Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and relativley new to Gurdy playing. I'm from South
Australia and about to take delivery of my first Gurdy - This the actual
instrument being played by it's creator Neil Brook
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiJsPhEMHsM


Some of you may know my mentor Jane Ruckert who'll be at Youlgrave this
year....When my playing is up to scratch I'll venture on over too! Since Jane
took delivery of her W/Baumer I've had the privalege of being able to play her
luteback. Slowly mastering the trompette and putting some tunes and rythym
together. It's a love hate relationship buth the love always prevails.

Jane's new CD is out (subtle plug) and I'm sure you'll be able to get a copy off
her.

Any advice or encouragment would be appreciated.

Ben

P.S The user name reflects my current instrument - the Finnish Zither.

Hi All for people interested in historic instruments
Just found this on youtube;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMsN9XQ1KsA&feature=related
its Antonio Poves who makes and plays instruments that have been copied from
medieval Spanish paintings and carvings. One of my good friends
Manuel Waldesco Balaguer-cortes played on Antonio's Album.
Regards
Robin

Hi Kay

I've got the Abraxas model. It's a great colour for collecting dust!

Snozz

--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Kay S" <pwllbudr@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks, Snozz, that's really kind of you to offer, and I'd definitely like to
try a Gotschy as it is high on my list. I think I was attracted at first by the
Abraxas, but like the look of the others. But until I actual try some
instruments, I can't say for certain what I'll decide I really want the most!
>
> I am coming to the festival and look forward to seeing you there,
>
> BWs,
>
> Kay

Thanks, Bridget. I confess part of the attraction for the Abraxas is its look -
but I'm not sure I can justify paying another 400 Euros essentially just to
satisfy my aesthetic sensibilities! I don't need a pick-up system and like you I
don't mind the wooden pegs...

I quite like the look and description of the da Vinci too, but that's even more
expensive!

BWs

Kay

--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "halpin_bridget" <bridget.halpin@...>
wrote:
>
> Hi Kay,
> The standard Phoenix and the Abraxas are identical as far as they both have 5
strings in all: 2 chanterelles, 1 trompette and 2 drones (no mouche).  However,
the Abraxas has ebony keys, geared heads and an adjustable pick-up system, which
justifies the higher price.  But if you're happy to have wooden pegs (I'm quite
happy with them myself) and don't need a pick-up system (you can always buy a
reasonable quality "clip-on" pick-up) then you can save yourself 400 quid.  I
guess with any instrument it is best to pick it up in person, if that is
possible and practicable, but transport shouldn't affect the wheel in the way
Snozz described.
> Regards,
> Bridget
>
> --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Kay S" <pwllbudr@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks, Sylvain, Bridget and Snozz. Food for thought!
> >
> > I actually tried to post a reply a few days ago, but my post seemed to
vanish! Given what you said, Snozz, is it better to go to Germany to pick up an
instrument in person? Is it a common problem on the Gotschy that the wheel needs
work or were you unlucky?
> >
> > Also, does anyone know what the difference is between a Phoenix Standard and
the Phoenix Abraxas except for the fact the Abraxas is black and costs £400
more? Is there any difference in the actual instrument?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Kay
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "snozz_pipes" <snozz@> wrote:
> > >
> > > My Gotschy took a bit of work to get it sounding good - Neil Brook tidied
up the wheel for me as it was not perfectly round. When you turned it, you could
hear where it was uneven on one side of the wheel.
> > >
> > > I now have the strings suggested by Roddy McKenzie on here:
> > >
> > > 1st chanter 0.62 Aquila nylgut, 2nd chanter Thomastic Vision Viola d
string.
> > >
> > > My Gurdy is at last sounding good!
> > >
> > > Snozz
> > >
> > > --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "sylvain gagnon mini moteur 2000
inc" <bombardier@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > ok thanks  for the link  snozz .
> > > > i wonder to know   what mr  gotchy  use as wood or wood treatment  to  
have   so stable instrument ...   but  it is   probably  a maker secret . lol..
bye   sylvain
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Thanks ever so much for all that Roddy. Really useful to know. 'Bullet proof' in
particular would be a pretty important quality in our house! I guess that will
be true of all Gotschy instruments and not just the Boireaud luteback. What you
say about the strings is also useful as am also veggie, so I'll make a note of
that too.

BWs

Kay



--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "roddy.mckenzie" <roddy.julie@...>
wrote:
>
> Having a gotschy too I find it is pretty bullet proof as an instrument. Yes
the sound could be louder but it sings like a little bird and most people who
hear it thinks it sounds lovely. Sort of three quarters from a Symphonie to a
flat back.
> Because I use it for historical stuff it is all gut strung with a wound low
second chanter and drones. Tuned in c/g.
> Playing I tend to use the single high chanter for dance and the low one for
songs. I use both chanters for playing in groups.
> They are not as sweet as a guitar bodied gurdy but are sweeter than some lute
backs. I agree that the double high chanter is too screechy. I find that with
all unison strung gurdies and as an experimnet played my lute back with two low
chanters...sounded fantastic too but people thought it was a bit odd. Odd I
don't mind though.
> Helmut found mine for me by asking around his students as he had stopped
making them.
> I was going to get an Abraxas and had ordered one. But Helmut fell ill and I
got the Boireaud luteback instead which I am glad I did thinking back now as the
Abraxas would have been too similar to the one I had of course the electronics
would have been useful sometimes.
> For the money they are excellent Gurdies.
> But we also have some fine makers here and while an Eaton may have a long
waiting list Mike Gilpin and Neil Brook have shorter waiting times and some nice
instruments there too. What with the state of the pound now buying in the
eurozone is not good news.
> My Boireaud tuned d/g the second chanter is a Thomastic Vision d viola string
which is deep and resonant. You do need to be careful with them as the wind is
brittle but worth the little bit of extra care compared to the coreli crystal
that most people use.My first chanter is an Aquila Nylgut and thanks to Paul
Shepherd for pointing me towards them.
> I use these combinations not only because I like the sound but also because I
am veggie and would rather not buy gut strings unless I have really no option.
>

Thanks, Snozz, that's really kind of you to offer, and I'd definitely like to
try a Gotschy as it is high on my list. I think I was attracted at first by the
Abraxas, but like the look of the others. But until I actual try some
instruments, I can't say for certain what I'll decide I really want the most!

I am coming to the festival and look forward to seeing you there,

BWs,

Kay

--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "snozz_pipes" <snozz@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Kay
>
> With regards the wheel, it was something that was not right from the start -
the wheel was slightly off and needed making true. This would have been the case
had I collected the Gurdy in person on (as I did) had it shipped (ie it was not
something that was damaged in transit).
>
> I don't think it it common with them - I think I was unlucky. Helmut has made
hundreds of Gurdys and I have not come across it before - Ruth Bramley has a
'standard' Phoenix and I don't believe she's had any trouble.
>
> Is there a particular reason you fancy a Gotschy Gurdy?
>
> If you can make it to the festival you can certainly have a go on mine, and
i'm sure on other maker's gurdys. I tried 4 or 5 at St Chartier a couple of
years ago. I have to admit that part of the attraction to a Gotschy was the
short waiting time of 6 months!
>
> Snozz
>
>
>
>
> --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Kay S" <pwllbudr@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks, Sylvain, Bridget and Snozz. Food for thought!
> >
> > I actually tried to post a reply a few days ago, but my post seemed to
vanish! Given what you said, Snozz, is it better to go to Germany to pick up an
instrument in person? Is it a common problem on the Gotschy that the wheel needs
work or were you unlucky?
> >
> > Also, does anyone know what the difference is between a Phoenix Standard and
the Phoenix Abraxas except for the fact the Abraxas is black and costs £400
more? Is there any difference in the actual instrument?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Kay
> >
>

Hi All,

just came across an excellent new luteback build diary [In French]with superb
commentary and hundreds of pix detailing absolutely every stage.
Highly recommended. Will post link on the bulletin board too.

Steve

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/RNiepold/vielfrna.htm

Hi Peter, Keep us posted on your progress! (I just removed the blank albums, you
just click on the little square and then click the delete tab) I like your
tourne a gauche , is that a compartment for cotton? cool! I made one as a
present for Paul Sherwood ages ago, it wasnt very good though :)

  I still find it a bit clunky on the yahoo group having the seperate photo
albums, to plug a bulletin board feature you can add photos within your message
see : http://gurdy.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=58

Scott :)

  --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "peter" <rma-rhms@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Scott,
>                  Images uploaded to Dewit Hurdy Gurdy, I have also opened a
second album for Tourne a Gauche images. Perhaps others will add, could well be
an interesting section of folk art.
>
> I couldn't find the idiots charter for removing unwanted albums, I have
somehow managed to add two empty albums.
> Simple instructions for their removal would be appreciated.
> Peter
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Scott....again
>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>   Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 6:38 PM
>   Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Dewit HG, Ironmongery
>
>
>
>
>
>   Hi Peter ,
>   do you have any photos of your progress?
>   cheers Scott--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "turnatune"
<rma-rhms@> wrote:
>   >
>   > Hello ,
>   > I am progressing quite well with a Dewit, having completed the sound box,
pin box and all glued up ready to setin the ironwork, wheel & wheel bearing.
>   > I need a pointer as to the best location/supplier for a suitable thrust
bearing, wheel inserts/flange etc. Any pointers appreciated.
>   > thanks
>   > Peter
>   >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>   No virus found in this incoming message.
>   Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>   Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.4/2082 - Release Date: 04/27/09
06:19:00
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Scott....again

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 6:38 PM

Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Dewit HG, Ironmongery

Hi Peter ,
do you have any photos of your progress?
cheers Scott--- In HurdyGurdyForum@yahoogroups.co.uk, "turnatune" <rma-rhms@...> wrote:
>
> Hello ,
> I am progressing quite well with a Dewit, having completed the sound box, pin box and all glued up ready to setin the ironwork, wheel & wheel bearing.
> I need a pointer as to the best location/supplier for a suitable thrust bearing, wheel inserts/flange etc. Any pointers appreciated.
> thanks
> Peter
>

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.4/2082 - Release Date: 04/27/09 06:19:00

----- Original Message -----

From: paul james kelly

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:03 PM

Subject: Re: [HurdyGurdyForum] One not to buy!

i love the head of that hurdy gurdy --- On Tue, 28/4/09, Steve Evans <brunfelsia@hotmail.co.uk> wrote: From: Steve Evans <brunfelsia@hotmail.co.uk> Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] One not to buy! To: HurdyGurdyForum@yahoogroups.co.uk Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 4:07 PM An unusually shaped French gurdy masquerading as a pile of firewood! http://folkart. oneofakindantiqu es.com/7049_ early_french_ provincial_ mount_stringed_ instrument_ 8.htm Steve

Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.6/2084 - Release Date: 04/28/09 06:15:00

This is a great resource :

http://livetunebook.qualmograph.org.uk/

Shame

But I'll be at Upton this year (again). Not been to the sweeps for a couple of
years now. Always up for a bit of gurdy skullduggery though!
Anyone else at Upton? I'll probably be mainly playing melodeon though. But a jam
sesh on the field in the evening would be nice.

-- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., JULIE BARKER <drohne@...> wrote:
>
> I am sure a lot of people will be interested in those particular tunebooks.
> Will you have your stand at Rochester Sweeps Festival this weekend?
> Should be a good gurdy turn-out, Jon Loomes will be there with Heretique and I
will be jamming on some mediterranean psychedelia with Alexi Nonis and Andy
Renshaw. So if you know anyone who does not like gurdies better warn them to
stay away from the area around the Corn Exchange music market.
> Any passing gurdy players will be welcome to join any guerilla-gigging I am
involved in. Previous years we have had some rather good multi-gurdy jams and
have succeeded in entertaining the public and pissing off the council stewards
in equal measures.
>
> Philip G Martin aka Drohne
> www.drohne.co.uk
>
> --- On Tue, 28/4/09, PJ <pjmusic@...> wrote:
>
> From: PJ <pjmusic@...>
> Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Tunebooks
> To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
> Date: Tuesday, 28 April, 2009, 11:51 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I hope I am not crossing group etiquette here but I must tell you all about a
set of books I have available which I feel would suit HG down to the ground.
> There are 4 books in the set, Medieval books 1 & 2, Renaissance and 16th 17th
Century Dance Tunes and Songs.
> Pavannes, Saltarellos, Pollonaise etc. from all over Europe (French, Italian,
English) are included with very well researched bibliography and discograhpy.
> If anybody would like to know more, please get in touch
> Pete Cunningham
> PJ Music
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Steve Evans

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4:07 PM

Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] One not to buy!

An unusually shaped French gurdy masquerading as a pile of firewood!

http://folkart.oneofakindantiques.com/7049_early_french_provincial_mount_stringed_instrument_8.htm

Steve

An unusually shaped French gurdy masquerading as a pile of firewood!

http://folkart.oneofakindantiques.com/7049_early_french_provincial_mount_stringe\
d_instrument_8.htm


Steve

----- Original Message -----

From: Scott....again

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 6:38 PM

Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Dewit HG, Ironmongery

Hi Peter ,
do you have any photos of your progress?
cheers Scott--- In HurdyGurdyForum@yahoogroups.co.uk, "turnatune" <rma-rhms@...> wrote:
>
> Hello ,
> I am progressing quite well with a Dewit, having completed the sound box, pin box and all glued up ready to setin the ironwork, wheel & wheel bearing.
> I need a pointer as to the best location/supplier for a suitable thrust bearing, wheel inserts/flange etc. Any pointers appreciated.
> thanks
> Peter
>

---

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.4/2082 - Release Date: 04/27/09 06:19:00

That's because after spending 8 hours in front of the computer at work I tried
to type a blooming message at 11pm on the forum, made a small mistake that then
created a whole avalanche of little jobs. The devil and the details. Thanks for
testing and feedback, I really need you, folks.

So, all I wanted to say go to the website and click on the resources tab, but
managed to write it up as an URL, which was of course wrong. Then (because once
I had to change from Links to Resources and the job was just half-done) I had to
rename all sorts of things on the server and in my files and links for the tabs
etc...

Oh well, let's talk about hurdy-gurdies instead, that's much more interesting. I
love my tekero, called Zsuzsi (Susie), I didn't play her for months, took her
out again, she was hardly even out of tune and sang beautifully. Made by
Szerenyi.

By the way, I hope it's all fixed now. Good night. Gute nacht. Bon nuit. Bona
notte. Bona nox. Jo ejszakat. S pokoynoy nochi.

Cecilia

--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "kevin hughes" <brunokev@...> wrote:
>
> None of the workshop material links work.
>
> Kevin
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "Cecilia Patko" <cecilia@...>
> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 3:21 PM
> To: <HurdyGurdyForum@...>
> Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Another festival announcement-Corrected link
>
> > Sorry,
> >
> > My mistake, the right link:
> >
> > http://gurdy.co.uk/resources/resources.html
> >
> > Cecilia
> >
> >
> > --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Colin" <c.hl@> wrote:
> >>
> >> For some reason, the "resources" tab comes up as this
> >> http://gurdy.co.uk/links/links.html
> >> and it's on there :)
> >>
> >> Colin
> >>   ----- Original Message -----
> >>   From: Cecilia Patko
> >>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
> >>   Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM
> >>   Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>   Hello,
> >>
> >>   There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news
> >> that his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
> >>   www.gurdy.co.uk/resources
> >>
> >>   Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with
> >> slow version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested
> >> fingering should be kept please.
> >>
> >>   Cecilia
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Cecilia Patko" <cecilia@...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 3:21 PM
To: <HurdyGurdyForum@...>
Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Another festival announcement-Corrected link

> Sorry,
>
> My mistake, the right link:
>
> http://gurdy.co.uk/resources/resources.html
>
> Cecilia
>
>
> --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Colin" <c.hl@...> wrote:
>>
>> For some reason, the "resources" tab comes up as this
>> http://gurdy.co.uk/links/links.html
>> and it's on there :)
>>
>> Colin
>>   ----- Original Message -----
>>   From: Cecilia Patko
>>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>>   Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM
>>   Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>   Hello,
>>
>>   There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news
>> that his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
>>   www.gurdy.co.uk/resources
>>
>>   Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with
>> slow version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested
>> fingering should be kept please.
>>
>>   Cecilia
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

None of the workshop material links work.

Kevin

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Cecilia Patko" <cecilia@...>
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 3:21 PM
To: <HurdyGurdyForum@...>
Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Re: Another festival announcement-Corrected link

> Sorry,
>
> My mistake, the right link:
>
> http://gurdy.co.uk/resources/resources.html
>
> Cecilia
>
>
> --- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Colin" <c.hl@...> wrote:
>>
>> For some reason, the "resources" tab comes up as this
>> http://gurdy.co.uk/links/links.html
>> and it's on there :)
>>
>> Colin
>>   ----- Original Message -----
>>   From: Cecilia Patko
>>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>>   Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM
>>   Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>   Hello,
>>
>>   There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news
>> that his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
>>   www.gurdy.co.uk/resources
>>
>>   Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with
>> slow version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested
>> fingering should be kept please.
>>
>>   Cecilia
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Sorry,

My mistake, the right link:

http://gurdy.co.uk/resources/resources.html

Cecilia


--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Colin" <c.hl@...> wrote:
>
> For some reason, the "resources" tab comes up as this
> http://gurdy.co.uk/links/links.html
> and it's on there :)
>
> Colin
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Cecilia Patko
>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>   Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM
>   Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement
>
>
>
>
>
>   Hello,
>
>   There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news that
his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
>   www.gurdy.co.uk/resources
>
>   Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with slow
version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested fingering should
be kept please.
>
>   Cecilia
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Cecilia Patko

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM

Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement

Hello,

There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news that his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
www.gurdy.co.uk/resources

Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with slow version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested fingering should be kept please.

Cecilia

----- Original Message -----

From: Cecilia Patko

To: HurdyGurdyForum@...

Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 10:57 PM

Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Another festival announcement

Hello,

There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news that his workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
www.gurdy.co.uk/resources

Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with slow version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested fingering should be kept please.

Cecilia

Hello,

There are quite a few people who booked Cliff's masterclass, good news that his
workshop tune is now available to download from the website:
www.gurdy.co.uk/resources

Cliff has included both D and G versions, sheet music and audio with slow
version are available. He is also stressing that the suggested fingering should
be kept please.

Cecilia

More hurdy gurdy girls, but not the Aussie ones here
http://www.hotpipes.com/hggirls2.html

--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "Greg Ruckert" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> In Australia we had "The Hurdy Gurdy Girls", a gurdy duet from Queensland,
audition in period costume a couple of years ago.  Though they were playing
perfectly they were absolutely ridiculed at the time.
> To add insult to injury, during this year's grand final a couple of weeks ago,
they showed "highlights" from previous years and took the opportunity put a
snippet of them in a piece they felt were wacky acts.
> Yes you would get on but is the likely outcome what you would really want?
> Greg Ruckert
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Colin
>   To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>   Sent: Saturday, April 25, 2009 7:09 AM
>   Subject: Re: [HurdyGurdyForum] Britain (way off topic)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   A hurdy gurdy ensemble maybe?
>   Imagine his face!
>   Colin Hill
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     From: JULIE BARKER
>     To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>     Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:48 PM
>     Subject: Re: [HurdyGurdyForum] Britain (way off topic)
>
>
>           Only Two? Any job worth doing is worth doing properly. How about an
audition session where a succession of hurdy-gurdy players turn up and trompett
Mr Cowell into submission.
>
>           Philip G Martin aka Drohne
>           www.drohne.co.uk
>
>           --- On Fri, 24/4/09, ROBIN <lorna.robin@...> wrote:
>
>             From: ROBIN <lorna.robin@...>
>             Subject: [HurdyGurdyForum] Britain (way off topic)
>             To: HurdyGurdyForum@...
>             Date: Friday, 24 April, 2009, 8:56 PM
>
>
>             Why haven't I seen a hurdy gurdy player on "Britains got talent"
yet
>             lolllllll
>             If we got organized next year we could get at least two players to
every audition and freak out Simon Cowell.
>
>             Regards
>             Robin
>

Hi Peter ,
do you have any photos of your progress?
cheers Scott--- In HurdyGurdyForum@..., "turnatune" <rma-rhms@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello ,
>       I am progressing quite well with a Dewit, having completed the sound
box, pin box and all glued up ready to setin the ironwork, wheel & wheel
bearing.
>    I need a pointer as to the best location/supplier for a suitable thrust
bearing, wheel inserts/flange etc. Any pointers appreciated.
> thanks
> Peter
>

There are two statements on this thread that need highlighting. Their importance
is rarely explained.
One that should be in bold type and underlined is Neil's one about compromise.
Gurdies really were designed for C/G tuning and therefore D/G tuning will always
be a compromise. Took me ages to work that one out. After all it isn't a problem
with guitars is it? You may think blindingly obvious but no it isn't at all
obvious. Tangents all over the place till you get the ideal compromise for your
instrument. Frustration too. Takes time to sort out.
The second one is Robins one about tension.Tension is a personal thing to a
degree and that is why I posted the string calculators on here a few weeks ago.
Use them and you can set your own tension.
For my money the Thomastik Viola d Vision string is far and above the best
second chanter for a G/D gurdy.Compared to its nearest rival the coreli crystal
the tone is clearer and sweeter althought the string is more fragile. I keep a
coreli that has already been fitted and well played as a spare just in case as
they are almost indestructable but I find the tone from them a bit muddy.May be
my Boireaud though!
The Vision string doesn't make any tangent buzzing noises on my Boireaud. But
the low G fitted on my Gotschy does but its quite a nice sound and similar to
one the Nigel Eaton gets on 'Like the Snow' which is my favourite gurdy sound
(and almost identical to Graham Whyte's tone). So I wouldn't mind if it did make
a little sound. Personal really.
The gurdy is one heck of an individual instrument. You can meet ten players and
you'll get ten different sounds and only a few of them will be to your liking.
But ask the players if it is to their liking. You may get some strange answers!