My model is based on an existing model made by Pimpard in the late19th.C. and accurately drawn by J.N.Grandchamp in 1977.
|
|
||
| First developed in
the 18th century, the Lute bodied Hurdy Gurdy has become
the most popular shape in modern times. This popularity
is probably due to its powerful tone which makes it ideal
for outdoor performance and dance accompaniment. My model is based on an existing model made by Pimpard in the late19th.C. and accurately drawn by J.N.Grandchamp in 1977. |
|||
On the subject of accurate copying, it is important to realise the limitations of the original construction. I refer mainly to the design of the wheel and its bearings. These areas are prone wear and distortion which cannot be repaired without serious work to the instrument. The system I use avoids such problems by using a laminated wheel threaded onto the axle and fitted with a thick wooden rim. The axle runs in precision ballraces which require no maintenance or adjustment.
A further facility I have developed is an arrangement for selecting the chanterelles using a rotary knob on the side of the keybox. Also on the keybox side are two push button selectors which engage the Gros and Petite bourdons - this allows drone selection mid performance and eliminates the problems of wear on the drone bridge and the tendency for the drones to lose tuning when manually detached. Photos of a lute back instrument with these features can be found >>>here.<<<
The lute bodied hurdy gurdy is the most complex design
and as such is the most expensive. In order to reduce the cost of a full size
instrument with all the musical features incorporated, I have introduced a
" no frills " model with a simple scroll instead of the carved head.
No veneer work or inlay is included and as deep flamed maple is used throughout
( apart from the alternate walnut ribs ) the natural beauty of the timber
makes these instruments very attractive in their own right.