| This is the result of a commission to build a
device which would mimic the keyboard of the hurdy-gurdy but could be
heard on headphones if required. It consists of a full size keybox grafted onto a Yamaha PSS 21 electronic keyboard. The gurdy keys play the full range of a G/C instrument. There is a device which plays the open note when no keys are pressed. The PSS 21 has a variety of sounds and rhythms built in and while not of a pro. quality, they are some of the best tones you get on these small keyboards. The two keys on the far left are latching and play a drone of C or D in whatever voice is selected. ( A different voice can be selected for the melody). The far right key latches to hold the "open string" note off as required |
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Korgurdy
Spurred on by the positive feedback on the concept of the keyboard trainer, It was suggested that the microKorg analogue modelling synth would be an intriguing device to interface with the gurdy keybox. The result is pictured above. A major part of the build was to physically cut off the bottom octave of the keyboard and the pitch/mod wheels and re-site them so the basses are played with the right hand. The basses can be latched on to play drones.
This instrument also has midi out capability so feeding the midi to a keyboard or module with a split mode will allow a different voice to be used for the drones.