Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List - January 2001
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Our deepest thanks to Maxou Heintzen for this fabulous photograph, taken at Saint-Cloud near Paris in 1957 by an unknown photographer.
The following are the archives of the Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List, sponsored by Alden and Cali Hackmann of Olympic Musical Instruments.
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Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2001 01:48:47 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Request for advice on inexpensive HG's
Neil Brook wrote:
> Could you please list the advantages of taper tuning pegs and friction fit
> tangents, I'd love to hear some!
For good or ill, here are some reasons why we build some instruments with
tapered tuning pegs instead of mechanical tuning machines.
1) Historically Informed Performance. For some people and some sections
of music society (the SCA for example), importance is placed on recreating
the instruments of the period to the closest approximation. While we
recognize that certain aspects of the instrument aren't historically
correct, machine tuners would stick out like a sore thumb.
2) Esthetics. While I like the look of the Schaller machines we use, I
think the friction pegs look better. The tourne a gauche also gives a
chance for some artistic expression.
3) Versatility of size. I can make a friction peg in any size, any
length, and drill the string hole at any point. Machine tuners have fixed
dimensions. Friction pegs are the only thing that will work in some
situations. For example, we only offer our symphonie model with friction
pegs, because some of the strings go through holes in the peg above the
peg block, and the others go though holes below. Machines won't work in
this situation, even if we could get them into the space.
4) Durability. A well-made, well-fitted, well-maintained friction peg
will last a very long time, for centuries even. I've seen Schallers fail
with no provocation, and they're the best in the industry.
With all that said, I still recommend machine tuners over friction pegs if
I can. On the other hand, we have the ability to replace the friction
pegs on my HG, and I've never really considered doing it - maybe I'm used
to how it looks and feels and I don't want to change it.
Maybe I'll talk about tangents tomorrow. ;-)
Alden F.M. Hackmann darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu
Web: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/hghome.html
"Beati illi qui in circulum circumeunt, fient enim magnae rotae."
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Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 09:49:13 -0000
From: peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com
Subject: RE: [HG] yet another member
Nice website geo. I've been trying to work out whether I've seen your side
at any festivals recently. A couple of years ago I briefly joined a
morris side in Suffolk, playing a lute back gurdy in D. It worked very well
on the whole, but unfortunately other work/college commitments meant I had
to reluctantly leave. You might find a guitar shape more convenient than a
lute back since it's more steady for playing standing up and on the move.
Since you're not all that far from Chris Eaton in Upton upon Severn, you
could do worse than have a chat with him. I can dig out his number if you
wish, but he's in the phone book (Backfields Lane). I assume his workshop is
not flooded anymore!
Regards,
Peter Hughes
> From: geo meadows [mailto:geo _at_ mecol.clara.net]
> Sent: Monday, December 25, 2000 8:41 PM
> Subject: [HG] yet another member
>
> Hi - this is primarily a short note to introduce myself to the group,
> and maybe start a thread or two!
>
> I have joined the discussion group, like most I imagine, to learn more
> about the instrument and related music. I play the melodeon with a UK
> Morris side (see us at http://www.firstsedgleymorris.org.uk) and also
> play concertina (not Morris music this time). I am looking around at
> different HGs on offer but if I decide to go for one it would
> have to be
> loud enough to compete with other melodeons as I would use it
> partly for
> Morris stuff.
>
> So any comments on members' experience in this area would be much
> appreciated.
>
> I play quite a few French tunes on the concertina and, inspired by the
> HG drones, have starting adding bass button drone notes to some pieces
> which can really work well. Any other concertina droners out there???
>
> Regards
> geo
> ---
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Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2001 19:13:23 -0800
From: geo meadows <geo _at_ mecol.clara.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] yet another member
Hi Peter,
Many thanks for the tip!
I have Chris Eaton's number etc. so no probs there.
Cheers,
Geo
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Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2000 21:13:02 -0200
From: Kaiser <kmkaiser _at_ usp.br>
Subject: [HG] closest players
but in many areas of the U. S., players are
> alone. Maine is a pretty big state; it takes eight hours to drive its
> North-South length. If and when Jim Winters gets his hurdy-gurdy, he and
I
> will be the only two players in the state, as far as I know. The closest
> player to me is in Boston, 4 hours away.
>
Ha ha! How about Playing in Brazil or Maui?
The closest players are you...12 hours away by plane.
Thanks, Alden and Cali. This forum is irreplaceable.
Happy new Year!
Marcos
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Date: Tue, 2 Jan 2001 14:50:09 -0800
From: Dominic A White <ick _at_ awenet.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] closest players
I'm in the Seattle area now, but at the end of the summer I'm moving back
to New England. I will either be settling in the Portland, ME area, or the
Portsmouth, NH area, depending on Grad School admission and work. So
they'll be another one of us up there Hurding his Gurd down east.
Dominic
"I live in a neighborhood which is well stocked with young ladies, and
consequently I am excruciatingly sensitive upon the subject of serenading."
--- Mark Twain.
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From: arthur nichols <arthur _at_ anichols.freeserve.co.uk>
Reply-To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com
Subject: Re: [HG] yet another member
Hi Peter
Re your response to Geo on the list, we are close to each other in the
Midlands.
I am on the last lap of making a box shaped HG, the sound at the moment
defies description, a visit to Chris Eaton may be on the cards to get his
expert knowledge and touch.
Are you still in Suffolk?. I was wondering if a get together of like
interests could be on the cards.
Arthur Nichols
Wolverhampton
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Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 17:43:04 +0000
From: Frank Vickers <frank _at_ vickhast.demon.co.uk>
Subject: [HG] Norwich01
Hi HG folks
Just to keep you update with things here in dark Norwich UK.
Weekend of 26 Jan - 28 Jan 2001
I'm organising a weekend which includes gurdy workshops with Cliff
Stapleton and Nigel Eaton; bagpipe workshops with Jon Swayne, Ian
Clabburn and Jean Pierre Rasle and loads of other workshops including
samba, flamenco, bodhran and more...
Blowzabella are playing on Saturday night and Cock & Bull on Friday
night and Saturday Lunchtime
I've got a bit of a web site if you want more details
http://www.vickhast.demon.co.uk/n1home.htm
Hope to see some of you there
Frank Vickers
Norwich, UK
tel +44 (0)1603 505910/443942/441050
mobile 0771 820 4253
fax +44 (0)870 052 3751
http://www.xim.org.uk
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Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 09:23:17 +0100 (MET)
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ gmx.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] Request for advice on inexpensive HG's
Hello,
Alden wrote:
> For good or ill, here are some reasons why we build some instruments
> with tapered tuning pegs instead of mechanical tuning machines.
>
> 1) Historically Informed Performance.
> 2) Esthetics.
> 3) Versatility of size.
> 4) Durability.
I think makers offer mecanical tuning pegs in the first line not because
these are better but it is cheaper to use the mechanics than to make really
good working wooden friction pegs (time is money). Cheap instruments with
friction pegs tend not to be built precisely enough for easyly working pegs.
Simon Wascher - Vienna Austria
--
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
Sent through GMX FreeMail - http://www.gmx.net
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Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2001 22:33:01 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Request for advice on inexpensive HG's
And I thought it was to make tuning easier !
You live and learn!
Neil
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 01:28:14 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: [HG] Machine Tuners and Friction Pegs
Neil Brook:
> And I thought it was to make tuning easier !
Oh, certainly! They (machine tuners) are also easier to buy and install
than the friction pegs.
In fact, at least on this side of the pond, the only way to get friction
pegs that are suitable for HG's is to make them from scratch. (Grow the
African blackwood tree, cut it down, season it for at least a decade,
build a lathe, saw the blackwood tree into blanks, and turn them...)
Violin and viola pegs have the right taper, but are too small, and the
head shape is wrong. Cello pegs are basically the right size, but their
taper is a bit odd and consequently the reamer for it is outlandishly
expensive. Again, the head shape is fine for a violin-family instrument,
but not right for use with a tourne-a-gauche.
Alden
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 15:25:29 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Machine Tuners and Friction Pegs
I have made pegs from Plum, Cherry, Box and Rosewood as well as Blackwood.
The fruitwood pegs seem to work the best as they are more compressible .
I don't agree that taper pegs cost more in time than Machines. To achieve a
clean run for the string, the machine must be extended so the lathe is used
anyway.
Once the toolrest is set up for the peg taper, turning accurate wooden pegs
is not a problem and requires less internal accuracy as regards the inside
of the pegbox.
My taper pegs work fine without tourne a gauche and they are routinely
fitted to my cheaper models. They are traditional but if that was an
overriding factor, we'd still be using solid wheels and built in axles!
I have yet to meet the player who doesn't find machines easier to use.
On the subject of authenticity, does anyone out there have an idea what was
originally used on the strings before cotton was available?
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Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001 11:03:57 -0800
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Machine Tuners and Friction Pegs
Neil Brook wrote:
> On the subject of authenticity, does anyone out there have an idea what was
> originally used on the strings before cotton was available?
Don't know about "original", since as I understand it the instrument's exact
origin is unknown, but I have seen gurdy strings wrapped (successfully) with
both wool and silk.
Anna Peekstok
Seattle, WA
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 14:16:32 -0500
From: Jim Riosa/Markham/IBM <jriosa _at_ ca.ibm.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Machine Tuners and Friction Pegs
So this begs the question - has anyone tried wool or silk as an option? Is
there a reason we defer to cotton for the most part? I would think silk
would wear longer than cotton. As to wool, I have 1000 sheep across the
road - I am sure I could keep the entire gurdy community supplied for a few
years <G>.
Jim Riosa
IT Specialist, Logic Programming
phone (905)-316-4820, pager (416)-608-3707
jriosa _at_ ca.ibm.com
or page via the web
http://www.rogers.com/wireless/english/paging/sendpage.html PIN 4166083707
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Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001 12:26:27 -0800
From: Katie Roe <taddea _at_ wizards.com>
Subject: Re(2): [HG] Machine Tuners and Friction Pegs
I've been wanting to experiment with flax (linen) fibers. Flax was very
common in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and continued to be much cheaper
and more available than cotton until relatively recently. I have seen
flax fibers that are extremely fine. Of course, when looking at
alternative fibers we have to be extremely careful that the fibers are
oil-free. I guess I would hesitate before putting wool on my strings.
Katie
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Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001 12:28:44 -0800
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ home.com>
Subject: [HG] Fibers to Wrap Strings
I used silk on my chanters for a while. It wears like iron and gives a
brilliant but somewhat brittle sound. I haven't used wool on my own
instrument but played one in a music store that was wound with wool, and it
seemed to work well. I will defer to the builders on whether the lanolin
content would be a problem.
Now I'm wondering about linen, also in plentiful supply in medieval Europe,
but I've never managed to get my hands on a pre-spun sample.
Anna Peekstok
Seattle WA
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 12:52:12 -0800
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs
While on the subject. .. I recently aquired a 1912 Pajot Fils luteback. It
seems in reasonable playing condition (despite the solid wheel). The main
problem right now is that it practically impossible to tune due to the fact
that the tuning pegs rattle in their holes when there are no strings
attached, and when there are they pinch so tight that it feels that the
pegs are glued in their holes and any more force will snap them in two. I
have tried rotating the pegs to see if there are better matches but I think
the only solution is to re-ream the holes somehow, as I'd like to keep the
orginal pegs.
I have various ideas on how to go about this, but having not done this sort
of thing before I would appreciate the the advice of those who have some
experience in this field. For instance where does one find a reamer that
matches 1912 hurdy gurdy pegs, or are there other alternatives like lining
the holes with epoxy filler or the like?
Juan
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 16:37:08 -0500
From: Jim Riosa/Markham/IBM <jriosa _at_ ca.ibm.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs
I don't know what the wisdom in the gurdy world, but in the violin world
where I spend most of my time you would look at re-bushing the peg holes.
You have probably had a fair amount of wood movement and wear over the
years, and with the high tension on the strings you could get considerable
wear.
There are a couple of very good discussions of the technique in the library
on the musical Instrument Builders site on how to do this. It is fairly
simple, though you would have to make sure you had a reamer of the right
dimension for the pegs on your gurdy.
Jim Riosa
IT Specialist, Logic Programming
phone (905)-316-4820, pager (416)-608-3707
jriosa _at_ ca.ibm.com
or page via the web
http://www.rogers.com/wireless/english/paging/sendpage.html PIN 4166083707
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Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2001 21:40:38 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] Pegs ,
Keeping the original pegs sounds like a good idea . Re-bushing the
peg holes
is a rather orthodox procedure that any good luthier ( violon variety )
could do
even if they never saw a hurdy gurdy before .
I am not certain but I think that the cone angle is the same on the
violin/viola
as on the HG , wich is an increase of 1 mm of diam, for every 30mm of
lenght
( BTW it is also the cone of many bagpipe chanters ) .
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 22:00:06 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Fibers to Wrap Strings
Anna said:
> I used silk on my chanters for a while. It wears like iron and gives a
> brilliant but somewhat brittle sound.
I think that plain natural silk is a big pain to work with: the fibers are
very very VERY long, so that you actually need only a very few strands,
and you have to do a lot of winding. Even chopped silk is very tough to
put on, and once it's on it wants to STAY there.
We've had better results with a 75/25 blend of cotton and silk that we got
at a weaving supply. The silk still gets wound very tightly, but the
cotton allows you to get it back off again. The situation we've found
this blend to be useful is when you're playing in a dusty
environment. Cotton has to be changed about every 5 minutes in this
situation, but the silk blend gives a longer playing life before it gets
saturated and needs to be changed, so you can get through a half-hour set
at a Ren Faire without changing the cotton 3 times.
>I haven't used wool on my own
> instrument but played one in a music store that was wound with wool, and it
> seemed to work well. I will defer to the builders on whether the lanolin
> content would be a problem.
I've never tried it. Part of me says it would be very scary, part of me
says it should be OK so long as it was de-lanolinized. Even if it weren't
completely oil-free it would probably be OK so long as the string wasn't
left resting on the wheel after playing. (Visions of taking the
instrument out and finding U-shaped lanolin marks on either side of the
wheel where each string was resting...)
Given a choice between a drug-store cotton ball and leftovers from the
local sheep-to-shawl contest, I'd take the cotton ball. ;-) (So I guess
the sheep across the road from Mr. Riosa are safe.)
> Now I'm wondering about linen, also in plentiful supply in medieval Europe,
> but I've never managed to get my hands on a pre-spun sample.
I looked with interest at the flax at The Weaving Works, but have never
bought any. I don't recall why not.
I did buy some other unusual fibers, including some recycled blue jeans
that had been chopped up for weaving. They work pretty well.
How about hemp?
Alden
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 22:11:29 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs
Juan said:
> I have various ideas on how to go about this, but having not done this sort
> of thing before I would appreciate the the advice of those who have some
> experience in this field. For instance where does one find a reamer that
> matches 1912 hurdy gurdy pegs, or are there other alternatives like lining
> the holes with epoxy filler or the like?
In all likelihood they are 1:30 taper, which is the violin taper. You can
find out easily by borrowing a good violin reamer (!) and making a test
block maybe 3 cm high with various sized holes reamed in it. If the pegs
are 1:30 they will fit snugly at both the top and the bottom of the
hole.
Assuming that they are 1:30, what you need is a bushing. Violin repair
shops are very accustommed to doing this, because it happens on violins
all the time. The idea is to plug the tapered hole with a wood sleeve of
the same taper, trim it flush on both ends, and then to ream the new hole
to the correct depth.
BTW, if you're looking for a violin reamer, we suggest getting the
expensive one (~$80 I think) from Herdim or some other good company. The
~$35 reamers that Stewart-MacDonald sells are not very good - the one we
got was warped. ;-(
Alden
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Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 22:17:09 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] More Fibers to Wrap Strings
Jim said:
> > As to wool, I have 1000 sheep across the
> > road - I am sure I could keep the entire gurdy community supplied for a few
> > years <G>.
As I mentioned, I think that the lanolin in the wool would make this a
ba-aa-aa-d idea. ;-)
(Sorry, it's been a long day. )
Alden
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Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001 01:49:49 -0800
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs
Jim,
When you say Musical Instrument Builder's site, are you refering to Musical
Instrument Maker's Forum? That is the only one I know of and I did not see
a library on their site.
Juan
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Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 08:08:54 -0500
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Pegs ,
Hi,
I am new to this list.
I took a college course in music very basic...
I choose the Hurdy Gurdy to do a report on.
I find them quite different and would like to know more,
the kinds of people that play them and why they choose to like this
instrument??
First question?? What is the price range??
thankyou..
Zhenya
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Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 09:46:46 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs - Instrumakers Forum library
Hi Juan-
http://www.mimf.com does have a library, though you have got to look to
find it. You need to be a registered member to use the library, but it's
free and they don't have any interest in selling your name or address to
anyone else... Once you are "logged in" to the forum, if you go down to
the bottom of most pages, there is a paragraph-format list of links to all
of the "main" discussion topics, along with links to the bookstore,
downloadable files, FAQ, etc, and you'll find a link to the library. If
you log on as a guest user (i.e. do not register and log in with your name
and password), you will not see the library link in the list...
~ Matt
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew Szostak - Hurdy-Gurdies
7 Grove Street
Camden, Maine 04843
phone/fax: 207-236-9576
email: gurdy _at_ midcoast.com
website: http://www.midcoast.com/~beechhil/vielle
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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Date: Sat, 06 Jan 2001 09:41:00 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: [HG] Recording media online...
Hi Hurdy-gurdy fans-
I am normally all for supporting local business when possible, but my only
local source for digital audio tapes (DATs) is a video rental/electronics
store which the wealthy owners run as a hobby. They can be relied on to
have in stock two or three 74 minute DATs, which they sell for just over
$10 (US). Fine for emergencies (don't ask!), but when I need a bunch, I go
shopping.
I found a website I would recommend based on a single purchase
experience. It's www.tapeonline.com. I ordered a box of 10 Sony 90 minute
DATs, and opted for the "three day select" shipping (for $8), which came to
a total of $56.38. That's almost 1/2 the price above, including
shipping. The order arrived on the third day, and even included a free
T-shirt!
I suppose that there's still a chance that they could do wrong; a single
order does not a reputation make. I don't know about prices or
availability of any other recording media, but those of you who buy this
stuff should check it out.
~ Matt
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Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 08:39:07 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] (geen onderwerp)
--- Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> wrote:
> hello,
> reading the discussions about quality of HG's and
> the problems about
> nowing when a HG is good ,bad or very bad :
> Is there someone who can understand my illnes when I
> decided to make a
> HG and learn to play it all on my own ,without anty
> help at all ?
yes, I can....
I did it in 1981 (happy gurd-day marcello...) working
over a beautiful wooden table in my mother's
house....the table went to the fire place but I still
got a nice guitar shaped gurdy and a lot of new
friends!
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 00:02:27 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Longer keys
Remember this conversation? Found it when editing the archives:
========
I said:
>Our French style instruments have quite a range of pitch available now
>from key pressure. On the original key design we got from Michael there
>wasn't much "bend" available, but we've added a few millimeters to the
>keyshafts to increase the range. On the instrument I'll be making for
>myself this spring I'm considering extending them even a little further.
And Matt said:
"Alden, what do you mean when you say "...adding a few millimeters to the
keyshafts..."? Are you extending the gap between the "inside" edges of the
keypads and the keybox, so that you can press the key further before the
keypad will touch the keybox, limiting your movement?"
========
Matt:
Yes, making the key extend farther out from the keybox, and the gap between
the key head and the keybox larger. The key head stays the same size, and
the key shaft gets longer.
Sorry I didn't answer this earlier - I think I missed seeing it in the
holiday rush.
Alden
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 00:57:24 -0800
From: "george.swallow" <george.swallow _at_ beechcottage.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs - Instrumakers Forum library
For the benefit of those who missed the early bits, could someone tell us
how the discussion on frying pegs started?
George Swallow
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Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 10:24:29 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: [HG] about inexpensive HG's
Hi list
this is my experience with Olympic Minstrel gurdy.
I usually play baroque music with my own copies after
guitar shaped Lambert gurdy and I wanted a little, not
so precious gurdy to bring with me when I go by
bicycle or by airplane (different problems).
I didn't have time to make it, so I asked to Alden and
Cali a special version of Minstrel (just a personal
choise of wood and some little improvements).
I had my Minstrel done (almost...) just the day before
the latest OTW festival, and 3 days after I did a
little concert with it.
Do I need to say more?
It plays!
As far as I'm concerned, if you don't need LOT of
sound and if you like to have just one chanterelle (I
usually play one chanterelle anyway...) the Mintrel is
not just a "first" instrument, but is an INSTRUMENT.
It fits perfectly overhead (in the airplane) and
backpack (cycling), it allows lot of bending (I love
vibrato and portamento...) and you can tune it in a
second (just 3 strings)...no frills, no useless
strings, no wasting of time, no problem like "it's my
own fault or is it the gurdy?!?...", just put the
handle and play.
I'd like to have time to play it more than a couple of
hours a month (I'm working on my new house and it'll
be a long story...).
Happy millemnium to you all
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 01:36:16 -1000
From: Don V. Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:Fried Pegs - Instrumakers Forum library
As an alternative to fried pigs, perhaps???
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 09:34:58 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] about inexpensive HG's
Hi Marcello,
I just did the opposite , it was the house remodelling experience that
decided me
to build a hurdy-gurdy ( and the fact that I bought a table saw for the
occasion ).
At least there are no risk of falling from a H.G. ( like I almost did when
adding
a gable window in the roof ).
Good luck with your project and I wish you some good weather for the
roof part .
Have you seen this ? <g>
Henry
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 09:37:11 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] Missed link,
Sorry ,
It was " Have you seen this ?
http://www.mimf.com/cgi-bin/WebX?14 _at_ 195.9VFOmx1M^4 _at_ .ee723fa/0
Henry
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Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001 09:53:39 EST
From: JPeekstok _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] Hurdy-gurdy for sale
Hello Folks,
I have decided to sell my beautiful little Minstel model hurdy-gurdy. I love
the instrument, but I've not been playing it and it should be in the hands of
someone who will use it. It was made by Cali and Alden Hackmann at Olympic
Musical Instruments. It is in great shape and has always sounded very nice;
it is a bit louder than most other Minstrels I have heard. The tuning is
unusally stable for a HG. It has 1.5 octaves of chromatic keyboard, friction
pegs, one chanter, two drones, and a good dog. The case and all accessories
are included. Price is $850 plus shipping. If you are interested, or if you
know anyone who may be, I can be contacted at:
John Peekstok
206-524-5050
jpeekstok _at_ aol.com
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 15:31:10 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Missed link,
Sorry , the link does not work because the discussion is already
archived .
Henry
Henry Boucher a �crit :
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 17:50:50 +0000
From: "nostyle _at_ interlog.com" <nostyle _at_ interlog.com>
Subject: [HG] (sort of) new guy on the list
Greetings to all.
I just joined your fine mailing list and though that I should make
myself known.
My name is Ben Grossman and I live in Toronto where I met some of you
fine folks a few years ago during the Toronto HG Day event. I'd like to
say hi especially to Alden and Cali who where the most lovely house
guests, and to Matt, Macello, and...er, you'll forgive me, those of you
whose names escape me.
I play an instrument (sometime I hesitate to call it such) that I built
in '93 from one of those damn Musicmaker's kits. As Alden chronicled so
well on his website, I've make a lot of modifications to the instrument
over the years: added chromatic keys, a chien/trompette, extra drone, a
pickup, sympathetics, new wheel, axle, manevelle and pognee, etc. In
fact, I don't think that there's much of the original instrument left!
It would probably behave better if I wasn't always changing the
tuning/stringing from c/g to g/d, 440 to 415 to 465 (I sometimes play
early music with ensembles that insist on this sort of thing!). I also
play folk music and sometimes use the HG for sound design for theatre -
as you all know, it can be a great source of 'strange' sounds.
I also play percussion instruments (actually, mostly), and some other
string instruments, but I'm going to be focusing on HG more in the
future: I recently ordered a new instrument from Wolfgang Weichselbaumer
with enough strings, bells and whistles to keep me amused for some
time. Should also help to avoid the d/g to c/g yo-yo I sometime seem to
be on. Simon Wascher was very helpful with advice and information in
this process - thanks! I think that I'll be selling my beast when the
new one is ready (summer). I'm pretty sure that I've got a buyer lined
up here in Toronto, but if you, or anyone you know is keen, please pass
on my address, and I'll pass on the details.
Looking forward to keeping in touch, with regards,
ben
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Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001 20:11:05 -0800
From: Cynthia A. Wright <cwright _at_ smartt.com>
Subject: [HG] Concert in Canadian/US Pacific NW
Greetings list -
A Happy New Year to all!
To those in the Canadian/US Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, BC & Seattle,
WA) the following may be of interest to you:
Pierre Imbert has asked that I pass this on to the list.
(to those who may� not know Pierre is a part of CORDES EN FOLIE)
------------
The Rogue Folk Club and the Vancouver World Music Collective present an
evening with CORDES EN FOLIE, ASZA, ORCHID ENSEMBLE, TZIMMES, THE TRIO
FERRERAS, HOULE AND KUSHKANI, and guest musicians, STEVE DAWSON (from
Zubot & Dawson), and FANA SORO (of Massabo Culture Company).
Saturday, January 13, 2001, 8:00 p.m.
Capilano College Theatre for the Performing Arts
2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, BC
Tickets $20/$15 (Students, seniors, and Rogue Folk Members)
Available through the Rogue Folk Hot Line at 604 736-3022
And Capilano Box Office at 604 990-7810
PEOPLE SHOULD RESERVE TICKETS EARLY
THIS CONCERT WILL SELL OUT!!!
What makes this concert so special?
The groups in this concert are all prominent members of Vancouver's
"vibrant" cross-cultural music scene. Their artistic excellence has been
recognized internationally.
These master musicians are all innovators searching to create
extraordinary music by pushing the limits of their musical cultures and
instruments way beyond their customary boundaries.
They are also members of a new concept- the Vancouver World Music
Collective (VWMC) - established to promote Vancouver's unique world music
talents nationally and internationally.
The January 13 concert proceeds will go towards financing a promo CD
sampler for the VWMC and future projects.
For more info contact Diana Stewart-Imbert, Project Coordinator, at 604
253-6292 (tel/fax)
------------
See ya there!
Cynthia Wright
Vancouver, BC
Canada
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Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2000 08:02:01 -0500
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Concert in Canadian/US Pacific NW
His group is awesome. I have their CD. Music on Cordes is very great.
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Date: Tue, 09 Jan 2001 22:19:23 +0100
From: B&D Renaudin <d140557 _at_ club-internet.fr>
Subject: [HG] Jean Sylvain Maitre, facteur de/maker of Cornemuses du Centre
Hi,
You can now get in touch directly with Jean Sylvain Maitre, Cornemuses
du Centre maker present in St Chartier, at this address :
mailto:c.et.js.maitre _at_ wanadoo.fr
His page :
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Fabrice_ALADENIZE/tarifjsm.htm#top
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Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 14:56:26 -0500
From: Timothy S. Hall <hallt _at_ louisville.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy-gurdy for sale
John:
Thanks for the notice. I will try to get back to you as soon as
possible - I need to check on my finances for the next month or so. Can you
tell me whether the "missing" notes on the Minstrel come off the top or the
bottom of the range? I seem to have it in my head that the top notes are
omitted, but am not sure of this.
Thanks,
Tim
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Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 12:06:23 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy-gurdy for sale
Timothy S. Hall wrote:
> Can you
> tell me whether the "missing" notes on the Minstrel come off the top or the
> bottom of the range? I seem to have it in my head that the top notes are
> omitted, but am not sure of this.
As one of the builders, I can reply to this. It's the upper end of the
scale where the keys are not included on this instrument. The full
2-octave keybox would give you a range from g' to g'''. This instrument
has a range from g' to d''', leaving off the last 4 keys (2 on each row):
d#''', e''', f/f#''', and g'''.
Alden
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Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 15:38:23 -0500
From: Timothy S. Hall <hallt _at_ louisville.edu>
Subject: [HG] Oops
I apologize; my previous message was not intended for the list, but for John
personally. I suppose everyone hits the "reply to all" button by mistake
occasionally. Thanks to Alden for the information.
Best,
Tim Hall
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Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 20:50:22 EST
From: JPeekstok _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy-gurdy for sale
In a message dated 1/10/01 11:57:22 AM, hallt _at_ louisville.edu writes:
>Can you tell me whether the "missing" notes on the Minstrel come off the top
or
>the bottom of the range?
The top.
-J
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Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 17:14:42 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] French Dance in Seattle, Jan 12
Just a reminder that there will be a French Dance at the Ballard Community
Center in Seattle, on Friday, January 12. For more information, go to the
OTW website, www.overthewater.org.
(Yet another chance to pick up one of our famous Naked HG Players calendars!)
Alden
"Mr. March"
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Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 17:42:26 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Luteback on eBay
There's a luteback HG for sale on eBay, made by Juiles J. Luc, who I've
never heard of. Looks fairly modern, somewhat atypical decorations, good
condition.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=539930778
Anybody know anything about this builder?
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Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 21:09:15 -0500
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Luteback on eBay
I saw that, and did a pretty thorough search. I thought maybe
YOU would know something, Alden. Are those butterflies and
ivy sprigs atypical?
judith
Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
http://www.taar.com
icq 6445710
MAILTO:judith _at_ taar.com
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Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001 23:31:03 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] Luc Juiles
The butterflies look like water decals that had a burst of popularity in
France
a few years ago .
It is the sound holes that look " creative " , that I find strange .
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Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 01:04:33 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Luteback on eBay
Judith said:
> I saw that, and did a pretty thorough search. I thought maybe
> YOU would know something, Alden. Are those butterflies and
> ivy sprigs atypical?
I've never seen them before - decals and decopage yes, but not
butterflies. Nor have I seen the double band of black/white dashes with
red between them. The circle under the tailpiece is fairly typical - it's
shown on the Pimpard plans. The soundholes are a bit unusual too.
We'll see who gets it. I expect Brother Mark will be annoyed at me for
pointing it out to people... ;-)
Alden
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Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 01:58:54 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Archives are up
The list archives for November and December are up. To access them, go to
www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/listarch/hg_arch.html
Happy reading!
Alden
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Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 10:25:01 -0500
From: Timothy S. Hall <hallt _at_ louisville.edu>
Subject: [HG] New instrument
Well, now I've done it. John has been good enough to sell me his Minstrel.
Thanks to all on the list for the amazing compendium of advice in response
to my questions.
Next question (if this is already discussed elsewhere, please point me to
it): What, in your opinion, constitutes the best bibliography for the new
player, in terms of maintenance, tutoring and music, and who are the best
suppliers to deal with? Somehow, I don't think I'm going to find this at
Waldenbooks or Amazon.com. FYI, I am primarily interested in the folk music
of the British Isles, but certainly will not refuse to play or learn French
stuff.
In gleeful anticipation,
Tim Hall
hallt _at_ louisville.edu
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Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 10:06:29 -0800
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: [HG] Luteback on eBay
Alden wrote:
>I've never seen them before - decals and decopage yes, but not
>butterflies. Nor have I seen the double band of black/white dashes with
>red between them. The circle under the tailpiece is fairly typical - it's
>shown on the Pimpard plans. The soundholes are a bit unusual too.
I have seen examples of Pajot instruments with butterflies and/or moths
transfered onto the keybox sides (John Meador has one) and even on the
soundboard, but they are not used in a repeat pattern. The instrument on
eBay has what look like rubber stamped butterflies and ivy sprigs (they
look identical each time) that have been coloured in.
I think the red, black and white border is pretty unique. The white bits
look like mother of pearl which means they, and the black bits, were
inlaid. You dont usually see inlays this deep into the soundboard.
The circle under the tail is unusual in that it is painted red and blue.
Red or red and green are the the usual colours.
Note also that the unusual soundholes were repeated on the main bridge.
I think we are dealing with an individualist here.
Juan
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 18:06:38 +0100
From: Erik A-U <kometen _at_ alfa.telenordia.se>
Subject: [HG] New member!
Hello, everyone... Here is a short introduction to this list's newest
member. I'm called Erik Ask-Upmark, musician living in Sk�ne, that's the
southernmost part of Sweden. My interest mainly lies in the folk/early
music scene, which the�instruments I play reflect: Harp (historical and
Celtic), recorder, bagpipe (NOT Scottish - mostly medieval, French and,
of course - Swedish (yes, they do exist!!)) and, since a couple of days,
hurdy-gurdy!
Up 'til now, I figured there was enough problems with the pipes (I play
on�seven or eight�different sets) - to keep them all in good condition,
etc. - and was happy to let the hurdy-gurdies be performed (and
maintenanced!) by other people. But I recently borrowed a Gotschy�H-G by
a friend of mine, and... suffice it to say that nicotine come nowhere
near the hurdy-gurdy-addiction!� :-)
It's a really good instrument which so far has been very kind... but of
course, the first cotton-changing lies just around the corner. We'll see
how that goes...
�
I'm looking forward to following all the interesting discussions taking
place here!
�
Best wishes
Erik A-U
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 09:43:42 -0800
From: sheilaann <sheilaann _at_ email.msn.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] New member!
Welcome Erik!
�
The third time I ever held a hurdy gurdy was to change the cotton on a
string.�It wasn't�very difficult at all!�I had a good teacher and the
process went pretty smoothly.� I have done it one other time since then
and have observed it being done a few more times.�
�
If there are other players in your area, watch them do it a few times and
don't be afraid to try it on your own instrument.� Even if it's not the
best job, practice will eventually make perfect!
�
Best Wishes
�
Sheila Donoghue
(Far from perfect in Washington, USA)
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 13:02:30 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] New member!
Eric said,
> It's a really good instrument which so far
> has been very kind... but of course, the first cotton-changing lies
> just around the corner. We'll see how that goes...
Welcome, Eric!
New players tend to shy away from changing the cotton. This is a
problem because the very first thing to work on when the instrument is
misbehaving is the cotton, and yet that's the thing that people
avoid at first.
We recommend that beginners sit down with the instrument for an hour or
two and do nothing but change the cotton over and over, sort of a
meditation on cotton changing. ;-) After that you should be comfortable
with it and have found your own style, and won't ever hesitate to change
the cotton if there's even a hint of a problem. Of course changing the
cotton doesn't solve EVERY problem, but it takes care of a great number of
them.
Enjoy your new addiction ;-)
Alden
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 20:05:22 -0800
From: "Tim Hall" <tshall01 _at_ athena.louisville.edu>
Subject: Muskett tutor search
I just got a very nice e-mail from Dusty Strings, which says they are out of
stock of the Muskett tutor book, and don't expect it to be in for "a while."
Help! Anyone know of (a) an alternate source for the book; or (b) a copy
someone would be willing to sell used; or (c) another suggestion for an
English-language method?
Best,
Tim Hall
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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 20:15:25 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
Tim said:
> Help! Anyone know of (a) an alternate source for the book; or (b) a copy
> someone would be willing to sell used; or (c) another suggestion for an
> English-language method?
The Muskett Method is basically all there is in English. ;-( (At one time
Cali and I were writing a method because it was looking as if Muskett
would never be republished, but we put it on the back burner.)
Alden
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 10:17:05 +0000
From: Dave Holland <dave _at_ biff.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] New instrument
On Fri, Jan 12, 2001 at 10:25:01AM -0500, Timothy S. Hall wrote:
> Next question (if this is already discussed elsewhere, please point me to
> it): What, in your opinion, constitutes the best bibliography for the new
> player, in terms of maintenance, tutoring and music, and who are the best
> suppliers to deal with? Somehow, I don't think I'm going to find this at
> Waldenbooks or Amazon.com.
I'd recommend the Muskett method book. It got me from zero knowledge to
being able to play some tunes and sort-of maybe perhaps a bit of
trompette technique. (Then I needed proper lessons.)
It's listed on www.amazon.co.uk (but not www.amazon.com?). Or you can
write and get a copy direct -- Alden's bibliography page has the
address.
Good luck,
Dave
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 01:30:56 -1000
From: Don V. Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
I believe you can get it from Lark in the Morning- they have a website:
http://www.larkinam.com/
They also have the Destrem-Heidemann book on Hurdy Gurdy Adjustment and
Maintenance which I cannot recommend too highly.
Don
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 01:35:22 -1000
From: Don V. Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
and by cannot recommend too highly I mean that the Destrem-Heidemann book is
the best and most comprehensive guide to keeping your hurdy gurdy alive and
well and not sounding like a dying cat that I've seen.
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 12:32:41 +0100
From: s.r.neumeier _at_ gmx.de
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
Hi Tim,
I do not know how it works in the US (but I am pretty sure that it does somehow)
but have you ever tried to get the book or to copy it in a library.
Here in Germany you can get every book published in country in a state library.
There you also can lend books from other libraries via interlibrary loan
request.
Stefan Neumeier
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Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 06:41:53 -0500
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: [HG] Muskett Book
You might try Michael Muskett himself:
michaelmuskett _at_ beeb.net is the last e-mail address
I have from him.
Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
http://www.taar.com
icq 6445710
MAILTO:judith _at_ taar.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 14:25:32 +0100 (MET)
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ gmx.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] New instrument - English music
Hello,
> For English music try some of the bagpipe tune books that are fairly
(...)
a good book for english hurdy gurdy music is the "Encyclopedia
Blowzabellica" a tune book by the famous english group blowzabella - there
is a lot of french stuff in this book too. A good source for english music
for or fitting to hurdy-gurdy can be found in abc music notation format
via the web wide abc index: http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/#index
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
--
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 09:28:11 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
My two cents:
I have copied library or borrowed books which I am sure are out of print or
otherwise no longer available. However, even though Dusty Strings may be
out of the book, it is certainly available from other sources, including
Michael Muskett himself.
Please do not find the book and just copy it. Michael has worked hard on
the book and deserves to be compensated for his efforts. It is in its
third edition, and better than ever. We wouldn't have it at all right now
if folks who used it didn't buy it.
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 15:09:07 -0800
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ home.com>
Subject: [HG] Festival in England Feb. 16-25
FYI, there's a music festival coming up near Hereford in Southwest England
in February, featuring a number of music workshops. In particular, Stephane
Durand from Tapage is teaching on Thursday 22-Saturday 24 Feb.
For more information, there's a web site at:
http://www.made.fsnet.co.uk/index.htm
This information was emailed to me by Pat Lindop, one of the festival
organizers, who requested that I pass it along.
Anna Peekstok
Seattle, WA
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 19:48:53 -0600
From: Rob McConnell <robrmcc _at_ mts.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Muskett tutor search
I purchased this book directly from Michael Muskett just before Christmas. If
anyone is interested I can forward them the contact information. I think it was
about 25 pounds, roughly CANADIAN$45.00, but not too sure.
Rob McConnell
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001 08:42:53 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: [HG] suggestion for beginners
Hi Tim
All my best for your "new" gurdy.
I think that nothing is better than just a couple of
hours together with a good HG player at the beginning,
then you will be able to learn properly from a method.
20 years ago, when I started to play HG, I was forced
to learn from a method, without a "tutor" (for lack of
them) and I wasted a lot of time.
"Mr April"
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
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Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 12:25:25 -0000
From: michael.i.ross _at_ bt.com
Subject: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Can anyone recommend a maker in the UK for a HG for a beginner?
Thanks
Michael Ross
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 20:47:38 -0000
From: Dave Praties <dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Michael,
Give Neil Brook a ring, I'm fairly sure he does a basic model, and it
will be good, all his instruments are. His prices are competitive too,
and he is a member of this list.
Cheers, Dave
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 19:21:49 -0700
From: Barry Black <bbc0 _at_ home.com>
Hello folks, first let me say that I am not a musician.� I am a custom
woodworker.� However, my wife, son and daughter are musicians.�For a
hobby, I like to build the kinds of things which my clients never
commission me to do and this soon will include at least one hurdy-gurdy.�
I am presently awaiting the arrival of the just purchased Pimpard plans
and also plans for the guitar shaped Varquain model.� I'm sure you'll be
hearing more from me!
www.blackboardcreations.com
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Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 00:24:17 +0000
From: "nostyle _at_ interlog.com" <nostyle _at_ interlog.com>
Subject: Planet of the Loops invades again! 23rd January.
Yes folks, it's time once again put on your propeller beanies - it's
Planet of the Loops.
POTL is a once-a-month presentation of the weekly Ambient Ping Event in
Toronto. See http://www.theambientping.com/
for more information.
This time, I'll be exploring the planet via my hurdy gurdy and a light,
but fibre-filled dusting of effects and looping devices. I'll be
sharing the evening with guitarist/looper Michael Keith, a player I know
nothing about, so there are bound to be some spine-tingling moments of
improvisation and exploration. 3-D glasses optional. Hope to see you
there!
Tuesday, 23rd of January, 2001. Doors open at 8:30. Po Boys Club
(above Southeren Po Boys) 159 Augusta Ave., Toronto.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2001 20:45:15 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: [HG] Welcome Barry
Did you order the Varquain plans from Michael Muskett? I didn't know he
was carrying them, but it's been several years since I saw a current list
of his plans.
While both of these plans have very good aspects, one should be wary of
taking every detail literally. The question is always which details are
correct and which are not ;-)
Alden
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 09:17:06 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
From: michael.i.ross _at_ bt.com
> Can anyone recommend a maker in the UK for a HG
> for a beginner?
Hi Michael
A beginner needs a GOOD gurdy, no bells and wistles
but GOOD.
Several years ago, maybe in 1986, I meet Neil Brook
during an ancient musical instrument exibition, in
London, and I tried to play a saltarello with one of
his little "bosch" gurdy (mahogany, chromatic
keyboard).
It was a very nice instrument, and I don't think it
was expensive.
I know 15 years is lot of time....
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 13:22:43 -0000
From: michael.i.ross _at_ bt.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Thanks to you all for replying - I think I phrased my question incorrectly!
I am a beginner and wanting a HG, but want a good one from the UK.
(Or possibly not from the UK - what are your views on getting a HG possibly
from the US or France with regards to anything hapening to it /repairs etc.)
I'm going to Norwich next weekend so hopefully will see some there and be
able to drool over some!
Is there anyone on the list that teaches HG near Leeds?
Michael
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 09:02:51 -0500
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Neil Brook seems very nice to talk to. He is in England. (and I belive on
this list.)
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:39:10 -0500
From: Catherine Keenan <cath _at_ pathcom.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Hi Michael,
I had a great experience finding an instrument and beginning to play in
Leeds, but that was more than 10 years ago now so I'm out of the loop on
who. However there is an active second hand market in the UK so you should
have an easier time than beginners have in north america.
In any case look out for workshops by Cliff Stapleton at least; he's unique.
cath (toronto)
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:44:32 -0500
From: Catherine Keenan <cath _at_ pathcom.com>
Subject: [HG] rencontre toronto
Hi everybody,
This is Irish music weekend here in Toronto with the Chris Langan festival,
but I've just heard from a nice woman named Isabelle that she's also
bringing a set of Grande Bourbonnaise pipes to town for the weekend with
her! Isabelle is living in Montreal at the moment, but she's from a
village in Bourbonnais , so she has lots of experience from our musical
"deuxieme maison". (thanks Maxou for putting her in touch with me.)
We should be kicking up our heels after 2pm on on Saturday. hope any and
all can join us -- at least in spirit.
cath
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 09:15:54 -0800
From: "Meador, John" <john.meador _at_ unistudios.com>
Subject: [HG] Vielle(s) in the movies
To all:
The new film , Chocolat, is a great film. It features lots of chocolate ( a favorite food
among many players), romance, French music and French dancing. In one scene, as the
camera pans across the village dancers, you can see a small band with a vielle, accordion,
and bodran.
John C. Meador
Category Management Data Warehouse
john.meador _at_ unistudios.com 818-777-5325
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 19:07:44 -0000
From: Dave Praties <dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] FW: Planet of the Loops invades again! 23rd January.
Hi Alden,
Ambient Ping? Looping? Propeller beanies? Is this confirmation
that we really are two nations divided by a common language? I
just wish I could be there to find out for myself ( with or without 3D
glasses!!!).
Yours in bewilderment,
Dave.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 21:02:33 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Welcome Barry
I built my first HG from the Muskett plan. the trick is to decide which half
you like best and duplicate that. Mr. Lambert seems to have a healthy
disregard for symmetry. The Pimpard lute plans are similarly asymmetrical
but the overall result of both is good. The guitar body is a lovely shape.
The examples on my website are built after the plans mentioned - if it ain't
broke etc!
Neil Brook
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 22:08:11 -0000
From: Steve Lane <bourgogne _at_ bourgogne.free-online.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
OK its finally time to break my cover. I am a long standing lurker to this
discussion group and play hurdy gurdy in North Yorkshire and Cleveland
(based in Stokesley). I feel like I am 'coming out' at an alcoholics
anonymous convention !
Anyway, Michael you might be unaware that the publicity officer for the UK
Hurdy Gurdy soc (Angela Beaumont) lives in Keighley,so not too far from
Leeds, and she used to do lessons although I haven't had a recent update. I
don't think she is a member of this list. If you want some help feel free to
contact me and I may be able to get you going or put you in contact with
some others locally.
I would concur with other respondents that Neil makes fine Gurdies, and also
know of someone (on Tyneside) who might want to sell an Eaton lute back
second hand (although if someone turns up with the cash he might panic !). I
am sure you will have a great weekend in Norwich. I went last time but
unfortunately cannot this time.
I have an Eaton Bosch model and a Siorat alto in a fetching shade of blue
and black (unique). These are played with a local friend who has a range of
French pipes where we test the effects of alcohol on French Bourrees and so
on.
Good luck with your search.
Steve Lane
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 18:34:47 -0500
From: Catherine Keenan <cath _at_ pathcom.com>
Subject: [HG] am I blue Siorat
Steve Lane! You're the guy with the blue Siorat! You met Brian McCandless
or Matt Szostak? I have seen pictures of you. need to ask: blue??!
I think Angela moved a couple of years ago away from Keighley; not sure
where.
cath
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 00:14:03 -0000
From: Steve Lane <bourgogne _at_ bourgogne.free-online.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] am I blue Siorat
Catherine - I am that man. I made friends with Brian several years ago when
he visited the UK. I said the gurdy is unique !
Its a small world.
Steve
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 17:37:10 -0700
From: Barry Black <bbc0 _at_ home.com>
Neil, I'd like to see the picture on your website.� What is the url?
BB
www.blackboardcreations.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 21:13:19 +0000
From: "nostyle _at_ interlog.com" <nostyle _at_ interlog.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] FW: Planet of the Loops invades again! 23rd January.
Uh... Hi, folks.
It was rather late last night when I concocted my little gig announcement,
resulting in the following two faux pas (to say the least):
1. I forgot to 'sign' it. This is Ben Grossman from Toronto, Canada.
2. I included my 'promo' photo, so to speak, again forgetting that the
list is a non-graphic-posting only kind of affair. I guess that Alden
kindly removed the offending (if no to not to say offensive) image from my
message and re-posted it under his name. Mea culpa on both counts.
Living as I do in one nation divided by two languages, I'd be happy to
have you visit and see just what goes on here when hurdy gurdies get
together when the bagpipes and bourrees are out for dinner. In other
words, sometimes I use my HG to do sound design, ambient music and other
freaky bits of business with the assistance of some electronic devices.
This is one of the first times that I'm doing so in a solo performance
situation. Not for all tastes, to be sure. Nor by doing so, do I lose my
taste for the traditional and early music that also keeps me busy.
Sorry for the confusion. All the best to all of you!
ben
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 20:42:41 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] am I blue Siorat
On Fri, 19 Jan 2001, Catherine Keenan wrote:
> I think Angela moved a couple of years ago away from Keighley; not sure
> where.
She's in Leeds, at least according to our address book.
Alden
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 20:55:25 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Steve said:
> I have an Eaton Bosch model and a Siorat alto in a fetching shade of blue
> and black (unique). These are played with a local friend who has a range of
> French pipes where we test the effects of alcohol on French Bourrees and so
> on.
Wow! Black and blue... do you have pictures?
I should have thought the French would have made those tests already, but
no harm trying them again ;-) ;-)
Alden
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 14:29:56 +0000
From: Frank Vickers <Frank _at_ vickhast.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Hi Steve
Hang on a minute! I was under the impression that the HG Society had
folded. Is it still around? If it has died, maybe we should ask for
volunteers to start it up again. Or maybe this list could be an
international HG Soc. Or maybe some others have some other ideas.
Whatever, due to the immanent arrival of a baby I cannot myself
volunteer.
Frank Vickers
Norwich, UK
tel +44 (0)1603 505910/443942/441050
mobile 0771 820 4253
fax +44 (0)870 052 3751
http://www.xim.org.uk
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 16:06:42 -0000
From: Steve Lane <bourgogne _at_ bourgogne.free-online.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
Frank - I stopped subscribing a few years ago to the UK HG soc. since there
was little in newsletters of interest and no local events so don't know if
it still is alive. You could be right that the future of such information
exchanges lies with internet discussion groups but for a thought provoking
alternative I would suggest a special interest group alliance with the
bagpipe soc which focuses a lot on music suitable for pipes and gurdies. I
always find their newsletter interesting even though I don't play the pipes.
Steve
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 16:18:06 -0000
From: Steve Lane <bourgogne _at_ bourgogne.free-online.co.uk>
Subject: [HG] Re blue siorat
Hi Alden. I have pictures but they are not in electronic form. The body of
the gurdy is blue and the keybox cover, keys and trimmings are matt black.
It looks a lot better than people might think !
Steve
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 18:53:49 +0100
From: Cor Westbroek <bourree _at_ hetnet.nl>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re blue siorat
Hi Steve,
I know a blue Siorat. Andras Vigh played one in the "viellistic orchestra".
There's a picture on the cover of trad. magazine number 28 in may 1993.
Cor Westbroek.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 18:16:17 -0000
From: Steve Lane <bourgogne _at_ bourgogne.free-online.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re blue siorat
Cor - yes its the same one. Apparently the blue did not fit in with the
group's image and the owner needed the cash. Steve
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 00:20:08 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: [HG] Re:
Barry said:
>Neil, I'd like to see the picture on your website.� What is the
>url?
http://freespace.virgin.net/hurdy.gurdy
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 22:13:07 -0500
From: Allan Janus <ajanus _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: [HG] Hurdy-Gurdies at the Movies
I spotted another hurdy-gurdy in a film - "The Clandestine
Marriage" of 1999. Very funny period piece, based on the
play by George Colman, c.1780. I spotted a hurdy-gurdy twice
in a ball scene, though it doesn't make it through to the
soundtrack, unfortunately. The credits list Michael Muskett,
a name I've seen mentioned on this list, among the
musicians. Also Jeremy Barlow of the Broadside Band. A good
film, even if you can't hear the hurdy-gurdy.
Apologies if the film's already been mentioned
Allan Janus
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 22:14:05 -0700
From: Barry Black <bbc0 _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re:
Thanks Neil,
Some nice looking work.� I noticed that some of your links are not
working though.
BB
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 00:29:06 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maker in UK for Beginner
I forgot all about Angela,as it happens, she moved to - of all places -
Harewood not far from Leeds. I don't know if she will do lessons but a phone
call wouldn't hurt. Her number is 0113 288 6882.
Neil
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 20:56:45 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: [HG] Hurdy-Gurdy Workshop
Hello gang-
Just a note to fill everyone in. I know that most won't be able to make
it, but it's nice to know about these things, and perhaps there's some
closet hurdy-gurdy players lurking here in the list who will come!
Nina Bohlen has arranged for R.T. Taylor to come to the Boston area and
teach a weekend workshop. It will be a two day event, Saturday and Sunday,
March 24-25.
Each day will go something like this:
A morning session from 10:30-12:30
Lunch
Afternoon session from 2:00-5:00 with a short break for refreshment.
Diner
Evening Jam session and review of workshop materials.
Here's a description from R.T. of what he'll be covering:
Left hand techniques for ornamentation and fingering.
Right hand techniques for the various Coups and rhythm patterns and Coup Gras.
We will work on some simple improvisation and second voice-harmony
techniques. There will also be an emphasis on "playing together" and
playing as a group. R.T. says: "Please note that this is not going to be a
beginner class. Participants should be experienced players that can use
some improvements (as we all can). I hope that they can all play coup de 4
but if not they can play all the left hand stuff and learn the new tunes."
Those of you who know R.T. (and that's quite a few, yes?) know that this
will be a blast. He's a wonderful player, and a GREAT teacher! He has a
fabulous humor about his teaching and his instrument. We'll work hard and
play a lot, but we'll have FUN and we'll LEARN.
If anyone has any questions or wants more information, just email
me! Hopefully we'll see some of you in March!
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 23:33:47 -0800
From: "Tim Hall" <tshall01 _at_ athena.louisville.edu>
Subject: New Minstrel HG
My new Minstrel came today! Well, actually, it's an Apprentice
according to its keybox lid, so I suppose it predates the Minstrel.
Thanks to John Peekstok for the opportunity to buy it. It seems very
impressive on first glance - I was able to get a good sound out of all
the strings, including the trompette, and was able to adjust the
trompette from not sounding at all to sounding continually with a
moderate wheel stroke. The pegs seem to work well with the tourne au
gauche - I'm already planning to make a tourne au gauche for my violas
da gamba. I need to adjust the chanter nut so the octaves are in tune,
but that's a result of tuning down for shipping. The instrument is
solidly put together, and in good shape. Thanks to Cali & Alden for the
workmanship. I'm sure I shall have many beginners' questions in the
weeks to come. Thanks again to all on the list who responded to my
request for information about beginner instruments - I'm sure the
archives will be a good resource for others in my shoes in the future.
This and the Northumbrian Smallpipe list are continually the highest
signal to noise ratio lists I've seen - well done.
Who got that French luteback from Ebay this week? Anyone we know?
Best,
Tim Hall
Louisville, KY
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 00:28:35 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Maxou Heintzen workshop
Dear List,
The Over the Water Hurdy-Gurdy Association (www.overthewater.org) is
pleased to present a weekend hurdy-gurdy workshop taught by Maxou Heintzen.
This is a unique opportunity for North American players to learn from this
French master. Maxou will give a concert and slide show, and teach his
techniques which have made him famous for his solo playing and his
performances with La Chavannee.
The workshop will be held April 27-29, 2001 in Seattle. To participate in
the workshop, the player must be able to easily and reliably play the coup
de quatre. Class size is VERY limited - first come, first served.
There are also a limited number of places for auditors (of any playing
level). Auditors are required to remain silent during class sessions - no
questions, no comments, no playing. Auditors may bring an instrument and
play during after-class jam sessions.
The cost for participants is $120, and $60 for auditors. This cost is for
the class only, no meals or lodgings. There are some excellent restaurants
a few blocks away. To sign up, send email to the registrar, Joanne Andrus,
at jjandr _at_ netzero.net, and send a check to Over the Water HG Association,
c/o J. Andrus, 1511 SW 320th Court, Federal Way, WA, 98023. Registration
is not confirmed until your check is received. If the class is full, you
will be placed on a waiting list in case of a cancellation.
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 13:40:11 +0100
From: RA-Szabo-Laszlo _at_ i-one.at
I�d like to introduce me to the members of the hg list:
Since 2000 april 30 I play the hungarian hurdy-gurdy called Vrabel Janos
csoka 2000 that means: Vrabel Janos� kiss 2000.�
By reading your list I read an archive message�of another hg player and
member of the list, who had some problems with his Vrabel Janos hg 1999,
so I�d like to contact this player to exchange our experiences with the
instruments with�the same origin.
�
Best reguards to the members of the list from tirol/austria.
�
L�szl�
�
�
000�
�
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 09:03:22 -0600
From: trwollin _at_ ra.rockwell.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Maxou Heintzen workshop
>the player must be able to easily and reliably play the coup
>de quatre
Would anyone care to offer a beginner a bit of explanation of this term?
Thanks much,
Terrance
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 15:31:02 +0000
From: Dave Holland <dave _at_ biff.org.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Maxou Heintzen workshop
It means, making the trompette buzz four times in a single turn of the
handle. ("Quatre" is French for four.)
Dave
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 09:57:52 -0600
From: trwollin _at_ ra.rockwell.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Maxou Heintzen workshop
Excellent.
Thanks!
Terrance
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 17:03:49 -0500
From: Timothy S. Hall <hallt _at_ louisville.edu>
Subject: [HG] First maintenance question
I now have the first maintenance question about my new Minstrel - I feel
like a real player now.
The dog-adjustment thread snapped as I was tuning. Are there any secrets to
replacing this, or is it as simple as it looks (tie the thread to the
trompette string, and wind onto the adjustment peg using the
thoughtfully-provided thread-holding slot in the end)?
Droning away,
Tim Hall
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 14:37:42 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] First maintenance question
Tim said:
> The dog-adjustment thread snapped as I was tuning. Are there any secrets to
> replacing this, or is it as simple as it looks (tie the thread to the
> trompette string, and wind onto the adjustment peg using the
> thoughtfully-provided thread-holding slot in the end)?
I'll be interested in the other responses to this question ;-)
The name of the dog-adjustment thread is the "tirant".
First, the thread. We use a silk embroidery thread which is quite thick
(for thread) and strong (because it's silk) and very flexible (because
it's thread, not a heavier cord). It comes in a staggering array of
beautiful colors. Choose the color wisely, because one card of thread is
enough for several lifetimes worth of tirants.
The tirant needs to be able to be moved to the left or right along the
trompette string, and to hold its position once placed there. We achieve
this by first tying a loop in the tirant, then attaching the tirant to the
trompette string by encircling the trompette with the tirant and passing
the free end through the loop. (I'm sure that there's a cool knot-tying
description for this procedure, but it's been a very long time since I was
a Boy Scout...)
The other end, the free end, gets a little knot tied in it to hold it in
the slot at the bottom of the tirant peg. I use a figure-eight knot here,
but it's not critical so long as it does the job. Once you've got the
tirant in place, turn the peg counter-clockwise (to the left - a
gauche!) to tighten it.
You may need to experiment with where the loop is on the trompette, and
how high the tirant is on the peg, as both of these affect the sound of
the trompette.
The Muskett tutor shows a different knot, with the loop tied around the
trompette. I disagree with this because I don't think it stays in
place. YMMV.
Alden F.M. Hackmann darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu
Web: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/hghome.html
"Beati illi qui in circulum circumeunt, fient enim magnae rotae."
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 19:05:36 -0500
From: Timothy S. Hall <hallt _at_ louisville.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] First maintenance question
As Steve Martin said, "those French have a word for *everything*!"
Best,
Tim
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 21:26:33 -0500
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] First maintenance question
Ah ha !!!
I see that you obviously do not have the Destrem and Heideman ...
If you act quickly it is not to late <g>.
Seriously , I gues that any old string tied with any old knot could do , but
there is some kind of pleasure to use the " right " knot for the job.
I suppose that this knot make the lateral adjustments easier ?
Henry
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 08:23:41 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] First maintenance question
Hi Tim
no secrets...just a knot and some thread.
You can make an excellent dog-adjustment thread using
a dental floss (spearmint taste and wax don't improve
the sound...)
You can make thousands of gurdies with a little dental
floss box, and you can even use it as a dental floss!
As Alden said
the tirant needs to be able to be moved along the
trompette string, and to hold its position once
placed there.
If your knot is not the "right one" and your tirant is
not able to hold its position you can try turning the
peg counter-clockwise OR clockwise to tighten it:
doing this you'll have two different position of the
tirant along the string, then you chose the best one.
How high the tirant is on the peg affects the
"feeling" of the "coups".
Usually the lower the better (but this is just my
opinion...lot of students of mine pretend to believe
me, then they rise the tirant when I'm not around :o).
Anyway your peg should never touch the soundboard.
Happy gurding!
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 10:27:12 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: [HG] Mintrel strings
A question to Alden & Cali
(I posted it to the list because I think some people
here could be interested in the subject).
I'd like to know brand and gauge of the strings you
use in your Mintrel gurdy.
(and in my MBS too...I think my chanterelle is
bigger than your usual standard, isn't it?).
Thanks
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 08:25:53 -0800
From: Fiddlers <mdfiddler _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] First maintenance question
The knot is called a larks head knot, and it is used extensively in weaving
- actually in setting up the loom - for attaching the set of cords from the
shafts to the set of cords from the treadles. Since nothing is 'knotted'
onto the trompette string itself (it is more looped around it) you can undo
the loop and change the trompette string and redo the loop with much less
trouble than if there were an actual knot to fuss with, or perhaps have to
cut off.
and thank you for the opportunity to share this bit of data from one of my
other lives...
Marjy Fiddler
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 19:59:11 +0100
From: s.r.neumeier _at_ gmx.de
Subject: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
Just a short information for those who are interested in the topic and
who are able to read German.
H. Gotschy wrote a building documentation ("Bau einer Drehleier") for a
HG which is now available at "Verlag der Spielleute"
(http://www.spielleute.de).
S. Neumeier
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Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 16:56:28 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: [HG] Lark's head
Marjy said
> The knot is called a larks head knot, and it is used extensively in weaving
> - actually in setting up the loom - for attaching the set of cords from the
> shafts to the set of cords from the treadles.
And the name in French is... ;-)
The lark's head knot is shown in D&H. They show a lark's head going
around the trompette string, as I described, and some other knot forming
the loop. I use a figure-8 knot here also, but it took me years to learn
how to tie it without a pair of tweezers to grab the loop and bring it
through the right place. I don't think it matters what knot you use here
so long as it doesn't allow the size of the loop to change. The lark's
head is the important one.
Alden F.M. Hackmann darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu
Web: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/hghome.html
"Beati illi qui in circulum circumeunt, fient enim magnae rotae."
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Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 15:39:00 -0000
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Lark's head
I've always found a clove hitch ( check your boy scouts handbook ) works
fine. It is very easy to tie and holds the tirant at whatever angle you
like. I usually use cobblers thread for the tirant though the fine gut used
in sutures is good . Dental floss is a new one on me but I'll try anything
once. A cord that is too thick lessens the sensitivity of the chien.
Neil
http://freespace.virgin.net/hurdy.gurdy
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Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 11:29:05 +0900
From: Hiroshi Hasebe <hasebe _at_ jim.seikei.ac.jp>
Subject: [HG] How strong is the wheel?
Hi. My Minstrel HG from Hackmans is sounding great.
Now my bad habit as a poor inventor is rising from the bottom
of my heart again and I wanna try something new with this instrument.
So now, I am just asking, but is it possible to use the heavy gauge
and flat round strings from my electric guitar and apply them to HG?
Has anyone tried this kind of thing?
Hiroshi
HASEBE, Hiroshi
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Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 21:55:32 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Lark's head
Not that this needs to be beaten to death - there are so many possibilities
which would work. But what the heck. There are probably many conventions
with different knot usages, but since my day job is sailing, I'll comment
with what I know about it from that perspective. I'm not saying anyone
else is wrong...
I like the layout shown in D&H. It could be tied as shown in one step, as
one knot, but forget it; it's two distinct knots of different types. Tie a
loop knot first. I use a bowline, because I can tie it with my eyes closed
(it's one of the most-used sailors knots). The "lower" knot shown in the
book is similar; it's just not as easy to untie as a bowline, which is
irrelevant here, since we don't want to untie it. For that matter, a
simple overhand loop will work perfectly well for this - double the end of
the tirant into a loop, bring that loop around itself once and pass it
through the resulting "double loop," and pull it tight - just don't bother
trying to untie it again. Anyway, once the loop is tied, you cow hitch it
around the trompette string; lay your loop across the trompette string, and
pass the other end around the other side of the trompette and thread the
single part through the loop and draw it up tight. The knot of your loop
will pass through as well, and you're left with what's shown in D&H. When
you attach the single end to the trompette peg, and tighten it up, the cow
hitch tightens and stays put. If you want to move the tirant to another
position, just take the tension off the tirant by turning the peg, and the
cow hitch will slide up or down the trompette string easily with a
fingernail. Tighten things up again, and the tirant will stay put.
I mentioned two different types earlier. The first is a loop knot, one in
which the end of the line is tied to itself. You place it around an object
after it is tied. Its shape is independent of the object it is holding,
and it stays tied if you remove it again. A hitch is a knot tied to, or
around, an object. Many of them, like the cow hitch above, and Neil's
clove hitch, will capsize when removed from the object they're tied
to. The only reference I can find to a lark's head is a mention of a
"crossed larks head," which shows a clove hitch.
More than anyone wanted to know...
Matthew Szostak - Hurdy-Gurdies
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Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 14:14:41 -0600
From: Rob McConnell <robrmcc _at_ mts.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
I have this book on order and am going to attempt a translation. It looks
like a very interesting book.
If anyone is interested in the translation, let me know although I am sure
it will take a while.
Rob McConnell
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 00:04:38 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
I'll certainly be interested in a translation. ;-)
We've recently placed an order for 10 copies of this book, of which 2 are
already spoken for. Please let us know off the list if you are interested
in a copy.
Alden F.M. Hackmann darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu
Web: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/hghome.html
"Beati illi qui in circulum circumeunt, fient enim magnae rotae."
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 13:49:45 EST
From: RoseDaly2000 _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] (no subject)
Hi everyone.
What are the dates for saint-chartier this year?
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 22:06:16 +0100 (MET)
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ gmx.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] (no subject)
Hello,
as far as I know 12. to 15. July
see also http://www.saintchartier.com/
--
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 21:04:16 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
Alden-
I'm mosts curious about this book.
How much are they?
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Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 22:43:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
Matt said:
> I'm mosts curious about this book.
>
> How much are they?
That depends on how strong the Euro is on the day that we pay for
them. ;-) Probably about $30, plus $5 shipping.
Alden
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 16:03:35 +0100
From: s.r.neumeier _at_ gmx.de
Subject: Re: [HG] New book: Building documentation of a HG.
The book costs DM 58.-- (29.65 Euro), plus shipping
S. Neumeier
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 19:02:58 -0300 (ART)
From: marcos kaiser <kaisermori _at_ yahoo.com.br>
Subject: [HG] plans
Hallo, list.
I'm happy to hear about you again.
For those who still remember... The Louvet plans are
ready now. I just finished it 4 days ago, and I tried
to make a faithful copy of the plans. During the
process I found a few problems, and for now the most
important is: The plans show a date and a signature:
1980. P. Jacquier.
Of course I put this name on the copy, and the
credits. But it will be wrong to popularize someone's
work without a limit. I strongly suggest that people
interested in this model look for the original
drawings too. And it will be wise, because the quoting
will show a lot of choices that I had to make.
Anyway, I would like to thank the people who gave me
the maker's addresses in Hungary. I just arrived, and
It will be a long year.
I hope to have time enoug to finish my vielle to the
next St. Chartier festival.
P.S. The drawings have 750 kb, and are in acad 14.
Please send me your addresses and be pacient. The
hungarians still use the telnet, and I only can use
the Goethe-institut's computer rarely.
Best wishes.
Marcos Kaiser
(Sao Paulo-Budapest
connection)
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Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 16:24:09 -0700
From: Barry Black <bbc0 _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] plans
Hi,
I would of a copy of these plans,
Barry Black
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:34:57 +0100
From: Xavier AIME <xaime _at_ wanadoo.fr>
Subject: Re: [HG] plans
Hi,
I am interresting by the plan of your hurdy-gurdy.
I advise you also Daniel Frouvelle's software on
http://www.dfrouvelle.fr.st/ It is everything in French and you can download
it (freeware). He allows to make all the possible plans of hurdy-gurdy.
To see and try.
Xavier AIME
____________________________________________________________________________
_
Xavier AIME - Webmaster du site "Vielle � Roue"
(\ Site : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/xaime/vielle.html
{((O8<
(/ E-mail (site) : hg.vielle _at_ wanadoo.fr
#### Derni�re mise � jour / Last update : Janvier 2001 - January 2001
#############
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Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 21:29:36 -0800
From: R. T. Taylor <rtaylor _at_ amp.csulb.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] How strong is the wheel?
I am not sure if anyone has replied you your email, but I will add my 2 yen
now.
Yes you can try just about any flexible material to use as a string. I have
tried just about everything that you can think of. Strings made from Brass,
Steel, Nylon and other synthetic materials and of course strings for tennis
rackets and fishing. But this was mostly as experiments to see what happens
to the sound, how you play, life of the string, ability to tune the pitch of
the string over a wide range of pitches etc. For a while I used viola de
gamba strings so that I could get a playable sound while tuning the melody
string from C, to D,to E,or G.
But I always come back to using traditional strings on my Hurdy Gurdys
because they just sound better. Some times for effects I have used strings
that can play in the normal range when the wheel is turned slowly and will
play in the harmonics when the wheel is turned fast. But this is just a
cheep effect and the sound is not very good and does not sound strong.
For me, the problem I find in experimenting with strings is the possible
difference in the "notch" that each string makes in the tangents. If the
strings are of different diameters it will create a small to large notch in
the tangent which may make the normal string make buzzing sounds when you
press the keys. This notch usually only happens when you play a lot, which
is what I do. And when you use metal strings at high tensions it can also
make a new notch in bridge and nut. So you just have to use common sense
when trying out different strings.
As a final comment, I would suggest that the Minstrel that you have uses a
good balance of strings for the size and design of the instrument. I think
it will be hard to find a better combination that improves the sound.
But if you do try some other strings, please let us know how they work.
r.t.
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 13:40:59 +0100 (CET)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] How strong is the wheel?
--- s.r.neumeier _at_ gmx.de wrote:
> nobody tries to use "strange" things as a string for
> a viola, guitar or any
> other "usual/ common" stringed instrument!! --- Why
> do you always want to try
> something extraordinary with a hurdy-gurdy?
because hurdy-gurdy is not an "usual/common"
instrument, I guess...
Moreover...both Segovia and Hendrix were guitar
players and I think they used different kind of
strings.
Anyway...I agree with you
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 08:58:30 -0800
From: SW/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] plans
Hello Marcos,
I'm also interested in the Louvet plans. Please put me on the list.
Thank you.
Juan Wijngaard
California
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Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 17:31:56 -0500
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] How strong is the wheel?
Here's some more of the discussion that Stefan hoped wouldn't happen <g>!
My dad used to tell me: there are two, and only two, kinds of music: good
music and bad music. He isn't a musician these days, or all that into
music in general other than listening for personal enjoyment and singing
hymns in church. But he is very wise, and knows the difference between
fact and opinion. And Stefan, no one will say that you haven't made your
opinion clear!
Personally, as a player and maker of hurdy-gurdies, I am very thankful
that those who developed threaded axles, plywood core wheels, etc, were not
satisfied with it as it was. And even traditional gut has been improved by
modern technology, which helps improve the sound and playability of the
hurdy-gurdy. In this respect, I suppose one could argue that by
experimenting with different strings, Hiroshi WILL be changing the
instrument...
I have to respectfully disagree with Stefan and say that Hiroshi should go
crazy if he wants to! As RT says, let us know if you find anything fun!
~ Matt
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