"Build a Hurdy Gurdy" by Bart Brush from Mugwumps Magazine, March 1974
A note from Shane: In researching various obscure musical instruments, I have discovered the treasure trove of information from Mugwumps, a now defunct magazine originally published by Michael Holmes of Silver Spring, MD. The bi-monthly journal celebrated old time music, unusual folk instruments and served as a classifieds for the emerging bluegrass community of the 1970's.
These handwritten plans were found in the March 1974 issue.
CHALLENGE TO IMPROVE THESE PLANS: If you have improvements to these plans, please post them in the comments below. Also use the comments section to post any photos and descriptions of hurdy gurdy's ("gurdies?") that you've built.
Wikipedia describes the Hurdy Gurdy as "a stringed instrument that produces sound by a hand crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard that presses tangents—small wedges, typically made of wood—against one or more of the strings to change their pitch.
Here's a great video showing the instrument and it's sound featuring Cigar Box Nation member, Will Cornell.
From the original article: This article will explain the basics of the construction of a Medieval type Hurdy-Gurdy, giving the essential measurements and procedures. It should be remembered that the Hurdy-Gurdy is not a hightly evolved instrument like the violin, for example, and therefore there is no one superior shape or form. In fact, even the important measurements of wheel diameter and string length which I have given, can be changed; these are just the particular ones I have found most satisfactory.
PDF Download: Build a Hurdy Gurdy
Mugwumps was one of the first publications to reprint old patents and present plans for instruments such as this improved gut bucket bass. To my knowledge, all Mugwumps issues are completely out of print and not available in reprint. I present these plans to you as an easy-to-download PDF. Print them out and build away
Tags:
Sorry to break it to you, but Will did not build that hurdy gurdy from the plans. A small operation here in Denver used to sell kits. Here is a photo of mine.
That is beautiful Peter! Any plans available anywhere for it?
didn't meant to imply Will's gurdy was from these plans. I just wanted to have a video example of what a hurdy gurdy actually was. :)
Quite true, my gurdy is an Altarwind built by George Leverett. There is a very basic rudimentary kit from UGears that C. B. Gitty does sell--and it's an affordable version of what can be a very complicated and expensive instrument. Check it out and once you build one of them, you might want to explore these plans here. Not for beginners!
Unfortunately no plans, I don't even have the name of the little business that sold the kits. It was about 30-years ago and it closed down and disappeared long ago. He had kits for just about every stringed instrument you can think of, and they were reasonably priced. I wish they were still around.
Peter
Ah well, thanks anyway mate!
Check out "Nerdy Gurdy". They have nice kits (laser cut).
Another site for hurdygurdy
Just had a quick look at that site Titch, think I just found a new project to do in between cbg builds !! Cheers!
Started by John B Treutlein in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd 1 hour ago. 6 Replies 4 Likes
Started by John B Treutlein in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans 15 hours ago. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Jim Booth in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Jim Booth on Saturday. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Jerry Draper in Using cigarboxnation.com - posting, profiles, web help. Last reply by John B Treutlein on Saturday. 12 Replies 1 Like
Started by Anthony adams in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Anthony adams on Saturday. 5 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Mark in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Paul Craig on Thursday. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Robert Bryan in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Paul Craig on Thursday. 6 Replies 1 Like
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Paul Craig on Wednesday. 20 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Muddytone in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Paul Craig on Wednesday. 8 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Engblom in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Infirmity Citrus President Jan 28. 2 Replies 1 Like
Started by Luke H in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Jan 25. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever Jan 11. 0 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Engblom in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Engblom Jan 7. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Engblom in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Jan 6. 2 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Engblom in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. Dec 26, 2022. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by T-Gripped in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by T-Gripped Dec 25, 2022. 18 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Tom T Dec 25, 2022. 8 Replies 6 Likes
Started by BrianQ. in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Uncle John Dec 23, 2022. 2 Replies 2 Likes
Started by BrianQ. in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by BrianQ. Dec 22, 2022. 11 Replies 0 Likes
Started by David Blackburn in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Byrd Franklin Dec 22, 2022. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Posted by Ghostbuttons on January 15, 2023 at 12:00pm 1 Comment 2 Likes
Posted by Cigar Box Nation on October 13, 2022 at 11:00am 33 Comments 6 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on October 3, 2022 at 2:05pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Poorness Studios on September 17, 2022 at 2:00am 4 Comments 3 Likes
Posted by BrianQ. on August 26, 2022 at 5:05pm 0 Comments 1 Like
June 3, 2023 from 11am to 8pm – Huntsville, AL
0 Comments 0 Likes
© 2023 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.
Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!