Herdy Gurdy

[colinz]

Hello to the list, a newby from the land of the long white cloud. NZ.
l am interested in the Hurdy Gurdy, any one been there? sorce for plans and details would be very welcome, Happy New Year, Regards Colin.

[Puff]

Hi Colin - there are plans- just Google but be wary -
"The hurdy-gurdy has a well developed tradition in Eastern Europe, in particular in Hungary, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. In Ukraine it is known as the lira or relia. It was and still is played by professional, often blind, itinerant musicians known as lirnyky. Their repertoire is primarily para-religious in theme, although it includes many historic epics known as dumy and folk dances. Lirnyky were categorised as beggars by the Russian authorities and underwent harsh repressive measures if they performed in the streets of major cities until 1902, when the authorities were asked by ethnographers attending the 12th All-Russian Archaeological conference to stop persecuting them. In the 1930s this tradition was almost totally eradicated by the Soviet authorities when some 250-300 lirnyky were rounded up for an ethnographic conference and executed as a socially undesirable element in contemporary Soviet society. Today the instrument is undergoing a revival and is also being used in various ethnographic ensembles."
And the banjo boys here thought they had it bad

[kiwigeo]

A Hurdy Gurdy.....that's sort of like a banjo with a crank isnt it??

[DarwinStrings]

Interesting choice of instrument Colin, you don't see many down under and I have only ever seen them played in the UK by various folk bands. There is a UK Hurdy Gurdy forum and a few UK builders, good luck and please stick around the forum as I would love to see what you come up with.

Jim

[P Bill]

I saw a hurdy gurdy preformer with the memorable name, Barb Dwyer. Thefirst thing she asked was " how long does it take to tune a hurdy gurdy ? nobody knows."

[Allen]

Never seen one so had a look on Wikipedia. What do you know, it's a really weird and amazing instrument that just looks great fun to build. This might be an outstanding example of one, but something to aspire to nonetheless.

[Kim]

youtu.be/


youtu.be/

[kiwigeo]

Ok now THAT'S cool.

[Dominic]

Who says its a folk instrument. How about some Metallica with hurdy gurdy. Check for Jame's comment at the end.

youtu.be/

[Ron Wisdom]

This company is good to deal with and they have a finished hurdy gurdy or a kit or just the plans.

http://www.harpkit.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?


Ron

[Mike Thomas]

Harry Wass is a professional medieval instrument maker who makes hurdy gurdys. He lives in Pelverata, near Hobart. I don't think he has a web site, but if you google him, you will get plenty of hits. He would be worth contacting.

[Nick]

Hi Colin, I know nothing about these things so apologise for breaking into your post but just wanted to welcome you to the forum, I'm one of a growing number of Kiwi's on the forum. We should out number the Aussies one day & yes, please do post any build pics or build descriptions once you get underway.
What part of the country do you call home?

[kiwigeo]

Some good stuff here including plans and build logs etc:

http://www.hurdygurdy.com/info/build.htm

[sebastiaan56]

I met a Hurdy Gurdy maker at a medieval carry on about 20 years ago. I dont remember if it was Harry but his instruments had a big sound. Very unique and perfect accompaniment for dancing, drinking etc. I didnt have the 5K needed to buy one....

[Puff]

Have never come across a venue for clog dancing selling scotch

[colinz]

Hay Guys,
Thanks soooooooooooo much for you input just what l wanted, l make Ukuleles and live in Titirangi Auckland, as may fingers are getting old and don't bend at the ends any more l thought a Hurdy Gurdy may be the go.
Regards to all Colin.

[kiwigeo]

Have never come across a venue for clog dancing selling scotch

I think Gin would be the drink of choice at such venues.