Galloping Gurdies Hurdy Gurdy Part 2 - What I did wrong and tuning.

Talentless hack who is new to all this learning as he makes mistakes.
Part 1 - Unboxing
• Galloping Gurdies Hurd...

[@fnersch3367]

Thanks for sharing your trials & tribulations. What you go thru is normal. I know because I've been building musical instruments for almost 60 years and play over 200 of them as well. We all start off crude.

[@AshGreen359]

By the way, I shoot these with my phone. I just have it propped up so it's not the best work of Cinematography. However I think I manage to convey the information.

[@poljenkin8726]

Build a Nerdy Gurdy from the plans. You'll learn a lot about how Gurdys work and sound.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

For all people watching this video who are interested in buying a hurdy gurdy: there are affordable instruments that are still easy to set up, maintain, and sound better than the galloping gurdies. Kudo's to OP for buying one and trying to have it work, but there are currently gurdies with all the functionality of pro-gurdied for the same price as a galloping gurdy, or only a tad bit more expensive. The Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook has a very extensive list of makers, their price, descriptions of the instruments as judged by pro players, and a very detailed FAQ document about what to look for when you're considering playing a hurdy gurdy. And yes, there are currently more and more builders offering student models that won't bleed your wallet dry, like the Nerdy Gurdy. If you don't have Facebook but still want to know more, let me know. I'm more than haopy to answer all your gurdy-related questions!

[@Vahlkyriie]

Hey I don't have a Facebook anymore but I'd like that list if you have it so I can do research before buying

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

@@Vahlkyriie We also have a Reddit group and a Discord channel now! Discord: discord.gg/KkRqUK4GHx Reddit: www.reddit.com/r/HurdyGurdyCommunity/ There are prof players in there, as well as newbies and those still searching for a gurdy as well, so you're in the right place :)

[@joshjuanfifarek7382]

Just bought one from Bill. I’m soo excited for it’s delivery. This video is a great preview into what help I may find.

[@gabrielleschuler8611]

I know this video is old, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips on improving the sound? When I push on the keys there is a scratchy sound. I love mine so far and just want to learn before I get an expensive instrument.

[@AshGreen359]

I'm not sure what you mean by a scratchy sound exactly. I really haven't spent much time with mine I'll tell you this though, this is thing will never sound like a violin or anything. Personally I like when the sound is compared to bagpipes

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I have a question I keep forgetting to ask. while waiting for my Galloping Gurdy to ship, I watch gurdy videos, and I see a lot of the players cranking with right hand turns and then they will turn the other way, backwards for a different effect. Is the Galloping Gurdy able to do that?

[@AshGreen359]

I've never gotten into it but yeah, you can crank it back and forth

[@BirdWhisperer46]

@@AshGreen359 Great. To see an example, Patty Gurdy does it a lot here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZCmcompqd6kapI at 1:29. That's what I meant. :o)

[@BirdWhisperer46]

To answer my own question, YES, the crank will play in both directions. :o)

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

One way to make sure the cotton on your string doesn't come loose is to either play for a long time, or use liquid rosin. Michalina Malisz from Ancestore did a nice tutorial about how to use cotton and rosin on a gurdy :)

[@markalexander7100]

Trying to find information on the guy that builds these can someone please post a link or some of his youtube videos.

[@christizook4931]

He’s on Etsy

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@pastorlito2004]

What’s the note of the first key? Is it E or Eb?

[@dattboiiddog5816]

It is E but its verry flat. These are diatonic instruments and the tangents are not tunable

[@davidvanvranken9303]

@@dattboiiddog5816 They may have been in the past, but the one I just got was tunable. Loosen the tangent with a screwdriver and rotate it until it's in tune.

[@larz101a]

Thanks for the video. Ignore all the Hurdy gurdy snobs, I heard one of these played by some girl at a festival and it was amazing for a cheap little instrument, good enough for me to buy one of these and have a go. No its not symphony grade instrument but I dont care, I want something that makes me smile! Also I have a method of eliminating the key knock when you release the keys if you want to know?

[@AshGreen359]

Yeah I'd be interested in knowing. Haven't picked it up in a while, just taking the time to do it has been a challenge. I really want to learn to play something and post another video.

[@larz101a]

@@AshGreen359 basically I attached felt to the inside of the box that encloses the tangents. Basically as you would hold the instrument to play it you open the lid of the gurdy and attach the felt to the inside of the box where the tangents fall and knock onto the wood. I used self adhesive felt that is very thin. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL2F0E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Cut a strip with a normal pair of scissors that is just under a half inch tall and as long as the tangents in the box. Then peel and place the felt where the tangents fall and knock against the case. The felt can be pushed down to give a good hold with an old butter knife to push it down just like you were spreading butter along the felt.

[@dattboiiddog5816]

The problem with these is regardless of how someone could make this sound good. Doesn't mean its a great instrument. I think most people who buy these fall out of love or hope of learning hurdy gurdy.

[@AshGreen359]

@@dattboiiddog5816 I don't think so. I'm not a musician really, but this thing is easy to play. Hard to keep tuned and cottoned right, but easy to play.

[@dattboiiddog5816]

See the problem is it shouldnt be hard to cotton or tune. Im not a hurdy gurdy elitist in fact if it makes you happy then go for it music should be about making people happy. But idk if i would consider this a hurdy gurdy

[@ryancarter6876]

I thought your chair was a gonna break at the beginning! 0:00 lol

[@SS-qo3nt]

Hi. Did you keep your HUrdy Gurdy? Nice instructions. I play instruments from India so very well used to taking apart and adjusting my instruments. But if you didn't want to keep it I would surely buy the Hurdy Gurdy from you!

[@AshGreen359]

I haven't played it in a while but I plan to. The thing about These particular gurdies is that they are pretty affordable. I think they still go for about $250.

[@BirdWhisperer46]

@@AshGreen359 Nope, $350 plus shipping now.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@ravnthorhegland2636]

I've been seriously contemplating buying a GG---how is it going for you now?

[@AshGreen359]

I haven't done much with it since that video came out. I have no talent, I kinda figured out a little bit of Ride of the Valkyries. Been meaning to figure out a simple song and post another video. This isn't really for a serious musician, but it suits me just fine. Getting the cotton on right and the tuning is tricky. But it's a great toy to have to get your feet wet without spending $2k

[@AshGreen359]

@@TheSynan Yeah I definitely need to put some time in

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@TheJamesthenic]

Not exactly positive advice from the 'experts' there...what brand of tuner are you using there? Not seen one with a remote lead before.

[@BirdWhisperer46]

It's a Korg TM-60, about $30 at Amazon, got a metronome and tuner. Nice.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@windhorsepixy7784]

Have not seen any that are anywhere near the price of a GG -

[@nobody2021]

this video is 6 years old so you've probably already heard this before but your first and biggest mistake with this instrument was buying one at all. galloping gurdies are not real hurdy gurdies and they barely work. they are among many builders who make dysfunctional instruments but somehow still get business by people who didn't do enough research or think it being cheap and a wait list being shorter than from a legitimate luthier is a worthwhile value- galloping gurdies, workshop medieval, fairy gurdies, altarwind, no name hurdy gurdies on ebay that are made in china. anyone reading this thinking of buying one of these DO NOT buy one, it's a waste of money and they are utter trash. you might be thinking this is cheap, i want to buy one of these to see if i like it before i spend more. if you get a dysfunctional instrument it might make a bad impression that it's more frustrating and difficult than it would be if you had a real instrument and that could put you off of the whole thing. you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a functional hurdy gurdy. get a nerdy gurdy, the price is comparable and it will actually work and you can learn on it and get a realistic idea of if the instrument is right for you. even at $400 that's still a lot of money. buy once cry once. the only exception here is if you don't care about actually playing the thing. you want it as a cool looking object to own to put on a shelf or have it as a prop for something like going to a ren fair. you like to collect musical instruments but not actually play them and the only function it has is checking off the "i own a hurdy gurdy" box on your collection checklist. the only thing it needs to do in those cases is look like a hurdy gurdy, which it does.

[@ColRAPR]

Anybody want to buy the one just got ? $100.00.

[@reidchaplin7999]

Still available? What's the catch?

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

@@reidchaplin7999 the catch is probably that galloping gurdies vary drastically in quality, from barely playable with major design flaws to a piece of overengineered firewood. The gurdy is a very complicated instrument, and the GG makes a lot of mistakes during construction that harm the sound or make it more difficult to set up/stay in tune. For example, GG have a problem with strings breaking because the string lift is on the bridge, where the tension is highest. Proper gurdies have a string lift on the other side of the wheel, near the keybox. There the pressure difference won't cause the string to snap. If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@junquecousteau]

I'm a little distressed about the clacking sounds of the keys, like bad dentures! Is that just part of the cost of admission?

[@davidvanvranken9303]

I cut a strip of craft foam and glued it inside the keybox so the keys have something soft to land on. Felt will work too, I just didn't have any on hand.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

Most gurdies have a piece of foam/rubber there to dampen the sound of the keys :) If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

You're a brave man posting a GG! and kudos for trying to get a decent sound out of a Gallomping Turdy. That's how you learn! Dan Groom is right, it will never sound like a real instrument, it will take an enormous amount of modification (i.e. proper wheel, keys and tangents to start). But, if you're satisfied to it's "peasant" sound (I've heard crude Ukrainian hgs sound better) and are having fun experimenting what can one say? (no criticism towards you!)

[@AshGreen359]

hurdygurdyguy1 How much do the crude Ukrainian ones cost?

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

There is a delicate balance between string pressure on the wheel (does it make contact all along the entire surface of the wheel which is what you want or does it favor towards the keybox or towards the bridge), amount of cotton (too much cotton, not enough cotton) and it's application plus the amount of rosin (too much, not enough etc). Look for examples of cottoning on youtube by Neil Brook and/or Scott Gayman. Plus, there's the type and quality of the strings. Types used by many tend to be all over the map ... I use a combination of violin, viola and monofilament (fish line) ... Good to hear you're having fun! Some of the hate comments might come from those who are passionate about the instrument and hate to see it maligned by such sellers as Mehess. Looking forward to seeing another video as to how you;re doing.

[@Folkskelet]

Ash Green You can get a Vrabel tekero for 500 or 600.

[@DanGroom]

Sorry if my comments came off as hateful - I really do hope you have a lot of fun with it. Kudos for putting the work in to learn and for sharing your experiences. :)

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

How much do the crude Ukrainian ones cost? Wel-l-l-l-l, I'm afraid I was being a bit snarky when I said I've heard Ukrainian hgs sound better (the bane of anonymous social media), actually the Ukrainian ones I've heard played by mostly peasant beggars sound pretty similar. As long as you have no illusions that a GG is a fine example of a hurdy gurdy! And if you're having fun, what the heck!! I compare GGs to real hgs as showing up at a Segovia Guitar Masterclass with a cigar box guitar with nails for frets...

[@BirdWhisperer46]

Mine hit the post office this morning, out for delivery tomorrow and Tomorrow night I will add another GG Video to YT. :o)

[@Deluge4000]

After a bit of a search, I found your video, which seems to be the only place online where one may actually hear what the GG sounds like. I'll admit, with my super low expectations, it wasn't actually as bad sounding as I was expecting, but it's like you said, the GG's definitely no symphony grade instrument. Also, bit of a shame it has no dog bridge, it's a quintessential part of what makes something a hurdy gurdy.

[@AshGreen359]

Jinantonyx this is the only other channel I know of that has videos featuring this hurdy gurdy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3e2nHWfraioipY I liked how this one sounded which was part of my decision to buy it.

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

If you want more information on hurdy gurdies that are easier to set up/maintain/sound better than galloping gurdies but don't bleed your wallet dry like pro gurdies, consider joining the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook :) we have a whole FAQ about affordable makers, what to avoid when buying a hurdy gurdy and what to look for if it's a properly built one or not :)

[@Deluge4000]

I actually joined a couple years ago. The group has a wealth of knowledge and amazing members. I've since made a (relatively) simple hurdy gurdy. 8 keys, one chanter, one drone and yes a trompette with dog bridge :) hahaa It's an instrument that will teach you patience! Next one will be the v6 nerdy gurdy

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

@@Deluge4000 ah! That's so amazing :) good luck with the nerdy gurdy journey! They're amazing instruments.

[@joshyuergen1921]

With a little more practice and some finer tuning it will sound grate! Don't listen to them. :p

[@rolandscales9380]

It sounds "grate" all right. It grates on the ear.

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I know, all the lumpkins posting here, how about send him some $$ to help him get a better one? What, no? That's what I thought.

[@AshGreen359]

If it could afford a better one, I'd buy a car with that money. But hey, these are the people the 99% will kill in the class war.

[@BirdWhisperer46]

@@AshGreen359 I hope it comes soon, my right finger has a terrible itch.

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I just bought ny Galloping Gurdy this morning, early, like 5:30 am. Borrowed my Brothers Debit card and paid him the cash to use it. You all who want to drop a grand on something you never tried before, go ahead. LOL

[@AshGreen359]

@@BirdWhisperer46 more like three grand

[@BirdWhisperer46]

@@AshGreen359 Not on a Galloping Gurdy

[@rolandscales9380]

Ash, I'll tell you what you did wrong. You bought one of those things. You should have saved your pennies for the next three years and then ordered a decent entry-level hurdy gurdy from a reputable maker. And for goodness' sake, get advice from someone who knows what they're talking about!

[@niftymoth723]

This one does not spark joy

[@nigeleaton1]

this is truly terrible, heartbreaking horrid video please please get a good 'un

[@BirdWhisperer46]

In a hundred years, some guy will buy it for $1000

[@BlitzsieLDiscoLSnow]

@@BirdWhisperer46 or his descendants will have used it as firewood because there were better sounding examples that they could put on display in musea :P But if you want to know more about sub1k costing gurdies, do check out the Hurdy Gurdy Community on Facebook. We have a whole list of makers of gurdies that don't bleed your wallet completely dry like the pro instruments but will save you (and your surroundings) a lot of headaches. And in the long run also money, strings aren't cheap and in my almost three years of playing I haven't broken a string. While the design flaws of the GG basically cause you to break a string with what is supposed to be normal handling.