Herdy Gurdy

Talk about musical instrument construction, setup and repair.

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colinz
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Herdy Gurdy

Post by colinz » Sat Jan 01, 2011 3:36 pm

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
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Puff » Sat Jan 01, 2011 3:56 pm

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 :mrgreen:

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kiwigeo
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by kiwigeo » Sat Jan 01, 2011 4:25 pm

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

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DarwinStrings
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by DarwinStrings » Sat Jan 01, 2011 5:02 pm

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.

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P Bill
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by P Bill » Sat Jan 01, 2011 6:01 pm

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."
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Allen
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Allen » Sat Jan 01, 2011 6:21 pm

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.
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Louvet_Drehleier.JPG
This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons. Information from its description page there is shown below.

description: Drehleier (Vielle de dames oder Damendrehleier) von oder nach einem Modell des Geigenbauers Pierre Louvet mit sichtbaren Melodie- und Schnarrsaiten auf dem Rad. Deutlich erkennt man die kolophoniumgetränkten Baumwollfasern.
source: private
photographer: User:Frinck51
date: 31 Jan 2005
Original Uploader was Frinck at 12:12, 3. Nov 2004.
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Kim
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Kim » Sat Jan 01, 2011 7:56 pm


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kiwigeo
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by kiwigeo » Sat Jan 01, 2011 10:30 pm

Ok now THAT'S cool.
Martin

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Dominic
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Dominic » Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:26 pm

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

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Ron Wisdom
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Ron Wisdom » Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:37 am

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

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Mike Thomas
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Mike Thomas » Sun Jan 02, 2011 8:48 am

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.
Last edited by Mike Thomas on Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Nick
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Nick » Sun Jan 02, 2011 8:53 am

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. :cl We should out number the Aussies one day :lol: & yes, please do post any build pics or build descriptions once you get underway.
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kiwigeo
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by kiwigeo » Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:28 am

Some good stuff here including plans and build logs etc:

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

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sebastiaan56
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by sebastiaan56 » Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:18 pm

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....
make mine fifths........

Puff
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by Puff » Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:25 pm

Have never come across a venue for clog dancing selling scotch :mrgreen:

colinz
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by colinz » Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:27 pm

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.

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kiwigeo
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Re: Herdy Gurdy

Post by kiwigeo » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:49 am

Puff wrote:Have never come across a venue for clog dancing selling scotch :mrgreen:
I think Gin would be the drink of choice at such venues.
Martin

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