Hurdy-Gurdy
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The Hurdy-Gurdy is a mechanically operated stringed instrument which has been known in Europe, especially France, since about the 12th century. The hurdy-gurdy's rasping sound has been popular in a wide variety of music, including religious, orchestral, folk and court music.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| Up to two octaves. |
| Material |
| Various woods and metals, with a pearwood wheel, and gut strings. |
| Size |
| Variable. This example is 25 in (64 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| The hurdy-gurdy evolved from the monochord, probably in France. It enabled the instrumentalist to sustain the sound without a break when teaching people to sing. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| The earliest hurdy-gurdy was over 5 ft (1.50 m) long and required two performers to play it. The instrument rested across the players' knees. |
