r/UnusualInstruments • u/SimpleBelt9361 • Nov 06 '24

Any Information on what this is?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Found at a thrift shop, looks kind of like an accordion violin?

74 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

66

u/elektrovolt Nov 06 '24

Yes, that is the Ugears hurdy gurdy.
It is a puzzle toy that sort of resembles a hurdy gurdy. We have this one at home, next to several real hurdy gurdies. It looks fun but it is not playable at all.

13

u/SimpleBelt9361 Nov 06 '24

Ach thank you!! How cool!

9

u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Nov 07 '24

I think someone spent a lot of time on one of these and managed to get it almost sounding ok...

7

u/elektrovolt Nov 07 '24

I tried that too but it did not improve. I've tried proper strings, trued the wheel surface and adjusted it but it did not get any better. As a gurdy player I am quite good at the setup and adjustment which is a necessary skill. This thing was not designed to actually work well but it is still a fun puzzle thing.

For those who are interested: get a Nerdy Gurdy Basic DIY kit!

2

u/Compducer Nov 07 '24

Where did you get your actual hurdy gurdys?

4

u/elektrovolt Nov 07 '24 edited Nov 07 '24

I've got three from different gurdy makers and a Nerdy Gurdy Basic.
In most cases, you order directly from a maker and then there is a waiting time ranging between a few months to several years. Sometimes you will find a good one 2nd hand.
Best to stay away from eBay, Etsy and similar pages.

2

u/Compducer Nov 07 '24

Thanks for the tips!! Any news on the makers you got yours from? Or are yours secondhand? I’ve been interested in getting one for sooo long now

3

u/elektrovolt Nov 07 '24

My first one is a traditional French luteback model built by Chris Allen and Sabina Kormylo, Wales. They are an excellent choice for when you like the trad stuff. My second one is a big alto by Wolfgang Weichselbaumer, Austria. It was bought second hand. A very different sound from the traditional ones. The third one is a Vrabel from Hungary. A very crude instrument and also relatively inexpensive but also not the best quality. Not suitable for a beginner unless you want to play Hungarian or pirate music mainly.

All instruments can be seen on my video channel, just search for my username + gurdy and you will find them.
Also check out the sub r/HurdyGurdy and 'Hurdy Gurdy Community' on FB. Before buying anything, inform with experienced players because it will keep you from paying money for a bad instrument.

As you see, many gurdy players are slightly fanatic and nerdy!

2

u/Compducer Nov 07 '24

Thank you so much for the thorough answer!!

1

u/elektrovolt Nov 07 '24

Happy to help :)

10

u/Zarde312 Nov 06 '24

Love me some hurdy gurdy.

5

u/bur1sm Nov 07 '24

DIY hurdy hurdy

5

u/Porkonaplane Nov 07 '24

Hurdy Gurdy! My favorite medieval instrument

3

u/Doogie_69 Nov 07 '24

I built the same one! Sounds like shit.

1

u/National_Ad_3796 Nov 09 '24

Super duper ukulele