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Symphony/ Hurdy-Gurdy
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KGB
Dec 2, 2011, 6:20:21 AM12/2/11
to
Hi
I have always "lusted" after a hurdy-gurdy but cannot justify the
large financial outlay on an instrument I may not be able to get the
hang of playing. However, I am now lowering my sights and - with
Christmas approaching - am thinking of treating myself to a symphony
(symphonie??).
Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
Possibilities I have in mind are a "Beharrell" (photos show it as
probably using modern materials, which I feel may be an advantage to
a beginner) or a "Chris Eaton" (looks to be more "traditionally"
constructed - albeit more expensive). Another cheaper possibility is
to buy a kit from the "Early Music Shop" and make it myself. Any
comments about this idea would be appreciated (I used to build fairly
complex radio controlled model aircraft from kits , so it shouldn't be
beyond my capabilities!!!).
Websites seem to imply that a fair amount of preparing the strings is
necessary before playing the thing to avoid it sounding like a cat
being strangled. Are they difficult to set up before a session, or
just a question of picking it up and winding the handle!!
Bearing in mind that I can knock out a tune (admittedly badly in some
cases) on a variety of stringed instruments and played the piano
reasonably in my youth, would I find a symphony fairly easy to get
the hang of and what number of strings would players recommend to
somebody new to hurdy-gurdys; Chris Eaton appears to do either 3 or 6
string symphonies - the Beharrell looks to have 4 strings.
I would also point out that, as far as I know, there are no
symphonie/hurdy-gurdy tutors in my part of the UK, so would have to be
self-taught. is this possible or a non-starter?
Any help would be appreciated.
Regards
KGB
I have always "lusted" after a hurdy-gurdy but cannot justify the
large financial outlay on an instrument I may not be able to get the
hang of playing. However, I am now lowering my sights and - with
Christmas approaching - am thinking of treating myself to a symphony
(symphonie??).
Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
Possibilities I have in mind are a "Beharrell" (photos show it as
probably using modern materials, which I feel may be an advantage to
a beginner) or a "Chris Eaton" (looks to be more "traditionally"
constructed - albeit more expensive). Another cheaper possibility is
to buy a kit from the "Early Music Shop" and make it myself. Any
comments about this idea would be appreciated (I used to build fairly
complex radio controlled model aircraft from kits , so it shouldn't be
beyond my capabilities!!!).
Websites seem to imply that a fair amount of preparing the strings is
necessary before playing the thing to avoid it sounding like a cat
being strangled. Are they difficult to set up before a session, or
just a question of picking it up and winding the handle!!
Bearing in mind that I can knock out a tune (admittedly badly in some
cases) on a variety of stringed instruments and played the piano
reasonably in my youth, would I find a symphony fairly easy to get
the hang of and what number of strings would players recommend to
somebody new to hurdy-gurdys; Chris Eaton appears to do either 3 or 6
string symphonies - the Beharrell looks to have 4 strings.
I would also point out that, as far as I know, there are no
symphonie/hurdy-gurdy tutors in my part of the UK, so would have to be
self-taught. is this possible or a non-starter?
Any help would be appreciated.
Regards
KGB
Dave Holland
Dec 2, 2011, 8:09:36 AM12/2/11
to
KGB <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> wrote:
>Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
>personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
Assuming you want to buy from a UK maker, then I would recommend Chris
>Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
>personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
Allen, Neil Brook or Mike Gilpin, whose instruments are all very fine:
http://www.hurdygurdy.org/morepicssymphonie.htm
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/symph.html
http://hurdygurdy.biz/instruments.htm
You already mentioned Chris Eaton (I have a luteback by him, which I
love) who I'd recommend with the caveat that he has a 2-3 year waiting
list for new instruments; and Beharrell, whose instruments I'm not
familiar with, but are viewable on youtube.
I mean no offence to any other makers who I've not mentioned simply
because I'm not familiar with their instruments.
"Try before you buy" and read this page:
http://simonwascher.info/HGbuy.htm
is the best advice I can give. Many/most players will also be
happy to let you try their instruments to help you form an opinion.
The more instruments you try then (hopefully) the happier you will be
with your final choice.
Also consider joining the HG mailing lists:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/HurdyGurdyForum/
http://www.hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm
because there is no shortage of opinions to be had there.
>Websites seem to imply that a fair amount of preparing the strings is
>necessary before playing the thing to avoid it sounding like a cat
>being strangled.
>I would also point out that, as far as I know, there are no
>symphonie/hurdy-gurdy tutors in my part of the UK, so would have to be
>self-taught. is this possible or a non-starter?
http://www.hurdygurdymethod.co.uk/
but you will progress more quickly, pick up fewer bad habits, and
better learn how to set up the instrument if you have a teacher. Where
are you based? There's a list of teachers part way down this page:
http://www.gurdypedia.com/Gurdypedia/Directory.html
and I can recommend all of them.
I hope that's useful.
Cheers,
Dave
JohnB
Dec 2, 2011, 9:45:13 AM12/2/11
to
On Dec 2, 11:20 am, "KGB" <FedUpWithS...@NoEmailAddre.ss> (KGB)
wrote:
I have a symphonie (which I rarely play because I can never find time
to try to sort out its "problems") which I bought second hand from the
Early Music Shop in Saltaire. They often have hurdys second hand too.
Worth checking out.
Mine was imported from, I think, Brazil when it was new. I think it
was made by Morrello but my memory's not what it used to be :-) It's
ok, perfectly good enough to learn on - 4 strings, two melody, two
drone - you pick either melody string and either or both drones. It
certainly needs plenty of rosin and a few cannily placed bits of
folded paper (honest!). My problem is sticky sliders which shouldn't
be difficult to fix, just time consuming. I'd happily sell it to
someone who could give it the required tlc as I'm hardly playing it,
just using it for demonstrations to the WI :-) ["How to tune a cat"]
wrote:
to try to sort out its "problems") which I bought second hand from the
Early Music Shop in Saltaire. They often have hurdys second hand too.
Worth checking out.
Mine was imported from, I think, Brazil when it was new. I think it
was made by Morrello but my memory's not what it used to be :-) It's
ok, perfectly good enough to learn on - 4 strings, two melody, two
drone - you pick either melody string and either or both drones. It
certainly needs plenty of rosin and a few cannily placed bits of
folded paper (honest!). My problem is sticky sliders which shouldn't
be difficult to fix, just time consuming. I'd happily sell it to
someone who could give it the required tlc as I'm hardly playing it,
just using it for demonstrations to the WI :-) ["How to tune a cat"]
KGB
Dec 3, 2011, 6:03:39 AM12/3/11
to
On Fri, 2 Dec 2011 13:09:36 +0000, Dave Holland <da...@biff.org.uk>
wrote:
>KGB <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> wrote:
>>Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
>>personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
>
>Assuming you want to buy from a UK maker, then I would recommend Chris
>Allen, Neil Brook or Mike Gilpin, whose instruments are all very fine:
>http://www.hurdygurdy.org/morepicssymphonie.htm
>http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/symph.html
>http://hurdygurdy.biz/instruments.htm
<SNIP>
Thanks, yes it was useful. I live in the North West of the UK, so it
may make sense to buy one from Neil Brook who lives in Preston as it's
not too far away for a personal visit. I have just spoken to him on
the phone and his waiting list for instruments is around nine months,
so not too long to wait either.
However, events have moved on from my original post and we are now on
plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
Regards
KGB
wrote:
>KGB <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> wrote:
>>Can anyone recommend a maker (there are several on the WWW but a
>>personal recommendation is always a help in decision making)?
>
>Assuming you want to buy from a UK maker, then I would recommend Chris
>Allen, Neil Brook or Mike Gilpin, whose instruments are all very fine:
>http://www.hurdygurdy.org/morepicssymphonie.htm
>http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/symph.html
>http://hurdygurdy.biz/instruments.htm
>I hope that's useful.
Hi
Thanks, yes it was useful. I live in the North West of the UK, so it
may make sense to buy one from Neil Brook who lives in Preston as it's
not too far away for a personal visit. I have just spoken to him on
the phone and his waiting list for instruments is around nine months,
so not too long to wait either.
However, events have moved on from my original post and we are now on
plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
Regards
KGB
J. P. Gilliver (John)
Dec 3, 2011, 7:56:55 AM12/3/11
to
In message <4eda0131...@news.albasani.net>, KGB
<FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> writes:
[]
That is really nice of her! Lucky you.
It would be churlish to ask (so why am I doing so? Probably your last
line prompted me ...) - was that "look far nicer" as in "appear to be
far nicer", i. e. are more pleasant (or whatever) to operate, or "are
more pleasant to look at"? [Or don't you know which she meant and aren't
going to ask (-:!]
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
... his charming, bumbling best, a serial monogamist terrified of commitment,
who comes across as a sort of Bertie Wooster but with a measurable IQ. - Barry
Norman on Hugh Grant's persona in certain films, Radio Times 3-9 July 2010
<FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> writes:
[]
>However, events have moved on from my original post and we are now on
>plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
>mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
>contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
>a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
>they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
>but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
>
>Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
[]
>plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
>mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
>contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
>a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
>they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
>but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
>
>Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
That is really nice of her! Lucky you.
It would be churlish to ask (so why am I doing so? Probably your last
line prompted me ...) - was that "look far nicer" as in "appear to be
far nicer", i. e. are more pleasant (or whatever) to operate, or "are
more pleasant to look at"? [Or don't you know which she meant and aren't
going to ask (-:!]
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G.5AL-IS-P--Ch++(p)Ar@T0H+Sh0!:`)DNAf
... his charming, bumbling best, a serial monogamist terrified of commitment,
who comes across as a sort of Bertie Wooster but with a measurable IQ. - Barry
Norman on Hugh Grant's persona in certain films, Radio Times 3-9 July 2010
KGB
Dec 3, 2011, 8:47:52 AM12/3/11
to
On Sat, 3 Dec 2011 12:56:55 +0000, "J. P. Gilliver (John)"
<G6...@soft255.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In message <4eda0131...@news.albasani.net>, KGB
><FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> writes:
>[]
>>However, events have moved on from my original post and we are now on
>>plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
>>mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
>>contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
>>a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
>>they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
>>but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
>>
>>Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
>[]
>That is really nice of her! Lucky you.
>
>It would be churlish to ask (so why am I doing so? Probably your last
>line prompted me ...) - was that "look far nicer" as in "appear to be
>far nicer", i. e. are more pleasant (or whatever) to operate, or "are
>more pleasant to look at"? [Or don't you know which she meant and aren't
>going to ask (-:!]
Hi
<G6...@soft255.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In message <4eda0131...@news.albasani.net>, KGB
><FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> writes:
>[]
>>However, events have moved on from my original post and we are now on
>>plan "B". Having carefully chosen my moment, caught my wife in a good
>>mood and plucked up the courage to broach the news to her that I was
>>contemplating buying a symphony, the response I got from her was, why
>>a symphony? Why not go the whole hog and buy a proper hurdy-gurdy -
>>they look far nicer!!! I took a deep breath and told her the price
>>but she just shrugged, so I didn't argue!!!!
>>
>>Strewth, don't women surprise you!! 8^)
>[]
>That is really nice of her! Lucky you.
>
>It would be churlish to ask (so why am I doing so? Probably your last
>line prompted me ...) - was that "look far nicer" as in "appear to be
>far nicer", i. e. are more pleasant (or whatever) to operate, or "are
>more pleasant to look at"? [Or don't you know which she meant and aren't
>going to ask (-:!]
I am fairly certain that she meant the physical appearance. She
probably assumes that once I get the hang of the thing, it will sound
superb (more probably - misplaced faith in my musical abilities)
although in any case, I suspect that I will be banished to the garden
shed to practice.
Incidentally, the one she thinks looks nice and I am tempted to order
is (bottom picture):- <http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/STTOM.html>
Any comments (good or bad) on my choice would be appreciated.
Regards
KGB
a l l y
Dec 21, 2011, 6:06:55 PM12/21/11
to
"KGB (KGB)" <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> wrote in message
news:4eda284a...@news.albasani.net...
Well you'd certainly be heard a bit more easily by the denizens of the PoW
with a hurdy-gurdy.
(Hey - JPG - didn't realise you frequented these parts too! I should pop in
more often.)
ally
news:4eda284a...@news.albasani.net...
with a hurdy-gurdy.
(Hey - JPG - didn't realise you frequented these parts too! I should pop in
more often.)
ally
KGB
Dec 22, 2011, 10:04:05 AM12/22/11
to
On Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:06:55 -0000, "a l l y"
<al...@situponTAKETHEDOGGIEOUTseats.co.uk> wrote:
<SNIP>
Having looked at and unsuccessfully attempted to wring a single note
out of the Beharrel Symphony on sale at "Hobgoblin Music":-
<http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/shbigpic.php?Code=63WA1119>
I have now decided to save up and buy a "proper" Hurdy-Gurdy from Neil
Brook, either:-
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/STTOM.html
or:-
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/GTRBKPGE.html
My reasoning is that, apart from the fact he has a shorter waiting
list, he lives nearer my home which means that I can actually visit
him in the New Year and look at an instrument before committing
myself.
Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
appreciated.
Regards
KGB
<al...@situponTAKETHEDOGGIEOUTseats.co.uk> wrote:
<SNIP>
>> I am fairly certain that she meant the physical appearance. She
>> probably assumes that once I get the hang of the thing, it will sound
>> superb (more probably - misplaced faith in my musical abilities)
>> although in any case, I suspect that I will be banished to the garden
>> shed to practice.
>>
>> Incidentally, the one she thinks looks nice and I am tempted to order
>> is (bottom picture):- <http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/STTOM.html>
>>
>> Any comments (good or bad) on my choice would be appreciated.
>>
>
>Well you'd certainly be heard a bit more easily by the denizens of the PoW
>with a hurdy-gurdy.
>
>(Hey - JPG - didn't realise you frequented these parts too! I should pop in
>more often.)
>
>ally
Hi Ally
>> probably assumes that once I get the hang of the thing, it will sound
>> superb (more probably - misplaced faith in my musical abilities)
>> although in any case, I suspect that I will be banished to the garden
>> shed to practice.
>>
>> Incidentally, the one she thinks looks nice and I am tempted to order
>> is (bottom picture):- <http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/STTOM.html>
>>
>> Any comments (good or bad) on my choice would be appreciated.
>>
>
>Well you'd certainly be heard a bit more easily by the denizens of the PoW
>with a hurdy-gurdy.
>
>(Hey - JPG - didn't realise you frequented these parts too! I should pop in
>more often.)
>
>ally
Having looked at and unsuccessfully attempted to wring a single note
out of the Beharrel Symphony on sale at "Hobgoblin Music":-
<http://www.hobgoblin.com/local/shbigpic.php?Code=63WA1119>
I have now decided to save up and buy a "proper" Hurdy-Gurdy from Neil
Brook, either:-
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/STTOM.html
or:-
http://www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk/GTRBKPGE.html
My reasoning is that, apart from the fact he has a shorter waiting
list, he lives nearer my home which means that I can actually visit
him in the New Year and look at an instrument before committing
myself.
Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
appreciated.
Regards
KGB
Geoff Berrow
Dec 23, 2011, 4:14:12 AM12/23/11
to
On Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:04:05 GMT, "KGB"
<FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> (KGB) wrote:
>Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
>suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
>appreciated.
I've never played one but I've seen a hurdy gurdy player at sessions.
<FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> (KGB) wrote:
>Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
>suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
>appreciated.
They sound great when played well but I think that set up and tuning
is crucial. I note some models come with tuners and geared pegs and
my guess is that these options are well worth considering.
And as your wife says they look gorgeous so even if you can't play it,
it will look great on your wall. :-)
--
Geoff Berrow (Put thecat out to email)
It's only Usenet, no one dies.
My opinions, not the committee's, mine.
Simple RFDs www.4theweb.co.uk/rfdmaker
a l l y
Dec 26, 2011, 4:18:12 PM12/26/11
to
"Geoff Berrow" <blth...@ckdog.co.uk> wrote in message
news:o9h8f7h05kl323tnq...@4ax.com...
for a quarter of the price.
ally
news:o9h8f7h05kl323tnq...@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:04:05 GMT, "KGB"
> <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> (KGB) wrote:
>
>>Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
>>suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
>>appreciated.
>
> I've never played one but I've seen a hurdy gurdy player at sessions.
> They sound great when played well but I think that set up and tuning
> is crucial. I note some models come with tuners and geared pegs and
> my guess is that these options are well worth considering.
>
> And as your wife says they look gorgeous so even if you can't play it,
> it will look great on your wall. :-)
> --
An expensive wall decoration though. I'll paint you a personalised picture
> <FedUpW...@NoEmailAddre.ss> (KGB) wrote:
>
>>Any comments on the above from Hurdy-Gurdyists regarding choice and/or
>>suitability for a beginner to the instrument would be much
>>appreciated.
>
> I've never played one but I've seen a hurdy gurdy player at sessions.
> They sound great when played well but I think that set up and tuning
> is crucial. I note some models come with tuners and geared pegs and
> my guess is that these options are well worth considering.
>
> And as your wife says they look gorgeous so even if you can't play it,
> it will look great on your wall. :-)
> --
for a quarter of the price.
ally
KGB
Dec 26, 2011, 5:02:46 PM12/26/11
to
No chance. It would be cheaper to just download the photo on the
website, then print and frame it.
However, I have every intention of attempting to learn to how to play
the beast and inflicting my strangled cat impersonations at any social
gathering I may possibly attend.
Regards - and a Merry Christmas to you too!! 8^)
KGB
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