Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List - July 2001
|
|
|
|
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.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 21:55:45 +0100
From: arthur nichols <arthur _at_ anichols.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: [HG] Re: Tangents
Neil
Regarding attaching the tangents to the key bar using small bolts.
I havnt tried it yet but using nuts on the bolts could be a bit of a fiddle,
putting a thread into the wood would be a weakness due to having a fine
thread and no more than 6mm depth into the wood, I have in mind to use metal
inserts pressed into and glued into the wood. As I see it this would allow
the key bars to be slid out, the inserts would be no longer than the depth
of the wood.
What method do you use?
Do you know of any source of suitable inserts?.
The type I have in mind is the insert that might be moulded into plastic.
Your advice would be much appreciated.
Arthur Nichols
PS I could make them but dont see the point if they are available
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 18:41:08 -0700
From: Dominic A White <ick _at_ awenet.com>
Subject: [HG] Making the Journey
Hello all,
Haven't been online lately. just writing to let you all know that I'm
taking off for Maine on Thursday. I'll be moving to Portland after a short
stint in Massachusettes, but hope to eventually use the Olympic Hurdy Gurdy
Festival as a wonderful excuse to come back to the Pacific Northwest.
I hope to find gurdy players in Maine (like matt!) and I hope to see you
all at the festival in a couple years.
Take care,
Dominic
From the Computer of Dominic White ick _at_ awenet.com
"I love working with people who know that a wing and a prayer is the way to
fly."
-Peter Robb, from "M, The Man Who Became Caravaggio"
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
[HRt]Date:Mon, 02 Jul 2001 08:57:27 -0600
From: arle lommel <fenevad _at_ ttt.org>
Subject: [HG] Missing HG parts
Hi,
just had a funny story about my teker� and my 16 month old daughter.
My teker� uses the traditional Hungarian adjustment lever for control of the
buzzing bridge. About a month ago I went to play the instrument and found
that my lever was missing and that I had no way to control the bridge
without it. So I looked around, assuming that my daughter had simply pulled
out the lever and I would find it somewhere. For the course of a month I
could find no sign of it until the other night my wife said "maybe she stuck
it in the instrument". I picked up my teker� and started shaking it and
found that there was quite a bit of junk inside the instrument. After
turning the instrument over and having my wife (whose hands are smaller than
mine) work the (very small) sound holes, we managed to extricate the lever,
pieces of straw from a straw basket, various bits of string and the blade
cover from a disposable razor. Apparently my daughter had discovered that it
was fun to stick things in the holes of the teker�. Had she not stuck the
lever in, who knows how long it would have been before I noticed that she
had filled the instrument with little presents.
The instrument is now back to playing condition and seems to be junk free
for at least a little while.
-Arle
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 03 Jul 2001 12:14:10 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Missing HG parts
Dear Arle,
I had a customer call up who was having problems getting his chien to sound
properly. After several questions it became apparent that the chien was no
longer in place on the instrument. It turns out that his son thought it
was a cool toy and had taken it out and put it on a shelf in his room along
with his matchbook cars and toy animals.
Life is always interesting.
:-)----Cali Hackmann
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 03 Jul 2001 23:36:47 +0200
From: B&D Renaudin <d140557 _at_ club-internet.fr>
Subject: [HG] St Chartier
Hi,
This year's St Chartier program is on line :
http://www.saintchartier.com/
;-)
Dominique Renaudin
http://perso.club-internet.fr/d140557/index.html
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 02:21:47 +0300 (EEST)
From: ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi
Subject: [HG] Nordic droning in Ravenna 6.7.
I have noticed, that it is customary to inform about concerts, so here's one:
In case someone of you happens to be around Ravenna, Italy this week,
come and listen to suggestive Finnish kalevala -chanting with drone
instruments: hg (hungarian bass-tekero), bowed harp, swedish bagpipe
and moraharpa (+ kanteles, jew's harps, flutes).
IHTIRIEKKO, 6.7. at Galleria CMC, Ravenna Festival.
1000 year old heterophonic trip-hop & heavenly and earthly female voices.
For more information, visit:
www.ravennafestival.org
Yours
Esa M�kinen
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2001 12:02:45 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: [HG] Summer adjustment?
Ok, here's a question for you all, especially, perhaps, for you experienced
makers and players out there...
At the moment, I have three hurdy-gurdies here; one is six years old, one
about 2 1/2 years old, and one just a year old. All three have trompettes
which have decided to stop working well. They still buzz, but they seem to
have lost a lot of their precision. Instead of sharp, crisp, "coup-de-six"
type buzzes, they are kind of soft and fuzzy and not very exciting. It
seems to take more speed increase to get buzzes, so that it's almost
impossible to find a middle adjustment for short, sharp buzzes and also
longer "coup gras"-type buzzes, as RT calls it if I recall
correctly. Also, the trompette strings which usually work tuned to C or D
aren't working very well at the lower tension C pitch (They're all tuned
G/C. Welcome to North America). Remember how fine my buzzer worked when
you were here, RT (aside from the volume, which I know you don't approve of
<g>)? Well, forget it, now!
Now before I go crazy and start messing with all sorts of adjustments, can
anyone tell me if this is a familiar experience with the onset of summer
humidity (or anything else, for that matter)? This is the only thing I can
think of which might cause the problem. What I find confusing is that I've
never experienced anything like this before, even with my six year old
instrument, which has always had a good crisp buzz. We certainly have had
humid summers before, but I've never had any such trouble with buzzers
before. And I'm certainly suspicious that all the hurdy-gurdies are
suffering the same symptoms.
Here in New England, we have rather extreme changes between summer and
winter temperatures and humidity. Usually, these variances manifest
themselves as melody string pressure changes; where the edge of the wheel
is parallel to the soundboard is where soundboard expansion most effects
string pressure against the wheel. Does anyone else have to make any
regular seasonal changes to their instrument adjustments, a summer and
winter chien, for example?
Darned if this thing doesn't keep us on our toes...
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 10:40:53 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <rtaylor _at_ amp.csulb.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
Summer adjustment?
Are you kidding? You mean to tell me that you have to adjust these things?
I usually fix the summer Humidity problem like this:
I find a nice large oven and bake the whole thing for about 2-3 hours at
about 350 degrees along with a nice Roti de Porc. It gives both the Porc and
the Hurdy gurdy a nice crispness.
An added bonus is that they both smell real good too. That of course depends
on the seasonings.
Serve the Hurdy Gurdy with fresh rosin and the Porc with Mustard.
I had the same situation when I lived in Seattle. The winter air was very
dry and the summer air was very moist. I got great sounds in the winter and
it got worse as the air got more moist. This did not effect the melody and
drone strings as much as the sound and crispness of the Trumpet and Chien.
I use a cheep Humidity meter to check the air moisture. It got as low as
15-20% in the winter and 60-70% in the summer and even higher at night. The
same thing seems to happen at St. Chartier at night. It is sort of a dead
sound at night but normal in the day time.
One thing to try might be to increase the size of the Trumpet string. I
switched from 94 to 97 or 104 and it worked much better. I also change the
cotton too. Maybe the cotton holds the moisture. And you might also try
testing a more "sticky" rosin.
Again, if that does not work, try the baking technique!
r.t.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 15:46:50 -0400
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
One could sell 'em.
jus' kiddin'
jim
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 20:14:13 -0400
From: "Bruce Nally" <bnally3282 _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
You can try Nigel Eaton's idea of adding rosin to the foot of the chien,
this makes the trompette sound immediately crisper and louder.
Bruce
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 00:05:24 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <rtaylor _at_ amp.csulb.edu>
Subject: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
������������������������������������������ Lets meet again at Saint
Chartier.
�
Last year a large group of�the members from this list met at Saint
Chartier.
OK it was a small group but very exclusive. It was fun to see the faces
that go with the emails, have a drink and try to stay out of the rain.
�
We had so much fun last year that we are going to do it again. Same
place, almost the same time.
�
We will meet on Friday at 12:30 at the bar across from Espace Plus. This
should be at just about the time that the Soloist Concours will end.
�
See you there.
�
r.t.
��
�
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2001 22:52:49 -1000
From: Don V. Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
When is
St. Chartrier? I'll probably have to wait till next year, but I'd love to
go...
Thanks and Aloha-
Don
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 10:08:16 +0100
From: michael.i.ross _at_ bt.com
Subject: RE: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
12th - 15th July - ie. NOT in the school holidays so I can't go!! :-(
SIdmouth will have to suffice this year.
http://www.saintchartier.com/
Snozz
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 17:29:41 +0100
From: Dave Praties <dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] chids HG
Hello all,
Belated but gratefull thanks for all advice about building a HG for a
child. I will be starting building soon, and will let you know how it
turns out.
Cheers, Dave.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2001 13:39:23 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
>You can try Nigel Eaton's idea of adding rosin to the foot of the chien,
>this makes the trompette sound immediately crisper and louder.
>
>Bruce
Has anyone here ever tried this?
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 19:58:22 +0100
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
The use of a tiny bit of rosin is good. Too much will glue the chien down -
not so good! I have also used the merest trace of the liquid rosin to good
effect
www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2001 15:16:04 -0400
From: ben grossman <nostyle _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
Hello Matt et al,
I used to put rosin on the foot of the chien of my old HG all the time. It
has a slight but noticeable effect on what is a rosewood chien on a plain
spruce soundboard. I'd guess that it would have different effects depending
on the configuration of the instrument and materails involved. I have not
diddled with the chiens on my new Weichselbaumer though...
All the best,
ben
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 17:32:41 -0400
From: Eugene <eugenebienvenue _at_ softhome.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
Seems to happen naturally with mine.
Have to unstick the foot every time I play!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 09:01:35 +0200
From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
Hi Matthew,
I would like to give you three possibilities to solve your trompette problem:
1.: wait until winter
2.: move to the desert
3.: make a special summer trompette. (For those who travel a lot, the should
have a climatic-zone-collection ;-)
4.: check the slot, maybe put some graphite onto the end of the trompette.
I'm sure one of these 4 ideas will help!
Good luck
Helmut
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 09:01:37 +0200
From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
To R. T. Taylor!
I tried your recipe immediately, why didn't you tell that you have to take off
the gut strings first?
I ruined my whole dinner!!
I'll give you a 2nd chance at Fri. 12.30
Cheers
Helmut
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 09:05:02 -0500
From: Aaron and Carolyn Gritzmaker <gritz _at_ hpnc.com>
Subject: [HG] traveling with your hg
Hi everyone, I'm new to the list, and a new-ish player, though I've had my
hurdy gurdy since 1994. I've read Cali and Alden's information on flying
with hurdy gurdies but would like to hear from you all on what you do when
flying: do you carry it on or check it? Any suggestions? I'll be at the
Over the Water HG Festival this year and hope to meet some of you there.
Thanks!
Carolyn Gritzmaker
Maypearl, Texas
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 09:35:42 -0700
From: Fiddlers <mdfiddler _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] traveling with your hg
Alden and Cali's advice was compiled from a lot of stories and experiences
of many players. While a few instruments have survived being checked, almost
all have survived being carried (read some of the archives for horror
stories, including what happened when an over-enthusiastic businessman
pushed his briefcase into a h-g in the overhead bin). I check everything
else and carry the gurdy and stay alert to who is jamming items in next to
it. On really small planes where there is no overhead and it won't fit under
the seat I surrender it to the flight attendent after she promises she won't
put anything else on top of it in the onboard closet.
Good luck, and I'll look forward to meeting you in Sept!
Marjy Fiddler, Seattle
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 10:04:01 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <rtaylor _at_ amp.csulb.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] traveling with your hg
Hi Carolyn.
This topic comes up at least once a year. I think that most of our comments
have been added to Cali and Alden's web pages as tips and suggestions.
The bottom line is that it is always best to keep your Hurdy Gurdy with you
if possible and only check your instrument if absolutely necessary.
Even if you have a very good flight case like the one I use, it is always
possible for the airline to loose it or have it delayed.
This just happened to me. I had to fly with 2 Hurdy Gurdy so I was going to
carry one on the plane and checked the other one. But at the last moment I
had a bad feeling and carried both of them on the plane with me. ( The plane
was almost empty so there was no problem with 2 large carryon bags ) When I
arrived at my destination, the flight case was not on the plane. Lucky for
me that I had taken out the Hurdy Gurdy from the flight case. Even though
the case was delivered to me the next day, it was still a good example of a
bad situation.
See you at the Over The Water camp.
r.t.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 21:29:19 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
Thank you, Helmut, for your suggestions:
1. I most certainly will wait until winter, and I have no doubt that it
will come, especially here in Maine. But, I want to play before then, so...
2. Although my partner is less enthusiastic about the cold than I am, she
doesn't want to move to the desert, therefore...
3. I wondered if a special "humid zone" chien would be an option; my
problem is that, strangely enough, this is the first time I have ever
experienced this problem. How should a summer chien differ from a winter
chien? Should I be considering a change in string pressure, or perhaps a
change in the geometry of the actual chien? Or perhaps this isn't
something that anyone has considered to the point of knowing which
direction to go in, in which case it's time to start carving new ones?
4. I have tried graphite on the point of the chien which fits into the
slot in the bridge - is that what you mean?
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 06 Jul 2001 22:49:30 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
Dear Matt,
I tried it and got sticky stuff on my hurdy-gurdy. No improvement that I
noticed and in fact I later had to clean it off because it caused my dog to
stick to the soundboard. I wasn't particularly generous with the rosin
either. JMHO.
Cali Hackmann
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 10:46:59 +0200
From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de>
Subject: Re: [HG] Summer adjustment?
Hi Matt,
What I mean with my 3rd (serious) suggestion is, that it makes no sense to work
on a chien which worked well once. ( a bombarde-player told me that - like
never
change a winning horse.
I actually don't know what happens there, just, when you make this one working
well for the summer (maybe deepening the slot for the string or changing the
pressure to the wheel ...) it can be damaged for the winter. Make a new one
which works well in the summer and change to to other one when it is necessary.
Good luck
Helmut
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2001 12:48:45 +0200
From: Reymen reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
Try to put a little bit of talcum powder,you now the stuff they put on the bibs
of a baby,on the rear end of the dog where its in the bridge.this will make it
move more easely.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 07:43:57 -0500
From: Aaron and Carolyn Gritzmaker <gritz _at_ hpnc.com>
Subject: [HG] traveling and chein
Thanks to everyone who responded. I will definitely be carrying my hg on
the plane (especially after watching the baggage guys loading and unloading
a plane yesterday....and they weren't being rough or careless)!
Matt, have you considered a chein made of bone or some other material that
isn't affected by humidity? I have one I made of bone (as well as pear and
maple) and it seems to sound as good as the wood. But I suppose that the
bridge would also be affected by humidity, and might still cause a problem
there.
Carolyn
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 09:00:30 -0400
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
<put a little bit of talcum powder, you know the stuff they put on the bibs
of a baby>
bibs must equal bottoms. I tried to picture powdering a baby's bib.
Hey kid, hold your breath while I do this. :)
Then engulf his head with a cloud.
Heh.
Kiddin' around.
Just to mention, powders come in two ways. One is the perfumed kind
in whatever brand. But, the other is labeled somewhere, 100% cornstarch,
in whatever brand. May be the later is a better choice.
One more thought, don't let your two year old see you powdering your gurdy
and then leave the instrument and the powder right there. Or is you do,
be sure and write the list and tell us what it was like when you return.
Or may be secretly tape it to send into one of those funny-home-
video tv shows.
jim
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2001 21:23:40 -0400
From: Bruce Nally <bln _at_ idirect.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
Hi Matt
I got this Idea from an article by Nigel Eaton to try using rosin on the
foot of the chien. I used some powdered rosin a VERY SMALL AMOUNT of
powered rosin, I don't think liquid rosin would be a good idea either. and
on hot humid days I think the very fact that there is some adhesion, the
chien resists the pull of the wheel, releasing it's grip on the soundboard
at a higher pressure resulting in a crisper and louder report. Like
everything on a Hurdy Gurdy it requires trial and error, but if Nigel Eaton
said it would work, I would give it a try and "it worked for me".
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 13:33:49 +0100
From: Friederike Gunzel <f.gunzel _at_ ic.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
>
>Just to mention, powders come in two ways. One is the perfumed kind
>in whatever brand. But, the other is labeled somewhere, 100% cornstarch,
>in whatever brand. May be the later is a better choice.
Talcum and cornstarch are two entirely different things. Talcum is a
mineral, you can buy pure talcum, without any perfume, etc. in
pharmacies. I have never seen cornstarch is used a powder, starch swells
when it gets damp and becomes sticky. So I would rather not mess around
with cornstarch on any instrument.
Friederike
_____________________________
Dr. Friederike Gunzel
T.H. Huxley School of Environment, Earth Sciences and Engineering
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
Royal School of Mines, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BP
Tel: +44 (0) 20 - 759 47470
Fax: +44 (0) 20 - 759 47444
Departmental website: http://www.huxley.ic.ac.uk/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 11:50:31 -0400
From: zhenya <zhenya _at_ prexar.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally re Summer Adjustment
I'm glad you wrote. I was wrong.
Well, it is totally common on baby's bottoms (to use corn starch), but as
you have said,
use the talcum kind for an instrument, any instrument. I didn't know. Thank
you very nuch.
jim
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 09:16:46 -0700
From: Christina Wright <ccwright _at_ halcyon.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
I agree with RT. Let's meet again at the bar near Espace Plus at
12:30 on Friday. Sounds good!
See you there? (Brian, Rose, Maxou....)
Chris
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 17:59:40 -0000
From: C R Wohlmut <turcolyn _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] instrument for sale
Hello Players!
I'd like to introduce myself and let you know I've got an instrument to
sell.
My name is Colyn Wohlmut and when I first heard a hurdy gurdy my mouth
dropped open and I started finding everything out about it that I could and
listening to every CD I could find.
I was living in Aix-en-Provence and through some players there, I was put in
touch with a luthier in Nice, Jackie Rageade, who had an instrument for
sale-syncronicity! Having studied music in college I felt ready for the
challenge and started lessons.
Since I've been back in the states...well, you know the story.
Here are the facts about the vielle.
6 strings
ocatave and a half keyboard
french style chien
hard shell case
It's got a square head (metal tuning pegs) and flat back so those who play
in period costumes, be advised.
It's got a very big sound. It hasn't had the attention it deserves so it
needs some adjusting and a lot of playing.
I'm happy to answer any questions and email photos. I'm asking
$2,000.00USD-anyone interested who is in the vicinity is encouraged to come
by and try the instrument out.
Happy turning!
Colyn
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 16:39:42 EDT
From: Maxoubbn _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
Hello !
I'll be there. This year, rain & storm were before Saint-Chartier.
We'll have sun, I promise !
Maxou
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 09 Jul 2001 19:18:10 -0500
From: Patricia A. Lipscomb <plipscomb _at_ qwest.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] instrument for sale
Hi, Colyn,
My name is Trish. I'm a relatively new HG enthusiast. I was interested in your
msg on the list. Where are you located? I'd love to try our your HG but don't
know whether we are anywhere close. Could you e-mail me pictures anyway?
Thanks,
Trish
C R Wohlmut wrote:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 20:09:39 -0700 (PDT)
From: Vincent Ho <hbv _at_ tsoft.com>
Subject: [HG] Holding positions
Dear list,
I have been practising my new lute back HG lately, but I have a couple of
problems. I cannot seem to be able to hold the instrument securely.
If I use my left forearm to press hard towards the HG, it will be
secure, but obviously I cannot move my forearm freely to play. Also,
I am wondering how and where do you hook up a shoulder belt to the HG
(like a guitar)?
Puzzled,
--
Vincent B. Ho hbv _at_ tsoft.com
--
Horloge! dieu sinistre, effrayant, impassible
Dont le doigt nous menace et nous dit "Souviens-toi!
Les vibrantes Douleurs dans ton coeur plein d'effroi
Se planteront bientot comme dans une cible;
-- Charles Baudelaire (Spleen et ideal. LXXXV)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2001 22:23:30 -0500
From: Aaron and Carolyn Gritzmaker <gritz _at_ hpnc.com>
Subject: [HG] introduction
I've finally found the archives for the hurdy gurdy list and have begun to
read through them. They're very interesting, but I'm beginning to feel a
bit intimidated by you all.
Guess I ought to introduce myself. I'm Carolyn Gritzmaker and I'm actually
a weaver and woodworker rather than a musician. For years I had asked my
dad to build a hurdy gurdy (he made a few guitars in his spare time), but he
never got around to doing so. When in Canterbury in 1993 I was lucky to
meet an hg player on the square there (sorry I never got his name) who told
me about the Hurdy Gurdy Society and showed me his instrument which Chris
Eaton had made. It was lovely. After I got home I joined the society and
bought a set of plans for a guitar shaped Lambert hg from Michael Muskett.
And I built one that isn't quite true to these plans, but close. It even
sounds good when someone who knows what they're about plays it. I started
to learn to play it, but for one reason or another it got put away until a
few weeks ago I got it out again. So I'm still pretty much a beginner, and
one with terminal stage-fright at that. I can play fine when alone, but you
let someone catch me at it and suddenly I'm all thumbs. Maybe the Over The
Water HG Festival will help me get over that. I'm looking forward to
learning a lot and meeting some of you there. Got a lot of practicing to do
before then! See you,
Carolyn in Maypearl, Texas (101 in the shade today)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 12:55:53 +0900
From: Hiroshi Hasebe <hasebe _at_ jim.seikei.ac.jp>
Subject: Re: [HG] Holding positions
I always use two belts to hold the HG.
One is a strap around my shoulder (hang it
like a left handed player) and the other is
a belt around my waist (almost around my hip).
The point is, you need to tighten them up!
Thanks to Alden and Cali, their HG has its beautiful
and secure case. I use the strap of that case as a
shoulder belt.
You feel like wearing a straightjacket, but by doing
so, you can avoid the HG move wavy when you turn
the right hand. You even can dance, if you want.
HASEBE, Hiroshi
Administrative Staff
Center for Asian and Pacific Studies
Seikei University
3-3-1, Kichijoji-kitamachi, Musashino-shi
Tokyo 180-8633, Japan
http://www.seikei.ac.jp/university/caps/index.html
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 10:40:01 +0200
From: B&D Renaudin <d140557 _at_ club-internet.fr>
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
Salut,
Ah, ah, ah!!!
http://www.yahoo.fr/
;-)
Dominique Renaudin
Maxoubbn _at_ aol.com a *crit :
>
> Hello !
>
> I'll be there. This year, rain & storm were before Saint-Chartier.
> We'll have sun, I promise !
>
> Maxou
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 08:58:56 EDT
From: RoseDaly2000 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
I can't make it this year, but have a brilliant time everyone
Rose
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 10:11:18 +0100
From: Haines/Woollard <kan83 _at_ dial.pipex.com>
Subject: [HG] Hi
I've just joined. My name is Simon Haines from Colchester, UK.
I play in the Hosepipe Band - mainly a dance band playing for English
dancing. (Website: http://www,hosepipe,dial.pipex.com)
We play mainly own compositions and French stuff (very little actual English
music)
I play an electro-acoustic Denis Siorat in C black, but now somewhat
scratched.
My main instrument is the diatoic accordeon, but I am gradually playing more
and more on the hg.
Simon
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 11:09:06 +1000
From: Aylwen <garden _at_ earthlydelights.com.au>
Subject: [HG] Fw: borderpipes player wanted in London or Southeast
-----Original Message-----
From: lineone <jennybeeching _at_ lineone.net>
Newsgroups: uk.music.folk
Date: Thursday, 12 July 2001 7:39
Subject: borderpipes player wanted in London or Southeast
>I'm looking for a borderpipes player for a recording project, preferably
>someone who can read and has studio experience. Does anyone know of such a
>person?
>please reply to chris _at_ fiddlingaround.co.uk
>thanks
>chris haigh
>
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 09:17:07 +0100
From: Nick Nourse <nick _at_ themapworks.co.uk>
Reply-To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com
To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com
Subject: [HG] new project?
Has anyone ever attempted to use the drawings of the guitar-shape HG at
Edinburgh Uni as the basis for a successful instrument, or is it all a bit
too rustic to be genuinely useful?
Nick Nourse
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 19:01:12 +0200
From: Reymen reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be>
Subject: [HG] (geen onderwerp)
HG for sale:
I have a nicely build hg conform the model Dewit
Good sounding 2 melody 2 drones 1 tompette
Used but ok
anyone interested? mail me at
reymen _at_ pandora.be
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 11:12:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: [HG] Nasty growl
Hello, Hello.
I wasn't sure whether to submit this under "Clean and
pure sounding notes" or "Summer Adjustment".
I just upgraded to a banded wheel about a month ago
and did a few things to stabilize the tail bearing.
After truing and playing, truing/playing, etc for a
couple of weeks I have a much improved sound, except
for one chanter string, which when played open, sounds
like a nasal gargle. When keyed the sound is cleaner,
but the intonation goes every whichaway. I've been all
over Deistem & Heidemann ("the Red Book") & have so
far tried:
(1) Raising/lowering the action at the bridge.
(2) More/less rosin.
(3) More/less cotton.
(4) Nut and tangent adjustments.
I had previously put in very high nuts to compensate
for a few problems with the old wheel and I'm
wondering if lowering them would make any difference.
Or is it that the gut string died of old age. It's
gotten nearly daily use for the past 18 months.
Another question that I can't find an answer to in D &
H: With the banded wheel the drones sound pretty even
when I'm not using the trompette, but it is 'way too
easy to get them to "thump" on the down and the
upstroke.
Is this an adjustment problem or am I just hitting it
too hard?
Thanks,
Roy Trotter
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2001 20:48:43 +0100
From: Dave Praties <dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] new project?
Hi Nick,
I'd be a bit carefull with those drawings. If it is the instrument I think
it is, I have examined it, and my opinion is that it was probably
made by a furniture maker or similar craftsman in the low
countries, but not a luthier. It has the sort of errors that you would
find on an instrument built from a painting. It may have sounded
OK, who knows, but the overall geometry is idiosyncratic, and
many parts are missing or broken. Has any one else seen it, what
do you think??
Cheers Dave.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 08:23:25 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] new project?
Hi Nick and Dave
Is that a guitar shaper, long keyboard gurdy?
I got plans of a strange gurdy, with unusual tangents
and keys arrengement. If the instrument is the same, I
think the same as Dave.
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 08:39:41 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Hi Roy
Maybe your chanter need of a new nut.
Be sure your string runs as low as possible without
touching the first key shaft .
Then control that the open string doesn't touch any
tangents when played.
A new string could help but in a well adjiusted gurdy
even a worn string plays better than " sounds
like a nasal gargle" :o).
About the second problem.
What does "thump" mean?
Sometimes (actually often...) strange regular noises
coming from the drones when you play the trompette
depends on too much play in inner bearing.
Grab your wheel and shake it up and down: you shoudn't
detect any play.
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 08:51:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Hi Marcello, thanks for your reply.
--- marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it> wrote:
> Hi Roy
>
> Maybe your chanter need of a new nut.
> Be sure your string runs as low as possible without
> touching the first key shaft .
> Then control that the open string doesn't touch any
> tangents when played.
> A new string could help but in a well adjiusted
> gurdy
> even a worn string plays better than " sounds
> like a nasal gargle" :o).
The original nuts were set to just clear the first
shaft. The old wheel was too big for the angle of the
key plane, so I "retrofitted" new nuts to about
2.5-3mm clearance. I'll see if I can find the
originals, or cut down the new ones.
> What does "thump" mean?
"Thump" is hard to describe. It's almost like a
baritone banjo note emerging from the droning.
> Sometimes (actually often...) strange regular noises
> coming from the drones when you play the trompette
> depends on too much play in inner bearing.
> Grab your wheel and shake it up and down: you
> shoudn't detect any play.
I stuck a couple of (clean) socks in the tangent box
(to eliminate key rattle) and disabled the trompette
and could still do it. There is a tiny bit of play in
the axle but I haven't been able to take it out
without adding more drag to the action. I can only get
about 4.45 turns with no load as it is. Actually I
LIKE having a built-in Tenor Drum, but since nobody
else does it, it must be wrong ;-] <-(trying very hard
to keep a straight face)
This is the Gurdy I made from a door; strange noises
are par for the course. I am profoundly wishing I
could finish repairing this one so I can finish the
next one and start repairing it. I have a feeling that
I may be making tangents again at the OTWHGF&FDW, see
you there.
Thanks again, Roy T.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 19:10:09 +0100
From: David Bawden <David.Bawden _at_ btinternet.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Hello Roy
I wonder if you have the same problem as me?
One of my chanters makes what I can only describe as a 'roar' when I play
certain keys i.e. when I play at certain pitches. It is around the e and f
keys on the high chanter (open string tuned in d). If I tune the open
string up or down the noise occurs on different keys but at the same
pitches. I have examined everything closely and the noise is associated
with the oscillation of the string (a bit like the noise caused by a
telephone wire moving in the wind). There is nothing mechanical happening
in the machine and what baffles me is why it does not happen at other
pitches, when there is equal amount of string oscillation.
I think it sounds worse to the player of the instrument and worse still
because I have become sensitised to it. So it may not be such a problem to
an audience
David
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 14:35:32 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: [HG] Michigan Festivals
For those of you NOT in St. Chartier, you
might think about central Michigan.
It's not quite the same, but we've been
attracting a population of hurdy gurdy
players at the Michigan Dulcimer Festival in
Evart, Michigan. There is a 'Gurdy Gathering'
each day (19-21)for music and idea exchange.
The Gathering is led by listmember David Smith
and me, and we invite you to attend! The
festival schedule and details are posted at
www.dulcimers.com.
Judith
Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
http://www.taar.com
icq 6445710
MAILTO:judith _at_ taar.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 12:43:04 -0600
From: arle lommel <fenevad _at_ ttt.org>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Here's another similar sort of thing:
my teker� has one key that is a little loose in its mortise through the
keybox. At times it rattles in returning to the unpressed position, making a
sound similar to the one described except that it is not on the open string,
but rather only when moving from that note to a lower one.
-Arle
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 14 Jul 2001 11:33:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Hi David, There was some discussion about these sorts
of things back in Feb of this year. I don't think
they're achived yet, let me know if you need me to fwd
them. I don't think it's the same problem, but it may
be the same fix.
Roy T.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 21:04:12 +0100
From: Nick Nourse <nick _at_ themapworks.co.uk>
Subject: [HG] broken string
hi all
Having recently completed my latest HG and attempted to learn to play the
thing, I have promptly broken the top chanterelle, tuned to d", which was an
NRI 27 thou. string. The actual break occurred inside the pegbox, and
unfortunately all attempts to tie the remaining string result in the new
knot breaking again. This string had always seemed very tight (very high
tension) (345mm vibrating sting length) and I'm not surprised it broke!
Any suggestions as to how to proceed. Do I try again, do I use a different
string gauge, if so larger or smaller diameter? I have used a Saverez BRH 71
on my Bosch, and that has stayed together - are Saverez strings more
preferable than any other?
Also, another string question, this time on the trompette - when I start to
turn the wheel, if it is turned slowly, the trompette string sounds harsh
and grating, but if the wheel is then turned quicker, the string sounds OK.
I am going to change the cotton on that string and see if that helps, but
does anyone have a more obvious solution?
Many thanks folks,
Nick Nourse
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 11:39:54 +1000
From: Aylwen <garden _at_ earthlydelights.com.au>
Subject: [HG] Dance News from Aylwen Garden, ACT, Australia
Dear friend, Some items of news:
��� 1.. Enrolments open today for John Garden's next Monday evening dance
course at the Australian National University. This course promises to be
just as enjoyable as the last. We again have use of the large wooden
floor
of the Sports Union's upstairs multipurpose room and will again have a
lot
of fun tripping through 500 years of dance styles (all levels of
experience
catered for) . So for 12 socially, intellectually and physically
stimulating
evenings starting this coming Monday 23 July, 7:30-9:30pm, and finishing
22
October (no classes on September 24 and October 1), please do phone 6125
8381 this� week and speak with Denis Seselja or colleague in the ANU's
Sports
and Recreation Program. Fees are extremely good value at just $70 for ANU
students, $85 for Sports and Rec members and $100 for others (who are
equally welcome!). For any more info. on course phone us on (02)
62811098.
��� 2.. John and the band Earthly Delights are planning a big day and
evening of English Country Dancing on Saturday 8 September - with
workshops
in the morning and afternoon and a big ball in the evening. Early bird
tickets for the day&evening combination are available from us and friends
from interstate are welcome to inquire about being billeted. Please let
me
know if you'd like a copy of the registration form.
��� 3.. Please diary for later this year two other day/evening
combinations
on Saturday 13 October (flowing Contra dancing) and 10 November (romantic
European couples dancing).
��� 4.. Towards the end of each year Earthly Delights has always put on a
big ball at the grand Albert Hall - this year the date is Sunday 16
December
and the theme - a Dickensian� Christmas Ball!.
��� 5.. We have long dreamt of having a dance/music retreat/studio in our
own back garden here in Yarralumla and after many painful months of
renovation (punctuated 2 months ago by the birth of our fourth child,
Alcuin
Albert) that dream is about to become reality -with the near completion
of
the smallest grand dance hall in the world!. We hope soon to be able to
invite all our friends to the ‘house’ warming and to use the
studio later
this year as the venue for some workshops leading up to the Christmas
Ball.
Please stay posted.
I hope to be able to send some more information on the above events
within
the month, but for now, please do consider taking a place in the course
starting Monday - you will meet some great people and set the ball
rolling
for a fun-filled second half to this year. Feel free to pass this
information to friends.
Warmest Regards,� Aylwen Garden
(02) 62811098, 87 Schlich Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600
garden _at_ earthlydelights.com.au / http://www.earthlydelights.com.au
�
____________________________________________________
P.S. Our apologies if you had not put your name down to receive news such
as
this from us or you received this message more than once, but due to a
computer crash every email address we had on the system got thrown in
with
the addresses on our dance mail list. If you do not need to receive
information on up-coming dance or music events featuring John Garden or
the
band Earthly Delights please reply with DELETE in the subject box.
____________________________________________________
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 08:31:47 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] Nasty growl
Hi Roy
Whatever your nut is be sure your open string
doesn't touch any tangents when played (you said your
string doesn't make any noise when a key is pressed,
so.....)
> "Thump" is hard to describe. It's almost like a
> baritone banjo note emerging from the droning.
Perfect.....so it's definitely because of too much
play in your inner axle bearing.
I mean "up and down" play, not "side to side" play
(that usually doesn't make the "banjo effect")
> LIKE having a built-in Tenor Drum, but since nobody
> else does it, it must be wrong ;-]
I see....I'd like to have trompette effect in my
Gretch tenor banjo, but since noboby else have it now
I got six gurdies (2 for baroque music, 2 for
middleage and renaissance, 1 for oldtime and 1 for
bluegrass....:o)
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 08:48:00 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: Re: [HG] broken string
Hi Nick
The first D chanterelle is usually very tight.
If it's just a tension problem you'd try a smaller
string, but first try to control that nothing's wong
inside your pegbox.
> Also, another string question, this time on the
> trompette - when I start to
> turn the wheel, if it is turned slowly, the
> trompette string sounds harsh
> and grating, but if the wheel is then turned
> quicker, the string sounds OK.
Probably your "dog" is too short, try to make another
a little bit longer (and less sensitive) or try to
"gentle" rub the foot only of your dog over some fine
sandpaper.
"Gentle" means: rub ONE time and try.....
ciao
=====
Marcello Bono
my hurdy-gurdy page is
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1045
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 18:23:24 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] broken string
Hi Nick
Savarez BRH 71 is a pretty good bet for 345mmm string length.
The trouble with the d" string is that it is usually relatively short lived
and also takes some time to stretch in. I have broken a number of them
trying to get them up to pitch in a hurry. To ovecome this last problem you
can pre-strech your strings on a simple plank of wood with a pin at one end
and a tuning peg at the other. This way you can keep a ready-to-use spare
in case of an emergency.
Juan
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 14:01:09 EDT
From: RoseDaly2000 _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] Case
Hi
Does anyone know where I can get a "soft" hg case which would make
carrying
it round a bit easier?
Thanks
Rose
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 13:27:23 -0500
From: Patricia A. Lipscomb <plipscomb _at_ qwest.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
I had a nice soft case made recently by Ken _at_ Blue Heron in California
1-800-899-9096 www.blueheroncases.com. Tell him I sent you!
Trish
�
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 20:42:53 +0200
From: Ren� Meeuws <meeuws _at_ msmp.demon.nl>
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
Contact natalia.issupow _at_ t-online.de�(in Frankfurt, Germany).
�
Greetings from Holland,
�
Ren� Meeuws
meeuws _at_ msmp.demon.nl
�
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 21:55:24 +0300 (EEST)
From: ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
Try the shoemakers: They have the strong sewing machines and
not always so much work to do nowadays (hands up those of you
out there who have hand-made shoes?).
At least those of them who make bags can certainly make you a
hg-bag too. So just visit a workshop with your instrument or
drawings.
Esa M�kinen
Finland
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 01:34:31 +0200
From: Simon Wascher <Simon.Wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] broken string
Hello,
Just recently I came accross a string that is really a hit for the d''
chanterelle, because it is a good string AND nearly unbreakable, the
Aquila nylgut string, for d'' i would recomend something between .65 and
.72 mm diameter ( see: http://www.aquilacorde.com/ ). Otherwise violin
e'' strings do work very well, but are more expensive and sometimes tend
to breake. I used succsessfully the Pirastro "Gold" and "Eudoxa"
e-strings. The second is the cheaper one and I could hear no difference
on the HG.
Simon Wascher
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2001 16:43:20 -0700
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
> Does anyone know where I can get a "soft" hg case which would make carrying
> it round a bit easier?
It will probably be easiest for you to use someone local, so he or she can
measure your instrument for a correct fit. If you're in Washington State
(USA), you might want to look up Mike Saunders, who has made lots of soft
cases for hurdy-gurdies. He lives in Gig Harbor.
I don't seem to have an email address for Mike, but you can probably contact
him through Olympic Musical Instruments (hurdy _at_ silverlink.net) -- he makes
the cases they sell with their instruments.
Anna Peekstok
Seattle, WA
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 13:44:56 EDT
From: RoseDaly2000 _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] Case
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions
Rose
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 19:17:24 -0700
From: Tim O'Neil <bwana _at_ noteboard.org>
Subject: [HG] Re: Welcome to hg
Hi all. I'm a blues guitarist and software engineer
in Cali, USA, and have had an interest in the gurdy
since seeing an old b/w film. Please, don't ask what
it was about. All I can recall is that it was an oldie,
probably the 30's, and one of the main characters was
an Italian guy with a hurdy gurdy.
Anyhow I'm contemplating buying a gurdy from a gent who
makes them here in the US as soon as I can find his web
site again. That shouldn't be difficult...
-Tim
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 13:39:22 +0100
From: peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com
Subject: RE: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
�>�I can't make it this year, but have a brilliant time everyone�
�> �Rose��
�
Thanks - I did, as did most people�i think.� Pity about the�weather; only
the final day�was free from�rain but it was nowhere as�bad as last
year.���� Unfortunately, due to a brain failure I forgot about the
meeting and so for another year I will be a faceless name who posts
occasionally.
�
As for the festival itself, highlights were definitely Duo Bertrand,
Arche,Tapage and Philipe Prieur.�� Lowlites: Paul James + Mark Hawkins,
Kila and the Limosin Ethnic-Trad Orchestra.
Christain Maes gets an honourable mention for a high energy set.��
Unfortunately I didn't get to see Maxou's session, or Marc Perrone.�:-(.
�
The night time bals were again interrupted by djembe drummers, but not
too severely. Saturday night, as the first really dry night, was
excellent. Finally got to bet at 7:30 am.
�
Bloody awful journey home due to roadworks in Rouen.
�
I also bought a Gaita (in C) from Anton Varela - thats the Galician
bagpipe for the uninitiated.�� It's great: loud and plays easily. I just
need somewhere to practice....
�
Now back at work looking forward to next year already.
�
Byeee
�
Peter Hughes.
�
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 07:19:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Re: Welcome to hg
Hi Tim and welcome.
> All I can recall is that it was an
> oldie,
> probably the 30's, and one of the main characters
> was
> an Italian guy with a hurdy gurdy.
Any possibility he was Portuguese and most of this
happened at sea?
>
> Anyhow I'm contemplating buying a gurdy from a gent
> who
> makes them here in the US as soon as I can find his
> web
> site again. That shouldn't be difficult...
Can you give us a hint?
Welcome and later.
Roy Trotter
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 09:23:59 -0600
From: arle lommel <fenevad _at_ ttt.org>
Subject: Re: [HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
On 7/20/01 6:39, "peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com" <peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com> wrote:
I also bought a Gaita (in C) from Anton Varela - thats the
Galician bagpipe for the uninitiated. ��It's great: loud and
plays easily. I just need somewhere to practice....
The gaita is similar to, but plays much more easily than, the GHB (the
gaita is considerably lower in pressure) and is a good bagpipe to start
on. In addition, unlike the GHB, with a decent reed and a good chanter it
will play two octaves, and, depending on whether you got an open or a
closed chanter, you may be allowed some chromatic possibilities through
forked fingerings that would not work on the GHB. The gaita is also a
good deal less temperamental than most of the eastern European pipes. All
in all a good purchase.
If you need recordings to hear the styling anything by Carlos Nu�ez will
be good, as will any album by Milladoiro (although they have been known
to play Scottish tunes in some of their recordings, such as the final
number of As fadas de estra�o nome). You can also hear Nu�ez in some
albums with the Chieftains, but those numbers won’t be really
traditional as they have been adapted to play with an Irish ensemble.
-Arle
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 19:50:12 +0200
From: Simon Wascher <Simon.Wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: nearly OT (Gaita)[HG] Metting at St. Chartier.
Hello,
Oh No! A gaita is in no meaning "similar to ... the GHB (great Highland
pipe)"....Yes they both belong to the same music instrument family, the
bagpipes, but thats it. It is as if you wouls say yes, a jazz trombone
is similar to a serpent.
Simon Wascher
Arle Lommel wrote:
> The gaita is similar to, but plays much more easily than, the GHB
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 12:44:17 -0600
From: arle lommel <fenevad _at_ ttt.org>
Subject: [HG] really OT (Gaita and GHB)
Thank you Simon for pointing out that the two instruments (gaita and GHB)
are different in many respects. I certainly did not mean to imply that they
are nearly identical. However there was a sound basis for my saying that
they (gaita and GHB) are similar:
1. They are both conically bored chanters (versus eastern European pipes or
Northumbrian pipes with cylindrical bores).
2. They both have a single chanter, rather than doubled chanters or a
chanter with a contra drone built in (as in the Hungarian duda).
3. They both have a double-reed chanter (again, versus Eastern European
pipes, which have single reeds).
4. They both have simple single-reed drones (as versus, for example, complex
shuttle drones or regulators with double-reeds or even the occasional
zampogna with double-reeded drones)
5. I have seen gaitas with GHB drone configurations (i.e., two bass drones
and one tenor). There are also gaita chanters which are close-fingered and
very similar in fingering patterns to the GHB.
6. They are both mouth blown rather than bellows blown.
7. Although this is purely superficial, the bag design for the two are quite
similar when compared to the bare sheep- or dog-skin bags of Eastern
European pipes which still closely resemble the living animals. In general
the sorts of superficial decorations on the GHB and gaita are fairly similar
when compared to pipes from further afield -- no carved animal head chanter
stalks or cow-horn bells on the end of the pipes.
So I think it certainly *is* accurate to say that the GHB and the gaita are
similar when compared with many other types of bagpipes, such as the
Hungarian duda or the Bulgarian kaba gaida (both of which I play when I can
get the temperamental beasties to work...). These Eastern European pipes
make the GHB and the gaita look like very close siblings.
However, to be fair to what Simon was pointing out, some of the differences
between gaita and GHB are:
1. The gaita has a two octave range and can be overblown with the use of a
vent hole (which no GHB players I know of even try). (This is true for
quality instruments at least. Many inferior gaitas cannot be overblown with
any success.)
2. The gaita generally has one or two drones (but note point 5 above) and
the GHB has three. If there are two drones, the tenor drone has a built-in
stopper to turn it off, rather than relying on tapping the end of the drone
after it is going to turn it off (as in the GHB).
3. Many gaita chanters are made with open fingering (but not all), unlike
the GHB which never has open fingering.
4. The gaita, as I pointed out in the first message, is considerably lower
pressure than the GHB.
5. The gaita, depending on the chanter style, may offer a fair amount of
chromatic possibility that simply does not exist on the GHB.
So I hope that clears up what I meant (and that it was accurate), while also
making the differences between the two pretty clear. I think it is apparent
that there is more similarity between the two that they are both bagpipes. A
GHB player could certainly do more with a gaita upon first meeting it than
he or she could do with my duda.
Perhaps Simon's analogy to serpents and trombones would have been more
accurate as follows:
French horn : trumpet : serpent ::
Gaita : GHB : Hungarian duda
(All in the same family and clearly different items, but the first two in
each case are much more similar to each other than either of them are to the
third item.)
Regards,
Arle
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 19:04:09 +0000
From: C R Wohlmut <turcolyn _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] repost, inst for sale
Hello all,
I posted an used 6 string a couple weeks ago. Had a few bites, but it's
still here. Details, pics, etc avail. Help it find a good home!
Still turning,
Colyn
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 21:34:16 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Case
Yes. You can get an excellent soft case from Peg (MIbaglady _at_ aol.com).�
Peg makes
excellent cases to order at reasonable prices.
�
I have a Gig Harbor case, too and it's terrific.
�
Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
http://www.taar.com
icq 6445710
MAILTO:judith _at_ taar.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 11:30:24 +0200
From: Ute.Ueberreiter _at_ aventis.com
Subject: [HG] concerts/events in New York area
Hello all,
I will be in the New York area from August 1st until the 11th. Does anybody
of you has recommendations for nice concerts or hurdy-gurdy events ? I
really would appreciate to see / hear something.
Thanks !
Ute
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 07:19:59 -0700
From: Joan L. D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ uswest.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
Do you know if Peg makes Recorder Rolls?� Thanks.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 17:51:06 +0100
From: Geoff Oval <geoff _at_ main4.net>
Subject: [HG] Hi all.....
Hi all....yet another convert to the great sound of a gurdy. It's been a
long time coming but I eventually got there....call it a mid-life
crisis.....I've done the fast bike thing and the missus won't let me loose
with a younger blonde (as if they'd want to know!) so it's got 2 be the
gurdy!
I've done my research, got myself some lessons, fixing myself up with an
instrument - now all I need are like minded players from the much maligned
county of Essex in the UK who I could meet up with from time to
time.....anyone out there?
Thanks, Geoff.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 19:46:16 +0100
From: Haines/Woollard <kan83 _at_ dial.pipex.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hi all.....
Hi Geoff,
I'm in Essex (Colchester) and play the gurdy in the Hosepipe Band. There
are couple of places you could meet up with like minded people:
once a month on the second Tuesday at Mistley near Manningtree there's a
French dance session. I don't play the gurdy there because there's one
brilliant player (Paddy Butcher from the band RSVP) and sometimes 3 others.
Then there's a session on the second Sunday of every month at the Shepherd
and Dog pub at Langham near Colchester - that's by no means only French - it
tends to be dominated by melodeons (my main instrument) but Paddy Butcher
usually comes along to that as well.
I'm not sure if either of these sessions is taking place in August as most
people are away on holiday.
Keep in touch.
Who is teaching you?
What kind of instrument are you getting?
I'm not really an expert and I can't play particularly well, but I love the
sound and I'm getting better - slowly.
Simon Haines
Hosepipe Band http://www.hosepipe.dial.pipex.com
(No gurdy on the MP3s on the website, I'm afraid.)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
From DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Tue Mar 12 10:14:49 2002
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 17:26:47 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Reply-To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com
To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com
Subject: Re: [HG] concerts in the New York area
In a message dated 7/23/01 5:27:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Ute.Ueberreiter _at_ aventis.com writes:
I will be in the New York area from August 1st until the
11th. Does anybody
of you has recommendations fore subway and may be even
street music to consider doing. May be. Bring your instrument and play? Put
out a basket and may be see if interesting people come by. New York's the
best. It's the real stuff, I think. But my point is that there's a freedom
about playing down on the platforms, the subway. Grand Central is a great
spot. My son (age 11) does it there and makes more than I'd want to say. but
he's so cute (plays trumpet.) So I don't know; just a thought. Also, there
is one folk instrument shop on west 4th. It's in the phone book and they
seem to try always to have a gurdy for sale. They made it sound that way and
had one.
Towee records is ok for ethnic CDs and usually has one or two HG Cds. That's
by Lincoln Center.
If you do the busking, you bring all your stuff... A chair if needed, and so
on. May be a sign.
Well that's my idea, just in a moment of thought. New York's awesome.
(Our trip bumped to September, so I'll be in Quebec City that week.)
thanks,
jim
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2001 23:48:36 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] concerts/events in New York area
In a message dated 7/23/01 10:17:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
zhenya _at_ prexar.com writes:
I cancled my trip there that week. A slight idea is that New
York is so
cool, so long as you mean Mahattan. There is the subway and
may be even
street music to consider doing.
Also, there
is one folk instrument shop on west 4th. It's in the phone
book and they
seem to try always to have a gurdy for sale. They made it
sound that way and
had one.
This shop could be either The Music Inn or Matt Umanov. ��I bought a
Russian-made mandolin abouit 20 years ago at The Music Inn (don't know if
it
is still there). �I remember seeing a solid-body electric lap dulcimer
there
as well. ��There was a third shop in the same area called Deiro's which
also
specialized in folk instruments.
Busking in Manhattan can be quite lucrative (and dangerous) as we
considered
doing so some years ago. �I remember a fiddler who was slashed for
resisting
a street thug.
Jake
__
Castle Keep on mp3: �www.mp3.com/castlekeep
English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh folk songs in a progressive style.
Callithumpian Band on mp3: �www.mp3.com/callithumpianband
Rock band playing high-energy English, Irish, Scottish, Breton and
Asturian
Music
Celtic Disco mp3 radio station: www.mp3.com/stations/celtic_disco
Mixing celtic music with dance and techno beats
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 06:47:05 +0100
From: Ruth Bramley <ruthbramley _at_ btinternet.com>
Subject: [HG] New member....
Hi
Having met some of you at St Chartier, I decided to sign up to this
list...so here I am. I live in Cambridgeshire, England, and have been the
proud owner of a Helmut Gotschy Phoenix since January this year, having
first fallen in love with Gurdies back in 1980, (when I saw Cliff Stapleton
playing at an Inland Waterways Rally). I am very lucky to have found a great
teacher (Hi Mike!), who also makes lovely instruments.
I organised a Hurdy Gurdy workshop weekend in my village back in May, with
instruction given by Cliff Stapleton. Cliff will be doing another weekend on
1/2 Sept, specifically for GC instruments. There will also be a workshop on
G bagpipes given by Mike York on the same weekend, with a combined concert
on the Saturday evening. Cost for the weekend is �25 for either course. If
anyone is interested, please email me off list (ruthbramley _at_ btinternet.com)
Ruth
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 09:46:57 +0100
From: peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com
Subject: RE: [HG] Hi all.....
Hi Geoff/Simon/Everybody else
I've been intending to drop by both of these events for the last year or so.
Funny how time flies. I'm just north of the border into sleepy Suffolk, so
there really is no excuse. Having been rather disappointed by my playing
at St.Chartier this year - not surprizing given how little I've been playing
recently - I'm determined to get out a little more.
Keep us posted on future dates if posible.
Byeee
Peter Hughes
Cognition and perception lab
BTexaCT
e-mail peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com
01473 642982
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 10:21:23 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: [HG] unglued
Having been away from the workbench for a number of months, I returned
recently to find that the soundboard on the hurdy gurdy I am making started
coming unglued right above the axle, both at the end of the instrument and
at the first brace, so if you put pressure on the area directly under the
tailpiece and the main bridge (neither of which are fixed in yet) there is
a little bit of give.
Before I start taking remedial steps I thought I would put these questions
out there to the more experienced luthiers amongst us:
a) Should I just squirt a little glue in the gap and reclamp or should I
remove the whole soundboard and glue it on again (gulp)?.
b) Is this a symptom of poor glue adhesion or maybe that the (spruce)
soundboard was not properly seasoned?
Thanks,
Juan
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 13:38:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Juan -
Before I hazard a guess as to your best course, a couple of questions:
What kind of glue are you using? And how long have you been using that
particular container?
And how did you clamp the soundboard to the body?
Where did you get the soundboard material, and how long had you had it
before gluing it on to the body?
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, 24 Jul 2001 22:24:26 +0100
From: Dave Praties <dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Hi Juan,
You don't mention which type of glue you used, so it's hard to
guess if the separation could be caused by damp, or if it was just
not so good a joint in the first place. In either case though, I would
take it off and start again. It's not so big a job, and if the joint is
compromised in a couple of places, it may be bad all round, and
even if it doesn't separate, you may spend years wondering if it
might! If you used resin glue, and the separation occured before full
drying, there will be a meniscus of glue which will stop the sound
board going back down flat. Take it off I reckon, but do it slowly and
carefully.
Best wishes, Dave.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 22:32:24 +0100
From: Ruth Bramley <ruthbramley _at_ btinternet.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hi all.....
Cambridgeshire isn't very far away....there's an excellent French Dancing
session on the last Wednesday of each month in Cambridge...and there's
always the workshop I'm organising in September....what sort of Gurdy do you
have? Is it a GC or a DG?
Ruth
----- Original Message -----
From: Geoff Oval <geoff _at_ main4.net>
Sent: 23 July 2001 17:51
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2001 19:04:02 -0700
From: Nathan Roy <imakhy _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] Hello!
Hey, everyone...
My name is Nathan Roy and, as an new aspiring addition to the HG community,
I might as well introduce myself a little:
I was first introduced to the Hurdy Gurdy by a CD rom encyclopedia of the
worlds musical instruments. Being insatiably interested in the archaic (my
biggest hobby is ancient languages) I was immediately fascinated by the
instrument, and eventually purchased a Musicmaker's kit about a year and a
half ago.
Desiring to include a trompette, I decided on contacting Alden Hackmann for
some advice, and ended up adding a whole slew of improvements. Time has gone
by without too massive a show at dedicated building, however, and right now
I'm just about done with the body and ready to attach everything and get
going! In another month I'll be leaving for Pomona, California and my first
year of college, which has added some fervor to the project.
Which brings me to my first question for the group: Apparently, Alden has
been somewhat busy lately, what with all the adult demands I have not yet
personally discovered, and some info needed to complete things may not be
forthcoming according to my schedule. Not to sound impatient or anything, I
was just wondering if some of you others have done the same thing to a
Musicmaker's kit and could help me out with a couple quick items, and maybe
spread the load a bit!
With only about one week available for work before the uncertain environment
of college, the only concern I have is shaping the remaining pieces, so they
can all be on hand for sanding and gluing later on. What are the general
guidelines for shaping the tailpiece, bridges, wings and chanter nut? Are
there special considerations I need to keep in mind? I don't even know what
a chanter nut is, in fact, so making it will be kind of difficult!
Anyway, don't feel betrayed or anything, Alden. I'm just a little anxious
with the days ticking down to that one week of August 19-25. A month is
still plenty of time for getting thing planned, but I don't want you under
stress on my account. If this project is more specially tied in with your
own dimentions, I can wait as long as needed, so long as the possibility of
finishing before the OTW Festival stays open.
Well, if anyone is going to be located somewhere nearby in California,
please tell me so I can finally see an actual instrument and get some good
habits started when my own is completed. Any other tips for beginners and
such are welcome. Thanks for reading! (My emails tend to be very long -
sorry.)
Nathan Roy
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 01:08:08 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Thank you all for your suggestions. To answer your questions:
I used Luthiers Mercantile 'instrument maker's white glue' which is a hard
drying polyvinyl glue. It's water resistant but has a 6-9 month shelf life.
I had this glue for about 3-4 months when I used it, but who knows how long
it sat on the store shelf.
I clamped the soundboard to the shell by laying the soundboard on a cradle
made with the appropiate curve and clamping the shell (a luteback) unto it
with the aid of old bycycle inner tubes and big rubber bands. The bond
looked good when the glue had set.
I found what looked like an ideal piece of sitka spruce at a lumber yard.
In my enthusiasm to get going I completely forgot about such details as
checking the moisture content , I just cut off two slices glued them up and
started work on them.
The glue I used is supposed to soften with heat so getting the soundboard
off should not be that hard, except that I also pinned the soundboard down
to the braces with small maple dowels. The edges of the sounboard are
already inlaid with ebony and M.O.P. (and French polished) so I am more
worried about getting the soundboard back on than taking it off, as it
needs to be a perfect fit. Any suggestions on dealing with the dowels and
lining up for re-gluing? Also, I am not too thrilled with 'instrument
maker's white glue' does anyone have a good alternative recommendation?
Finally, a question for Mark, I don't quite follow this procedure:
>I always put some glue on the areas and let it set before putting the
>real glue on and closing the instrument this way you can put on less
>glue and beeing sure the glue will hold.
Do you mean you first seal the surfaces to be glued? Do you do this with
hide glue only?
Thanks again everyone!
Juan
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 02:14:34 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hello!
Hi Nathan,
Welcome.There is a small hurdy gurdy community here in Southern California,
I don' know what can be done for you in the next month but we can help you
along once you get here. I'll be happy to assist you if I can.
Juan
Inglewood Ca.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 17:29:41 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Hi Juan-
At 01:08 AM 7/25/01 -0700, you wrote:
>Thank you all for your suggestions. To answer your questions:
>
>I used Luthiers Mercantile 'instrument maker's white glue' which is a hard
>drying polyvinyl glue. It's water resistant but has a 6-9 month shelf life.
>I had this glue for about 3-4 months when I used it, but who knows how long
>it sat on the store shelf.
>
>I clamped the soundboard to the shell by laying the soundboard on a cradle
>made with the appropiate curve and clamping the shell (a luteback) unto it
>with the aid of old bycycle inner tubes and big rubber bands. The bond
>looked good when the glue had set.
>
>I found what looked like an ideal piece of sitka spruce at a lumber yard.
>In my enthusiasm to get going I completely forgot about such details as
>checking the moisture content , I just cut off two slices glued them up and
>started work on them.
It seems to me that the primary danger of using "unseasoned" wood is that
it will shrink as it dries. Quarter-sawn spruce does move with changes in
moisture (you don't mention if your soundboard is quarter-sawn, but since
this is what everyone seems to use these days, I'll assume it is). If you
glued the soundboard on in the summer damp, and then it dried out in the
winter, you can expect it to crack. I know of a number of instruments from
the UK which did not handle their first dry Northeast winter well at
all! Well, the opposite is true, of course: if you glue the soundboard on
when everything is very dry, and then subject the works to high humidity,
the wood, even finished, will swell. This is more desirable than the
former, but if everything isn't right, something will give; apparently in
your case it's the glue joints, in a couple of places.
>The glue I used is supposed to soften with heat so getting the soundboard
>off should not be that hard, except that I also pinned the soundboard down
>to the braces with small maple dowels. The edges of the sounboard are
>already inlaid with ebony and M.O.P. (and French polished) so I am more
>worried about getting the soundboard back on than taking it off, as it
>needs to be a perfect fit. Any suggestions on dealing with the dowels and
>lining up for re-gluing? Also, I am not too thrilled with 'instrument
>maker's white glue' does anyone have a good alternative recommendation?
Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions for how to deal with it. I
don't think that with this kind of glue you can just squirt more in there
and clamp it down and expect it to hold. I've tried this glue as well; it
seems to be ok, but it sure "skins over" fast when applied. You really
have to be quick to get glue everywhere you need it and get the pieces
clamped together. Also, the LMI handbook says that it will soften "at some
heat not too far above 150 degrees F..."; would the heat needed to bring
the glue under your purfling and finish to that temperature damage
them? Anyone with any experience here?
>Finally, a question for Mark, I don't quite follow this procedure:
> >I always put some glue on the areas and let it set before putting the
> >real glue on and closing the instrument this way you can put on less
> >glue and beeing sure the glue will hold.
> Do you mean you first seal the surfaces to be glued? Do you do this with
>hide glue only?
Did "Mark" reply to your question on this list, Juan? I never received
such a message from a Mark regarding gluing, and I wonder if all the list
messages are getting out.
I'm no help, I guess, but I might worry that there are other weak points in
the glue joints. Even if you just shot some other more permanent glue in
the gaps and clamped it down, next time you might find the soundboard
lifting in other places. I would be very interested in hearing what other
makers use for gluing down soundboards...
~ Matt
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 19:43:26 -0700
From: Tim O'Neil <bwana _at_ noteboard.org>
Subject: [HG] This is the one
THIS is the kit I ordered;
http://www.musikit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&
Store_Code=MK&Category_Code=Hu
Anyone familiar with MusicMaker's? It's only $400 (kit)
but since I'm only beginning I figure it'll do.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 00:28:32 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 19:53:09 -0500
From: "Bruce Nally" <bnally3282 _at_ home.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Hi Juan
I think removing the whole soundboard at this stage of construction should
be avoided as it could cause more damage. Because old glue is still present
in the joint you should try to remove any loose glue particles in the seam
with fine sandpaper. holding the paper between the sound board and sides and
dragging it along the gap. Clean the joint with alcohol, then use a long
setting epoxy glue, the slow setting action allows the glue to enter the
wood fibers better and acts as a gap filler also.
Good Luck
Bruce
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 14:01:03 EDT
From: RoseDaly2000 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Case
Thanks Trish. �I was very impressed by his website and have sent him an
e-mail. �
Cheers
Rose
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 11:44:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: [HG] MusicMaker's Hurdy Gurdy Kit
Hello Everyone,
I am certainly no expert builder and player of the HG
and the Musicmaker's Kit is not well thought of in HG
circles, but here are my comments on the instrument.
In 1995 I built a MusicMaker's Hurdy Gurdy Kit and
over the years I have made several modifications to
the kit. I have been in contact with several people
to help them finish their kits and I think there must
be more Musicmaker instruments out there in America in
the hands of novices than all other HG's combined.
Mine has been a good sounding instrument with all the
modifications, although I certainly wouldn't call it a
fine instrument. The most important modification I
made was the addition of a "buzzing bridge"(trompette
and dog) which works fairly well. Other modifications
include the addition of 3 bottom braces, a soundpost
under the bridge, a new shaft made by using a solid
1/4" rod and threading both ends with a thread dye, a
proper shaped knob with brass bearing (absolutely
necessary if you are trying to learn trompette
technique), drone capos (so you can play in a minor
key without retuning), sympathetic strings (not really
worth the effort), chanter bridge support, "2 hangers"
to remove the chanters from playing position, new
strings - chanters-.050 nylon (tuned d),
trompette-.050 (inches) nylon(tuned G), low drone-.060
nylon(tuned D). Although I am risking loosing what
little credibility I might have, the nylon I am using
is weedwacker cord from the hardware store and I have
found it to be superior to harp or guitar nylon. I
know that nylon is frowned upon in fine instruments
but I am happy with the sound. The MusicMaker's HG is
now supplied with brass wound lute strings which work
well at low tension and slow turning speed but don't
work well at the speeds necessary to use the
trompette. At the 1998 Toronto HG Festival, I met
Alden Hackmann and he discouraged me from trying gut
strings because "It sounds fine just the way it is".
As for the "buzzing bridge", Matt Szostak tried my
instrument and concluded that I should have no trouble
learning to play the trompette. Almost all the
modifications were made after I finished the
instrument (except for the bottom braces) so if you
have a poor sounding Musicmaker's instrument, changes
can still be made. Even the bottom braces and
soundpost could be added later by removing the wheel
and shaft and inserting the braces and post through
the wheel opening. The only thing missing on my
instrument is a chromatic keyboard which would require
quite a bit of work to change. But there are
thousands of fine sounding tunes which can be played
on the diatonic keyboard. Mine is tuned to play in G
major or E minor(with the drone capos). In G major
the drones are tuned to D and G. In E minor the
drones are E and A. Although the instructions for the
instrument show how to add strap buttons to the
instrument they don't tell you how to strap the
instrument on. The only way to play the instrument
properly is with a single strap in a seated position
with the strap adjusted tightly around your waist.
"A picture is worth a thousand words" and I am hoping
to soon have a photo website with closeup photos of
the modifications I have made, so stay tuned, I will
post the website to the HG list when it's ready.
This past weekend I attended the Dulcimer Funfest in
Evart, Michigan USA and participated in 2 hurdy gurdy
workshops put on by Judith Lindenau. There I spoke
with two individuals who are building HG's from
MusicMaker plans and both instruments looked pretty
good so far. The problem most first time HG builders
have is they have no one to rely on with first hand
knowledge of the instrument.
I understand from a recent posting that the Toronto HG
Day may again happen this year on November 11. It was
truly the most wonderful, inspring musical experience
when I attended in 1998. So I am staying tuned for
further information.
I am willing to share what I know with anyone who has
a MusicMaker Hurdy Gurdy.
My photo webpage will follow soon,
David Smith
Dearborn, Michigan USA
dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com
chanter = melody
Trompette = drone string which activates the dog.
dog = buzzing bridge
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 12:24:21 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] This is the one
Tim said:
>Anyone familiar with MusicMaker's? It's only $400 (kit)
>but since I'm only beginning I figure it'll do.
Yes, we know this kit very well. I hope that you have good results with
it, but you may find it very frustrating to try to play. It's inherently
quite limited in stability and precision, which are the things that a
beginner's instrument needs most.
For more of our comments on the Musicmaker's kit and plans, please visit
our HG building page if you haven't already:
http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/build.html
Alden and Cali
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 21:37:13 +0100
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: [HG] Teachers
I have a query on behalf of Jim Yeeles in N.W.Kent. He says he is a complete
novice and is looking for a teacher. Anyone interested please contact him at
jim.yeeles _at_ btinternet.com
Cheers
Neil
www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 23:35:53 -0400
From: ben grossman <nostyle _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] MusicMaker's Hurdy Gurdy Kit
Hello all,
Yes, the (rather more modest than last time) Toronto HG day is in the works
for the 11th of November. I'll definitely keep you all posted as we figure
things out.
I also made extensive modifications to a music maker's kit. I'm short on
time right now so I won't get into the gory details, but I also added: a
trompette/chien/tirant arrangement, an extra drone, sympathetics, two
pickups, new axle, bearings, crank, fully chromatic and I can't remember
what the hell else...I got a new (real) instrument about a month ago and
can now only bear to pick up the old one to fool around with my son (22
months and a HG fan). Alden mentions it rather kindly on his website in
the section on building, I think. It's great for what it is, but what it
is....hmmm. Kind of depends what you want to get out of the whole process:
do you want to learn about building? Do you want an ok instrument with way
too much work for what it is? Do you want some expensive firewood? A
Boudet?
More later, or ask questions. (may take a while - I'm moving in a week),
Best regards,
ben (Toronto)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 22:10:13 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Forward from Bruce Nally
Hi Juan, et al.
I feel that I must respectfully disagree with Bruce. As a professional
luthier, I can think of very few situations in which I would use epoxy on a
musical instrument and this isn't one of them. Epoxy is very difficult to
remove without damaging the instrument and you or someone else may want to
repair this instrument again someday. Every once in awhile we get an
instrument in for repair that has had epoxy used on it and I can't use the
words on this list that I say in the shop when that happens.
When you build or repair an instrument it really is best that you use a
glue that has some reversability. Hot hide glue, or wood glue (yellow wood
glue like Franklin Titebond) are your best choices. Heat and moisture will
allow both of these types of glue to release.
:-)---Cali Hackmann
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 00:25:43 -0700
From: Joan L. D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ uswest.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Hi Juan. did you finish the caving you wee working on last year at Ft.
Flagler? If so, send me a pix. Looking forward to seeing you at the
workshop in the Autumn.
Joan L. D'Andrea
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 01:57:27 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] unglued
Hello again and thank you all for your suggestions.
Bruce, I was heartened to hear that not taking the sounboard off might be
an option, but like Cali I shy away from using epoxy, not so much out of
consideration to future repair persons, but because you only get one shot
at it, and if anything else goes wrong, you are as they say, stuck with it.
So the jury is still out on whether to remove the soundboard or not, (and
how) anyone else care to pitch in?
Matt, Marc did indeed reply to me off the list, basically to say that I did
understand him correctly: he coats both surfaces to be glued (with hide or
bone glue) and then applies a fresh joining coat between them.
I am still mystified why this happened. I live in Southern California and
climate changes are not severe. We had one week of rain earlier in the year
and it really poured, but I was not in the workshop during that time and
discovered the gap only recently. If the wood was 'green' you would expect
it to shrink, as you pointed out, not corrugate. I scratch my dome.
Juan
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001 11:16:32 -0500
From: Aaron and Carolyn Gritzmaker <gritz _at_ hpnc.com>
Subject: [HG] festival tunes?
Hi everyone,
I was just wondering if there are a few tunes that everyone plays at the
OTW festival every year? I'd like to be able to learn some before hand if
there are, so I can join in too. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you all
and hearing you play!
Carolyn
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2001 10:41:56 -0700
From: Tim O'Neil <bwana _at_ noteboard.org>
Subject: Re: [HG] festival tunes?
At 09:16 AM 7/28/2001, you wrote:
>Hi everyone,
> I was just wondering if there are a few tunes that everyone plays at the
>OTW festival every year? I'd like to be able to learn some before hand if
>there are, so I can join in too. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you all
>and hearing you play!
>Carolyn
Speaking of y'all getting together, how do you guys work that?
Do you all take turns or play multiple gurdies in concert? Or
does some one take up percussion and other things?
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 19:51:29 +0100
From: Neil Brook <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: [HG] ABC
This to Aaron and Carolyn.
I've been trying to send you stuff regarding ABC music but keep getting it
returned. Try another e-mail address if you can.
Cheers
Neil
ps I've finally built a Symphonie that doesn't sound like a shoe box with
strings! Pics on the site.
www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 21:32:25 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Re: Carving
Hi Joan, the carving is finished, all I need to do now is drill and ream
the pegholes, fix it to the rest of the instrument and give it a lick of
paint and varnish. Will send some pics soon.
Juan
>Hi Juan. did you finish the caving you wee working on last year at Ft.
>Flagler? If so, send me a pix. Looking forward to seeing you at the
>workshop in the Autumn.
>Joan L. D'Andrea
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 22:52:35 -0400
From: "A.J. Padilla, M.D." <AJPADILLA _at_ worldnet.att.net>
Subject: [HG] Fw: Your post to the HG list
> Hi!
>
> In the way of introduction, my name is Al Padilla, and I'm an extreme
> newbie on the hurdy-gurdy, having spent most of my time in recent
> decades practicing endocrinology.
>
> I've played renaissance lute for several years, but have always found
> the hurdy-gurdy to be an exotic and quite attractive (musically and
> aesthetically, both) instrument.
>
> This past June, I had the opportunity to purchase one from an English
> maker and am just getting acquainted.
>
> I have a question, which for all I know, may have been asked before:
> Can a hurdy-gurdy be strung with carbon fiber strings?
>
> On the lute list, there are purists who insist on gut only, some who
> will tolerate nylgut, and others, like me, who don't notice much
> degradation in tone, but a marked improvement in lifestyle attained by
> spending less time in tuning.
>
> A second, related question. If carbon fiber strings will work, and
> since they seem to be more durable, would that obviate the need to apply
> cotton fibers to the strings?
>
> Looking forward to hearing from you folks; I just subscribed this
> evening.
>
> With best wishes,
>
> Al
>
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 23:03:49 -0400
From: John Roberts <anglo _at_ albany.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Fw: Your post to the HG list
Well, can a violin fitted with carbon fiber strings be played with a
bow without hair?
JR
Return to the top of this month's archive.
Please
contact
us if you have comments or questions about this page or other pages on this
site.
Alden and Cali Hackmann
Olympic Musical Instruments
© Copyright 2003, 2005, Olympic Musical Instruments.