hurdygurdy

The hurdy-gurdy, also called a wheel fiddle, is a stringed instrument that produces sound by a hand-cranked wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel is turned by a crank, and a keyboard mounted on the instrument presses tangents onto the melody string to change its effective length and pitch. Most instruments have one melody string and two or more drone strings that provide a continuous harmonic foundation; the vibrations are amplified by a carved wooden body.

History and use: The hurdy-gurdy originated in medieval Europe and was widely used from the 12th through the 18th centuries, especially in France, Germany, Hungary, and surrounding regions. Its name in French is vielle à roue (wheel fiddle). The instrument was popular with street musicians, dancers, and folk ensembles, and it later persisted in regional folk traditions even as other instruments rose in prominence. A revival began in the 20th century with the early music movement and renewed interest in traditional repertoires.

Construction and play: A wheel inside the body is turned with a crank, causing the strings to vibrate as the wheel rubs them. The keyboard activates tangents that press onto the melody string to create different pitches, while the drone strings provide sustained chords. Strings are typically metal, with the melody string different in pitch from the drones. Harp-like resonance and a distinctive rasp are characteristic of the instrument’s sound.

Repertoire and modern use: Historically tied to medieval and folk tunes, the hurdy-gurdy is now heard in early music ensembles, contemporary folk groups, and experimental projects. Modern makers offer a range of sizes, tunings, and electronic pickups to suit performance contexts.