Hurdy-gurdy is an interesting string instrument that was created long back in history. Despite being such an old musical instrument, it still holds its importance today.

Many people are willing to learn the hurdy-gurdy just because it fascinates them. Luckily, you can take the help of hurdy-gurdy books as there are plenty of them available. Just make sure to choose a good hurdy gurdy book that contains details about the instrument. That being said let us take a look into some things about the hurdy-gurdy.

Shape

According to records, there are twenty-three different types of hurdy-gurdies in existence today. The most popular kind is the six-stringed French vielle a roue, while other types were developed in different regions outside France.

Today, there are mainly two shapes for the instrument: one looks like a guitar and the other has a back like a lute. Both are common in French-speaking places, but the guitar-shaped ones are more common everywhere else. Some people who play early music use a box-shaped version called Symphonia.

Strings

In the past, strings were made from gut, which many still prefer today. Modern instruments usually have violin and cello strings, while metal-wound strings became more popular in the 1900s.

Sometimes, nylon strings are used, but not everyone likes them. Some instruments also have extra sympathetic strings, usually guitar or banjo B strings. The drone strings make steady sounds at set pitches. The melody strings are stopped with keys that change how long the string vibrates, similar to how a guitarist uses fingers on a guitar’s fretboard.

To sound right, each string needs to be wrapped with cotton or similar material. Melody strings use lighter cotton, while drone strings use heavier cotton. If the cottoning isn’t done right, the sound can be rough, especially at higher notes. Also, sometimes you need to adjust the height of the strings above the wheel surface using small pieces of paper, called shimming.

The hurdy-gurdy is a fascinating and versatile instrument with a rich history. Despite the lack of a standardized design, it has captivated musicians for centuries with its unique sound and intricate mechanics. The fact that it can adapt to different tunings and styles makes it stable for years to come.