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| One of the inhibiting factors
in learning the Hurdy Gurdy is the initial outlay
required. There is a temptation to buy a relatively cheap
second hand instrument which generally results in endless
frustration as a novice can't be expected to know how to
set it up. There is also every chance that the instrument
will have faults in construction. My solution to these problems has been to develop a "no frills" lute bodied Hurdy-gurdy with machine heads being the only extravagance. The choice of timbers and 5 stave body construction have resulted in a highly user friendly instrument with all the character of the more expensive models. Having played this model extensively, I find the smaller body and less powerful tone make this the ideal instrument for playing in the company of the more mainstream folk instruments, particularly Irish sessions. Appreciation of the usefulness of this size of instrument tempted me to build a compact model with the same specifications as the standard model . The body is alternating flamed maple and rosewood staves, the soundboard is either maple or spruce ( spruce for a warmer tone, maple for brilliance ).The purfling is alternating bone/ebony with an inner lining of perloid. The keybox lid, wheel cover and tailpiece are overlayed with a thick sawn ebony veneer inlayed with perloid. The quality and thickness of the ebony means it needs no varnish and this gives the keybox lid a superb smooth, low friction feel which makes fast playing much more comfortable. The cost is as the basic standard model . It is possible to fit the remote string selectors to this model . Further details can be seen <<<here>>> I have a policy of allowing the full purchase price of my Hurdy Gurdies ((in perfect condition), against the cost of a more expensive model. |