WORKING CONDITION: Very Good. The crank works well, and the sound is even between the strings. Tuning these can be a challenge, but these tuning keys are operational.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Very Good. All mechanical parts function well, and there are no cracks in the Spruce or Mahogany. We don't know who made it, as there aren't any tags or indication of the builder, but it is very clean and solidly built

INVENTORY # 59040

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a Spruce & Mahogany Hurdy Gurdy. 


The hurdy-gurdy is a unique medieval string instrument from the 16th century that produces sound via a hand-cranked, rosined wheel acting as a bow against strings, combined with a keyboard that presses tangents against the strings to change pitch. It typically features melody, drone, and "trumpet" strings for rhythmic buzzing.  The hurdy-gurdy is a centuries-old string instrument that produces sound through a hand-cranked, rosined wheel rubbing against strings, acting much like a continuous violin bow. Often described as a "wheel fiddle," it is famous for its unique bagpipe-like sound, which comes from a combination of melody strings and constant drone strings.

SPECS:

• How It Works:
  • The Wheel & Crank: Turning the handle rotates a wooden or plastic wheel. This wheel vibrates the strings to create a constant sound.
  • The Keyboard: Instead of pressing fingers directly onto strings, players press keys. These keys move small wooden wedges called tangents to change the pitch of the melody strings.
  • Drone Strings: Most hurdy-gurdies have strings that sit outside the keybox and play a single, continuous note regardless of the melody.
  • The "Buzzing Bridge" (Trompette): A unique feature where a loose bridge, sometimes called the "dog," vibrates against the soundboard when the player turns the crank with a quick, rhythmic flick.

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: This item comes as seen in photos and does not include any accessories.

EXTRAS INCLUDED:

• None

UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 5 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 28" x 7" x 13"