The hurdy-gurdy from Ugears is a string instrument that produces a sound similar to that of a bagpipe. A rotating wheel rubs against the strings in a similar way to a violin bow, causing the hurdy-gurdy to resonate. 

History of the hurdy-gurdy

The history of the instrument dates back to the 15th century and begins in medieval Europe. It was based on the organistrum, a portable organ. It quickly became a popular instrument among traveling musicians in England. In the later 17th to 18th centuries, it then developed into a noble class musical instrument for the entertainment of the rich.

Similar to the Ugears hurdy-gurdy kit, the stringed instrument was decorated by craftsmen with inlays and carvings.

The idea of the Hurdy-Gurdy

Fascinated by the medieval instrument, Ugears developed a detailed mechanical wooden model based on it, which can be assembled as a kit. You get a fully-fledged instrument as a 3D puzzle, so to speak.

Structure of the Ugears hurdy-gurdy

Like the original, the model has a case (body), a front and rear deck (front and back covers), cogwheels, a crank (handle), a wheel, tuning pegs (pegbox), melody and drone strings, tangents and a keyboard.

Everything needed for assembly is included in the scope of delivery. All parts are cut by a laser method with high precision and can be easily removed from the board.

The assembly is explained step-by-step in the enclosed instructions. Apart from two strings, rubber bands for spring-loaded keys and something to lubricate the wheel, all parts are made of wood.

Set and play Hurdy-Gurdy

To play a melody, the main (melody) string is used. The lower bass string then provides a kind of background music. The six keys can be used to play six notes of the octave. In addition, the open note is played by freely turning the wheel in contact with the open melody string. This seventh open note is marked 0.

To play, you first turn the handle of the hurdy-gurdy to produce a monophonic sound. If you then press the keys, they press on the main string and change the pitch of the sound.

What can you play on the hurdy-gurdy?

From folk music to modern pop, everything is possible. Simply let yourself be musically inspired and create your own pieces.

The scope of delivery also includes tabs for beginners which are ideal for practicing.

Dimensions	40 x 17 x 22
Parts	292
Assembly time	5-9 h

The wooden panels have an appropriate thickness and are tested according to strict quality specifications. However, it can happen that a part breaks. In the case of critical parts, more are supplied than are needed. If these are not sufficient, you can contact us at any time and we will arrange replacement parts for you free of charge.