Hurdy Gurdy HG #1

Design based on 1742 Varquain Hurdy Gurdy housed in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Birdseye maple, maple, Sitka spruce, Gaboon Ebony.

This small hurdy gurdy is actually from the Baroque period, but similar instruments existed in the Renaissance. It has two chanterelles (melody strings) and two bourdons (drones). Damaged and awaiting restoration.

Personal Collection: NFS

Hurdy Gurdy HG #2

Lute-style hurdy gurdy design based on plans from Musicmaker's Kits, Inc.

Douglas fir and Eastern black walnut.

The Renaissance produced many hurdy gurdy styles. Lute-style hurdy gurdies came from several countries. This design is a combination of a couple of those styles. The overall shape of this instrument is reminiscent of those from France and Italy, but the flat back is more like those from England. It has two chanterelles (melody strings) and two bourdons (drones).

Sound Clip ("Ash Grove" - from Calling Me Home CD - (available through Coog Instruments

In the collection of Mike Clay, Ben Lomond, California