and push to spin the wheel. Different speeds and techniques change the sound. When this instrument was used alongside choirs, its crank speed would match the voices to resonate alongside the choir.

The rosin covered wheel spins against different type of strings to create a droning sound. Most Gurdy's have 2 melody, 2 chantelle, and 2 drone strings mostly set to C/G or D/G. Some Gurdy's have a buzzing bridge creating a more unique sound.

You apply cotton to the strings to protect the strings and prevent screeching noise. Much like a violin bow except with a wheel. Too much cotton you loose sound, not enough and it will create a screeching sound.

Push keys which are used to apply tension to the strings much like a piano. The push keys usually have a click noise associated with their use as they return to their original position. Each key must be individually tuned during maintenance.

The Hurdy-Gurdy being played in a sitting position. It can be done standing but you need a torso belt and not a guitar strap. When this was a 2-person instrument it was around 1.5 meters long and one player would push the keys while the other would crank the wheel.

Different Gurdy's are set in specific keys. Some Gurdy's may have as little as 3-strings, to over 20-strings. Due to Gurdy's construction being culturally based and handmade, prices can be upwards of $5,000 for some instruments and have over a year waitlist.