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As well as making guitars, Geoff also makes Hurdy-Gurdy's. The origins of these interesting instruments can be traced back to mediaeval times (particularly in France) and they were used both as a folk instrument and in 18th Century art music. There are several 'forms' of Hurdy Gurdy, Geoff makes the lute backed Hurdy Gurdy in the Pimpard style. Other forms can be in a figure of eight shape, and others in 'box' form.
In essence, the Hurdy Gurdy is a string instrument, with a wheel (or circular bow) which sets several melody and drone strings vibrating together. The melody stings are stopped by tangents attached to sliding keys. The familiar term 'Hurdy-Gurdy' came into use in the 18th Century and confusion was caused by the later use of the same name for barrel organs and street pianos of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other countries however, have given the instrument
more dignified and beautiful names. The French call it "the
Wheel Fiddle" (la vielle á roue, or simply
vielle), in Germany it is called drehleier, in
Italy the ghironda or lira tedesca, and in Holland,
draailier.
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