Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List - August 2002Our 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: Thu, 1 Aug 2002 08:52:24 +0200 From: Lauwers.P <Lauwers.P _at_ itc.mil.be> Subject: RE: [HG] Book, Marc, The offer to help with the translation still stands. If you have the OK from the Vereniging voor Huismuziek please contact me. By the way, I'm starting the music and HG course at the music academy at Gooik in September. So, if it rains around Brussels in the future, blame me. Pieter Lauwers Lauwers.p _at_ itc.mil.be <mailto:Lauwers.p _at_ itc.mil.be> -----Original Message----- From: Marc Reymen [mailto:reymen _at_ pandora.be] Sent: maandag 29 juli 2002 22:14 To: hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com Subject: Re: [HG] Book, Hello, That book is not avalable anymore but.... I asked mr dewit a week ago whether he would agree if there was someone who wants to make a translation not only for the city but for the world... He hes no problems whith it but ... The book is written some years ago so not exactly up to date. - Herman nows that somethings can be done better now - the copywright on this book is not whith him anymore but whith " vereniging voor Huismuziek" So I 'll kontakt them... The drawing i have to so..... Please send me your adress so we can arange things... Marc reymen _at_ pandora.be = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 1 Aug 2002 08:17:29 +0100 From: Ruth Bramley <ruthbramley _at_ btinternet.com> Subject: Re: [HG] St. Chartier Mark wrote: > OK, not quite finally - I met up again with my friend Koen, tried some > instruments out on the makers' stands together, and I even bought one! > Thanks Koen, and when I get good enough in G, we must play together > someday! Is that my dear friend Koen Van Daele from Belgium? I was very sorry to have missed St Chartier...I'm one of the organisers of Ely Folk Weekend, which just happened to clash this year...the weather here was absolutely brilliant that weekend! Ruthie = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 1 Aug 2002 13:53:48 +0200 From: simon.wascher _at_ chello.at Subject: AW: Re: [HG] St. Chartier Hello, according to my personal statistics: The first official night was very cold but dry. The second (friday) was very wet ( finally the bulgarians *did* play and Ti jazz made it to the stage). Dance sessions o.k. but affected by the rain. The saturday night was cold but ok, at least I had some brilliant session, Sunday night was mild, dry and great. When I left totally ehxausted at five four dance-stages were still busy (Red Dog Green Dog still playing). Whilst festival it rained all in all about 26 hours at a total durance of about 85 hours. So it was better than some years as far as it is a matter of the weather if one says it was 'good'. thanks good the audience did not appear in that big numbers as in the worst years, those years when Yann and others played here, the festival still isn't cured from the aftermaths of this (Djembes...) regards = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2002 04:34:46 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] on EBay now: "Hurdy Gurdy by Colson a Mirecourt, ca. 1850s" Hurdy Gurdy by Colson a Mirecourt, ca. 1850s "An all original hurdy gurdy, bearing the original stamp: Colson Mirecourt. Unrestored, a carved mans head, 9 rosewood and flamed maple stripes in the back, original ebony pegs, one of the bridges is unprofessionally glued to the top, top separating from the bowl on one side, two buttons and 7 string shorteners on the keyboard are missing, ivory and ebony purfling, wheel is turning, original handle, wheel cover does not fit it might be from a later date, ivory string tuner on the tailpiece, total length 66 cm, length of the keyboard box 30 cm, height in the middle 9 cm, length of the body 50 cm." It's here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=896725960 No bids. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2002 10:58:33 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: [HG] For Sale sighting..... http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/200U-242.htm judith Judith Lindenau,CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 02 Aug 2002 09:20:01 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] For Sale sighting..... >http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/200U-242.htm Wow - long scale length! Anyone care to comment on the extra keys on the top row? Quarter tones perhaps... Alden = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2002 11:08:25 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] hurdy gurdy article in "Mugwumps"? Can anybody comment on the Mugwumps article from the 1974, volume 3 #2, about building a hurdy gurdy? I've come across the magazine a couple of times in auctions (there's one right now at Elderly Instruments (http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/464-2.htm) recently, but haven't seen it in person yet. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2002 20:00:46 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: [HG] "The Rising"...and the hurdy gurdy From the credits on Bruce Springsteen's new album, "The Rising": "Brendan O'Brien - Hurdy gurdy, glockenspiel on "Into The Fire"; glockenspiel, orchestra bells on "Waitin' On A Sunny Day"; hurdy gurdy on "Empty Sky"" judith Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 00:09:42 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] For Sale sighting..... Good piece but, why two keys in the tailpiece if it only have one single trompette???? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2002 01:22:13 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] "Hurdy Gurdy, Provincial, 11-Note, 27 inch" ?? Here's an oldie in bad shape... http://www.p4a.com/itemsummary/20394.htm (And there are a couple listed for sale at http://www.rfcharle.com/HTML/ListeA.html) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 13:00:41 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] "Hurdy Gurdy, Provincial, 11-Note, 27 inch" ?? That one http://www.p4a.com/itemsummary/20394.htm is an Ukrainian " Lyrniki " instrument , notice the equally spaced keys . There are pictures of such instruments in the book " Vielle a Roue , Espaces Infinis " published by Modal . Sad thing about it , most Lyrniki players were executed by order of Stalin , in the mid '30. I rather let somebody else explain this event . I wanted to discuss the equally spaced keys system on this forum since a while . I wonder how it sounds ? There is a similar instrument at the Boston museum of fine arts a few years ago it was described as a French instrument ( maybe it still is ? ) Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 03 Aug 2002 13:49:50 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] "The Rising"...and the hurdy gurdy Have you heard it? How does it sound? Alden = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2002 23:11:06 -0500 From: Theo Bick <tbick _at_ austin.rr.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Liquid rosin Hello, I just recently got back from France and found this e-mail. > Hi Don, > I concur with your remarks re Propan-2-ol[isopropyl]. Any purity over > 90% is fine. My technique is to put all 6 strings in contact with the wheel, > use copious amounts of block rosin on the wheel and coat the strings' cotton > thoroughly. Using a clean linen hankerchief,form a pad and soaked in > alcohol, remove the majority of the rosin from the wheel as you turn [4-5 > seconds]. Dry off the wheel with another clean cloth[4-5 secs], keep turning > and the friction dries out the strings' cotton very quickly. Minimal rosin > to the wheel afterwards produces brilliant tone. At this purity, the > alcohol's volatility is such that there is absolutely no chance of raising > the wheel grain. I've done this for 5 years without any problems. Using pure > shot silk fibres[pulled from a pure silk scarf or similar instead of cotton > gives an unbelievable tone also and unlike cotton, does not wear.I guess > this is what was used prior to cotton being available in Europe pre 1500. > > Regards, > > Steve Evans I never heard of anyone doing it like this, especially with all the strings on the wheel while applying alcohol. However, during the concert by Pascal Lefeuvre (my HG hero) in St Chartier, I twice saw him put something that looked liquid on the wheel of his Mousnier vielle (wood wheel I think) with the strings on the wheel. When I went back stage to find him after the concert he was gone already so I didn't get the chance to ask him about his technique. Anyone know? Theo = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002 01:46:43 EDT From: Hergert1 _at_ aol.com Subject: [HG] Hello to the List I am a new member of the list. I became aware of the hurdy gurdy as a serious instrument over the last few years and often thought of building one. Now I have started my project. I want to learn more about the insturment and its music. I am strictly an amateur builder but I have gotten good results with several guitars and mountain dulcimers. I have gotten to the point of designing and building my own dulcitars ( a borrowed word). So I thought I would jump right into a very detailed and challenging project to create a hurdy gurdy. My project is based on several projects I have read on the internet. I really ought to have started with the $20 hurdy gurdy just to see how it works but when I saw the project to convert a guitar I had to get started. I wanted more keys on my instrument and now the design includes two rows. I will craft my own body based on the pictures I see in several different projects. This is a challenge. My completed project will be the only hurdy gurdy I have ever held in my hands or heard in person. A personal note...I am a computer person by profession. I currently run a Quality Assurance department for a networking equipment company. I am also a ham radio operator. I like to tinker with the technology of things. I'm looking forward to hearing about other projects. Dennis = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002 10:55:25 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] Welcome, Dennis + the Unknown Gurdy. Hey Dennis, Welcome to the list. There are several of us that build, have tried very hard, or at least fantasize about building their own vielle. I made my first based on one of the Dewit books with a lot of good advice from several list members. (This was mostly before there was a list, but I digress.) I had the thing finished except tangents (and some cosmetics: still pending) when I showed up at the Over-the-Water Festival. Like you I had never actually seen or held one, or heard it much except for a few stray recordings, so when I got in contact with the "Real Deal" I noticed about 150 things I needed to change or at least wished I'd done differently. After playing it for a couple of years I have learned even more. While I still like the drama and romanticism of building the first one you've ever seen or held, the reality is that you need the exposure to build a really good one. (Anyone with counter-evidence is welcome to chip in.) Check out http://www.overthewater.org/festival.html and try to get there for part of it if you possibly can. (I'm in the back row with my Dewit, Black T-shirt. I only look impatient because I'm waiting to resume playing.) Get in touch with me off list if you're planning to be in the general vicinity of Ft. Worth, Tx and we can set up a meeting. Or give us a clue where you live, there may be somebody local that can give you a demo. Anyway, I wish you all the best, and pipe up if you have any questions. Roy Trotter, Hurdy-Gurdy junkie, Springtown Tx. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2002 21:17:38 +0100 From: george.swallow <george.swallow _at_ beechcottage98.freeserve.co.uk> Subject: Re: [HG] dewit hurdy-gurdy plans In Dutch and English yes, but the German version is still listed on www.amazon.de the hg drawings have several silent traps in them even if you can read the text so they are not a beginner's job ----- Original Message ----- From: "JulieR" <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Sent: 21 July 2002 22:40 Subject: RE: [HG] dewit hurdy-gurdy plans > By the way... is "Making and Playing Musical Instruments" by Dewit still out > of print? > > --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 04 Aug 2002 23:07:38 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] hurdy gurdy article in "Mugwumps"? I've seen this item come up several times, and have wondered about it also. Anyone? >Can anybody comment on the Mugwumps article from the 1974, volume 3 #2, >about building a hurdy gurdy? I've come across the magazine a couple of >times in auctions (there's one right now at Elderly Instruments >(http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/464-2.htm) recently, but haven't seen >it in person yet. > >--JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 01:19:02 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] hurdy gurdy article in "Mugwumps"? I have someone who is sending me a copy of the article this week, Alden - I'll get one for you when it arrives. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 01:25:42 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] Raymond of Watford HG Found this, this evening... http://www.users.waitrose.com/~ratter/html/hurdy_gurdy.html "I have always wanted a Hurdy Gurdy, but it has taken me a long while to gather enough information about how it works and it is only recently that I have had the confidence to build. This instrument comprises only three strings of which just one carries the tune (chanterelle) while the other two provide supporting drones. The eight keys are tuned pentatonically so that its performance is reminiscent of both the bagpipes and the appalachian dulcimer. Featured in Practical Woodworking Magazine." "Raymond of Watford is a luthier and writer working in the UK town of Watford (Hertfordshire). Products are mostly European folk instruments constructed largely from recycled materials using traditional hand tools and techniques." I find the look of the HG he built to be appealing. Obviously, I have no idea what the sound quality is like, but I like the way it looks. :) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 10:08:20 +0100 From: george.swallow <george.swallow _at_ beechcottage98.freeserve.co.uk> Subject: Re: [HG] Raymond of Watford HG This hg was discussed here a couple of years ago with little enthusiasm, although the maker told me it sounded excellent. Not for the serious hg specialists, and to be fair to the maker, he did acknowledge that he had been unaware that there were any. George Swallow = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 06:05:24 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] hurdy gurdy article in "Mugwumps"? Hi, Several years ago I purchased the Mugwumps issue which talks about constructing a Hurdy Gurdy. The magazine is very small and devotes about 4 pages to constructing a very simple and crude diatonic instrument with no trompette. It is accompanied with a hand drawn sketch and very simple instructions. I would not get excited about purchasing the magazine, as there is hardly anything there. Keep cranking, David Smith Dearborn, Michigan, USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 07:27:08 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Raymond of Watford HG It just looks so cute. :) *chuckle* --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 07:27:18 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] hurdy gurdy article in "Mugwumps"? Ah well - at least we can add it to the list of "HG stuff we know about". Thanks! --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 15:09:35 -0400 From: Hergert1 _at_ aol.com Subject: [HG] Advice on building welcome... Roy, Thanks very much for your advice. I will search out some CD/cassette music with vielle's and try to find a local player. I am located in San Diego, CA. I'd love to meet someone here who builds for fun or $$. Even though it will obviously take some time to complete the vielle, I have promised myself not to start any other projects until I have my HG done, better or worse. I hope it is not the last one I build... Dennis Hergert, San Diego, CA. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 5 Aug 2002 14:29:51 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Advice on building welcome... Hi Dennis, welcome to the list. I live not too far away from you, I play hurdy gurdy and am an occasional builder. There are a few of us hidden away here in Southern California. You are welcome to contact me off-list if you'd like to get together. No $$, just fun. Juan, Inglewood, CA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 14:39:37 +0000 From: Martijn Dekker <martijn_dekker _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" Hello, I want to buy a hg for a long time now. I think now im ready to take this step but i don't know yet which one to take. I want a hg that can play acuistic and electric(also with distortion). I have 2 choices, a Siorat, or an Gotschy(the alfa novello www.gotschy.com) I really like the sound of Pierre Imbert,(rest in piece dear Pierre)on the ad vielle que pourra cd "Menage a quatre". Does someone knows this cd and can give some advice on the sound heart on it.(can siorat or gotschy vielles produce this kind of sound) Specialy the following 3 tracks: 2.Les Bois Noirs 9. Petit Solo Du Matin (the most beautifull amplified hg sound i have ever heart) 12. Le Cultivateur (hg with distortion) Samples for the 3 songs(slow server sometimes): http://www.bcrich.i-p.com/hgfiles/track2.mp3 http://www.bcrich.i-p.com/hgfiles/track9.mp3 http://www.bcrich.i-p.com/hgfiles/track12.mp3 Hope to hear from you soon, Martijn = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 09:32:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu> Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" I can't comment on Gotschy's instruments - I haven't played one. If you want to play both acoustic and electric, I would not recommend a Siorat. His electroacoustics can sound very nice (especially if you happen to be Gilles Chabenat) but electro-acoustic is a bit of a misnomer: you basically can't play it without being plugged in. The acoustic trompette sound in particular is very weak. There are some other options: We (Olympic Musical Instruments) make electro-acoustic instruments, and our focus is on producing a hurdy-gurdy that sounds equally good in both situations. Weichselbaumer also makes E-A HG's. We played some at St. Chartier a few years ago. Cali and I had differing opinions on the amplified sound, but we both agreed that we liked the acoustic sound. And finally, if you like the Imbert sound, why not go to the Imbert source? Jean-Luc Bleton is still building vielles. 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, 06 Aug 2002 16:59:48 +0000 From: Martijn Dekker <martijn_dekker _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" Hello, I thought of that. Does anyone have the email-address of "Jean-Luc Bleton".(if he has one) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 14:54:08 EDT From: Maxoubbn _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" Hi ! here it is : Jean-Luc BLETON Trembas F 38670 CHASSE SUR RHONE (0).478.73 .90.96 I'm afraid he has no web page. J.F. "Maxou" HEINTZEN Le bourg - 03360 VALIGNY Tel : 04.70.66.60.01 / 06.87.43.63.65 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 09:12:13 -1000 From: Don Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" I have A Gotschy electro-acoustic and it ROCKS both acoustically and plugged in. Don = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 06 Aug 2002 19:22:08 +0000 From: Martijn Dekker <martijn_dekker _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" Hi, Thanks for your reply, however i have his phone and address. I'm looking for an email-address(if he has one). Since i have a lot of questions and i can't speak a word of French, this is the only way for me. Greetings, Martijn = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 15:50:39 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: RE: [HG] "Hurdy Gurdy, Provincial, 11-Note, 27 inch" ?? Hello all- I can second the confirmation that it is a Lira, as the shape and most of all, the high, scrolled tailpiece attest to. i wish i could offer suggestions about the keys...pretty intriguing. i wonder if it was made by someone with limited knowledge of the math behind string interval distances, to be given to a musician to tune? perhaps by using tangents of varied 'flag' lengths, tuning could be acheived for most of the scales needed. another idea that occurs to me is that the failry regular spacing of keys could give a compromise distancing between keys, leaving the flags to be within a reachable length for almost any of the notes needed for most of the scales used by the lirnyki. since the tunes often had near pentatonic and hexachordal structures, sometimes notes would be skipped in the scales, but another area of the 'scale' would alternate usage between notes a half step apart. EG: an a minor scale, really a transposed Dorian with a 6th that would be either Maj or Min, so on! e tangent F, another F#, but perhaps the lower end would omit the 2nd (B) of the scale. so tuned A C D E Fnat F# G A....maybe? just conjectures. it make sme want to spend a little bit of time with the Valentyn Moroz thesis, to see if anything about this is mentioned, tho i could check in Kononenko's Ukrainian Minstrels book. cheers, Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 6 Aug 2002 16:51:26 EDT From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Subject: [HG] Looking for hurdy gurdy meeting in east coast Due to lack of finances and work logistics, I cannot attend the Over the Water Festival this year. I would love to get started with my new hurdy gurdy and would like to know if there are any meetings planned in eastern U.S.A. (I'm in New Jersey). I remember reading of a meeting in New England and would love to learn from and meet other hurdy gurdy players. Jake Conte -- the enthusiastic novice = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 09:35:09 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] For Sale sighting..... Hello, "Asier B.G." wrote: > > Good piece but, why two keys in the tailpiece if it only have one single > trompette???? The 'upper' one is wired with the bridge to adjust its position. Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 14:16:27 +0200 From: B�atrice Richrath <beatrice.richrath _at_ gmx.de> Subject: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy Hello, friends, coming back from the hurdy-gurdy building course in the castle of Rapottenstein, Austria, where Ernest and me constructed 2 baroque hurdy-gurdies under the guidance of Nupi Jenner we are now searching for the right belts (Rococco style). Is anybody able to help us and provide us with information where we could get them? Henry Boucher instructed us some weeks ago that they should not be made from leather but until now we don�t have any idea how they should look and where to buy. Thanks a lot! B�atrice (Vienna, Austria) P.S.: We will publish our photo documentation about the hg-construction in this list as soon as possible. Some of you will surely be curious... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 08:10:50 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Attending Festival Hi Roy. Thought I would drop you a line. Pat and I won't be at the festival this year. Pat has had a lot of students drop and I have had unexpected dental expenses so even with their generous offer of a scholarship we could split we can't afford to go. We thought we would work really hard on our HG licks and start saving this year for next year. Sorry I will miss you and all the others. The people at the festival are what I go for more than anything else. Most are so nice. We are going to go out to the bech and play up a storm that week instead. We have an undeveloped camping lot at Long Beach. Take care and keep in touch. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 08:17:34 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Advice on building welcome... HiDennis. Welcome to the list and to the valiant process of creating your own HG. I have been working on a Bosch for two years and the going is slow. Roy is right. Get to the festival if you can and if not, find someone local who plays the beastie so you can see it work. Who knows, you may have a local luthier who had tried making one at one time or another. Also assess the type of tools you have on hand. I think Alden has a list of what is needed somewhere on the Over the Water site. There is/are several sites on line where various neophite builders and builders with considerable experience have posted their advise, pictures of the process and so forth. Just type in Hurdy Gurdy for a Google search and a list of them will come up. Good luck. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 08:46:28 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Attending Festival OOOPPS. Accidentally posted a message to the whole list that should have been to Roy. Sorry. I want to say hello and sorry to miss everybody I know and all the new people I would get to meet this year at the festival. Pat and I will be thinking about you, about that delicious food, about the wonderful instruction, the drop dead wonderful concerts, the beautiful scenery, the grumpy people in the dorm [emcrook.gif] (Pat's alway having to remind me to not be too noisy in the bathroom), the delights of the Hot Tub, sharing vino fino and chocolate, picking Alden's mind for ideas, chatting after dinner, lunch and breakfast, [emsmiled.gif] and the general fun of being at HG camp Ft. Flagler with all of you. If there is anyone on the list who has been thinking about going and hasn't decided, you need to know that ! this festival is by far the best and is a great experience. Even if you are a beginner there is great instruction for you. It has been really neat getting to know most of you over the last four years. Rats. Now I will have to start my revolutions on the ID pin all over. Pat and I will be playing up a storm, not really I hope, [emsmilep.gif] at the beach and will think of you guys grinding away on new tunes and trying out new licks. So here is a salute to everyone who will be there [emcocktl.gif] . Be sure to bid high on every single item in the auction [emgift.gif] and I hope somebody takes lots of pictures and posts them on the internet so I can vicariously enjoy the festival. For those of you who just tune in to this list once in a wh! ile, please excuse this personal message, but it is the only way I can think to say hello and I will miss you all to the Festival group. I post very little and promise to not post personal messages again. Love to you all, Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 09:15:38 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy for sale Hi. I recently met a musician who no longer tours. His main Ax is not the Hurdy Gurdy and he is selling his HG. I have not seen the instrument, but he says it is in good condition. He paid $2000 and is willing to take a reasonable price for the instrument. For the life of me I can't remember the maker of the instrument, but his other instruments are very nice and I am confident his HG is at least good if not better. You will have to talk to him about it. His name is Ivan Stiles. He is a professional Autoharp player and lives in Pennsylvania. You can reach him at pickeringbend _at_ worldlynx.net Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 09:58:49 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy Hi Beatrice. I am very curious about your post. Can you be more specific as to what kind of belt this is and why it should not be made of leather? How does the belt fit on the player and the HG? I recently saw two versions of a harness type belt I find interesting. It is made of webbing material, ie. the belt material used in the less expensive guitar straps. One version has two straps that cross in the back through a leather square about 4 x 4". This cross fits comfortably between the shoulder blades. The square can be made of any stiff material. The straps are simply fed through the slits in the square of leather and the square itself as well as the straps move freely. Each strap has a shorten/lengthen slide on it like on a guitar strap. The ends of the two crisscrossed straps meet in front in a comman plastic fitting. At the end of the two fittings is a button tab that hooks to the two buttons on the instrument. The second version is exactly the same with the modification of a waist strap that gives added support and security to the instrument. This strap was constructed by the woman w! ho uses it. She simply glued cut a square from stiff cow hide, cut the slsits for the straps in the sides of the square, fed the two inexpensive guitar straps through the slits and glued the putton tabs of the two separate guitar.straps together where they met. She attached to each of the glued together guitar straps a lighter weight leather strap about 6" long by one inch in width and cut button holes in each for the instument buttons. The light weight of these leather pieces makes it easier to snap them over the instrument buttons. It is easy to adjust the length of the two straps to fit the individual size of the musician. However, it is a good idea to buy the original guitar straps in shosrt, medium or long with the size of the destined player in mind. The crossed straps in the back make it possible to adjust the instrument comfortably across the shoulders and shoulder blades. I was very pleas! ed with the way the instrument rides, a little higher than the normal HG location. This moves the instrument up closer to the normal center of gravity of a human being and makes it easier to support when standing. In the version that has a waist belt the woman who made it attached a comfortable light weight waist belt that buckles in the front to the slider strap itself. I didn't look closely at how she did this. She said the added dimension of being able to carry the weight of the instrument on her hips rather than from her shoulders is very nice. I think the belt section is probably essential for the HG as it is played lowere than many instruments and you need the room for turning the wheel, but I am confident that a little adjustment will make it work. The slider itself makes the instrument secure against the body. I am sort of a jerky person on the coup at this stage of my playing and think it will help ke! ep my instrument steady against my body. It is easy to make this slider strap. I plan to make one this week and will let you know about my progress if you like. Perhaps you can do the same for your strap. I plan to use two inexpensive guitar straps, a little ingenuity and a square from an old Coach hand bag I have that was ruined by a puppy. I am going to adapt it for use with my HG as I am frustrated with continually taking the instrument off or leaning over when I move with the HG. I think this "Slider Strap" as it is called, will do the job nicely. I believe the "Slider Strap" is sold commertially under that name. Maybe you can find it on the Elderly Music site on line and see an example of it. Good luck. PS. If anyone else read this post and has ideas or contributions from their efforts at creating the perfect HG strap, please let lme know. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 10:21:21 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] St. Chartier Hi Mark. Your post was enjoyable. You said We had been looking forward to "Festinamus" - a medieval band playing in the church. The music was good, and it was well attended and, as ever, became very hot. For my tastes, Floreal Navarro's semi-sung narrative was just a bit contrived (Anyone remember the recording of Ordo Virtutum by Sequentia ? It was of a similar style.) Nevertheless, I filled a minidisk with this, and enjoyable it still is. Any chance you can post an MP3 or MIDI file for our listening pleasure? Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 13:37:52 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy for sale Around here, folks know Ivan: he is a well respected autoharp player. I've forgotten what kind of gurdy he has, though I think he's told me. He's a good musician, a nice guy. judith Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 21:34:19 +0200 From: B�atrice Richrath <beatrice.richrath _at_ gmx.de> Subject: Re: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy Hello, Joan, I think you misunderstood my question. I do not speak HOW to wear the belt but I am looking for a belt which design and material fits for an 18th century hurdy-gurdy. We will wear that belt quite normal - one side at the button for back strap and the other side winded around the pegbox/ the figurehead. Of course I am also very curious what Marcello will reply. B�atrice = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 12:35:21 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy " Henry Boucher INSTRUCTED us .... that they should not be made of leather ...." I would not dare to give instruction to anybody , I merely mentionned the fact that contrary to popular belief , the " higher " classes of the XVIII th cent considered leather as fit for horses and soldier's equipment , Just take a look at old paintings , very little leather to be seen , if they are rich enough , even the shoes are made of textile mat�rial . Now, I never seen a painting showing a HG player from the back <g>. The closest thing is a few seconds in the film " Napol�on " by Abel Gance , made in the early 1930 , in the film there is a HG player ( in the film the role was played by George Simon ( 1902-1986)* wich is funny since it is a silent movie , but very interesting for us ) When seen from the back , the belt looks like pleated silk ( sash ? , cumerbund ? ) and is very wide . ..... Marcello !... where are you ?....... Henry * info from the CD " La vielle en France " 1994 Silex M�moire sound archives of famous french HG players .1930-1991 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 12:53:55 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] Looking for hurdy gurdy meeting in east coast This time of the year , HG from the north east are thinking about the Northumbrian small pipes gathering , not a HG event but pipes and HGs seems to go well together . http://www.pipersgathering.org/Gallery/Gallery.htm http://www.pipersgathering.org/index/index.htm Now , since this year event will be in a new location , I do not know where the informal gathering will take place , just look for people with instrument cases to big for a small pipe <g>. Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 13:35:23 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy for sale Hi, A few years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Ivan Stiles at a small house concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is a really fantastic autoharp player and he did play a hurdy gurdy on a couple of pieces. He played a Kelischek 3 string diatonic instrument with no trompette. He played the instrument flat on his lap and the keyes were returned with a rubber band which ran across the key tails! If this is the instrument he is selling, it did sound and look nice but it is rather simple. David Smith Dearborn, Michigan, USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 22:45:24 +0100 From: Mark J Hewitt <m.hewitt _at_ computer.org> Subject: Re: [HG] St. Chartier Joan D'Andrea wrote: > Hi Mark. Your post was enjoyable. You said > > We had been looking forward to "Festinamus" - a medieval band playing > in the church. The music was good, and it was well attended and, as > ever, became very hot. For my tastes, Floreal Navarro's semi-sung > narrative was just a bit contrived (Anyone remember the recording of > Ordo Virtutum by Sequentia ? It was of a similar style.) > Nevertheless, I filled a minidisk with this, and enjoyable it still is. > > Any chance you can post an MP3 or MIDI file for our listening pleasure? > Now that sounds like a fun project for my new minidisk recorder. It would have to be an analogue recording as I don't have MD in the HiFi (I still do the Vinyl thing, and grudgingly embrace the latter quarter of the 20th century with CDs!) and the portable recorder has no digital output. However, I will be going on vacation shortly, and setting up all the connections to a sound card on one of my PCs, and then finding some appropriate software will have to wait until afterwards. Any such post would be *huge* so I'll have to find a web site for it. No point in inflicting the high telephone charges on everyone! I would also be interested in the legal and copyright situation here, before I actually start publishing this sort of material: It does sound very much like all those rock bootlegs that one was supposed to have beside the bed to prove street cred. when at university! #!/mjh = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 08:59:43 +0200 (CEST) From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it> Subject: Re: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy --- B�atrice_Richrath <beatrice.richrath _at_ gmx.de> wrote: > Of course I am also very curious what Marcello will > reply. Hi "Unfortunately" I use a leather strap (and goggles, and alloy bicycles and so on :-) .....and what about shoes?!? :-) ===== Marcello Bono Bologna-Italy = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 17:39:36 +0200 From: RA-Szabo-Laszlo _at_ i-one.at Subject: [HG] back again Hallo, to those who dont know me (I was some month before member of the list) Id like to introduce myself. My name is L�szl�, I am playing (hungarian) hg (nyenyere) here in Innsbruck Austria. I am looking forward the discussions on hg. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 09:54:50 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] Maxime Boireaud Hi, Since purchasing a Maxime Boireaud Hurdy Gurdy last year I have been interested in finding information about the builder. A recent search of the internet has resulted in several recent photos taken at his workshop in France. I have taken the photos and enhanced and enlarged them so that I could see more of the details of his instruments and his shop. If you would like to see a slideshow of the photos, click on the following link: http://www.geocities.com/dtsmithnet/index.html The origional website is a day trip taken by an antique motorcar club. They somehow stopped off at the workshop as a siteseeing adventure. Here is a link to the origonal site: http://www.plein-gaz.com/manif/2002/metiersantan/feuille.htm The website is in French. Maxime's address is given as "la Maison Do R� Mi � Chassigny-sous-Dun". I hope to write to Maxime soon to find out more about my instrument and possibly find out when it was made (it looks pretty old to me). And maybe, if he has records he might be able to shed light on how the instrument came to the USA. Enjoy, David Smith Dearborn, Michigan, USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 12:29:55 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] Belt for baroque hurdy-gurdy Leather shoes for common people : http://www.fugawee.com/Men's%20Colonial.htm Henry marcello bono a �crit : > .....and what about shoes?!? :-) > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 12:54:23 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: [HG] Belts, shoes & bikes ... Marcello, BTW , here is a picture of my favorite bike the ' Royal " model ,http://www.herocycles.com/bikes/classic.htm I hardly never use my ten speeds since I have it . and the one I try to repair :http://www.metroexporters.com/pages/hamilton/deliv.html the best way to carry a HG on a bicycle . Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2002 09:12:14 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale Hi Dave. Yes I think this is the instrument. Kelischeck sounds familiar. I have never seen one. I will look for a web site where it can be seen? I would be curious to hear from Alden and/or Cali as to how it compares to the Ministrel since both are three string instruments. What is this rubberband affair and how does it work? Thanks. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 11:45:48 -0500 From: gjr <roehmguitars _at_ midtnn.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale "Joan D'Andrea wrote: > Yes I think this is the instrument. Kelischeck sounds familiar. > I have never seen one. I will look for a web site where it can be seen? Kelischek's site: http://www.susato.com/ The Minnesinger Hurdy-Gurdy: http://www.susato.com/hurdygurdy.htm > What is this rubberband affair and how does it work? The rubber band is stretched behind the end of the keys. I would assume it was added because the key/tangent assembly is so light, it was needed to help return the keys without depending on gravity. I have played the instrument and it sounds amazingly good, especially considering the molded plastic parts. I would imagine Alden and Cali's Minstrel would sound at least as good or better. Mr. Kelischek also offers plans and a kit for his instrument. I have built one based more or less on his plan, but with wooden keys/tangents and a PVC wheel rim: http://roehmguitars.midtnn.net/gallery/gur1.html Disclaimer: I have no connection with Mr. Kelischek except as a satisfied customer. Geoff Roehm = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 09:56:32 -0700 (PDT) From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale --- Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> wrote: > > Hi Dave. Yes I think this is the instrument. > Kelischeck sounds familiar. > I have never seen one. I will look for a web site > where it can be seen? I http://www.susato.com Although he's made some design changes in the last few years, what you see there is probably close to the instrument for sale. > would be curious to hear from Alden and/or Cali as > to how it compares to the > Ministrel since both are three string instruments. > What is this rubberband > affair and how does it work? Thanks. I've got one I built from kit in George Kelischek's shop. I understand he isn't selling the kits any longer. It's actually a symphony, box shaped, which leads to the rubber bands... The rubber band arrangement can be ignored entirely. George's idea is that by putting something behind the keys to force a return when you release them you could play the instrument sitting flat on a table, instead of having to tilt it slightly forward. I suppose it works, but it also works for me just as well with the rubber band removed. I tend to play either seated, with it on my lap, or standing with a strap -- in both cases, tilted slightly forward. I can't offer comparison to the Minstrel, as I haven't seen one of them in person yet. Anyone in or near Chicago have one to show off? Or maybe I'll get a field trip in to Traverse City, MI soon, to see the one Judith has... ===== -- Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2002 09:57:14 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Re: Kelischeck for sale Hi everyone. The Kelischeck Workshop site has a picture of the instrument Ivan has for sale. Go to http://www.susato.com/ to see it. I am sure this is the instrument as when Ivan and I were chatting about it he mentioned he played it on his knees and it was "Old Style". Like everyone has said, Ivan is a really nice guy. Listening to him play the autoharp was a treat. He and a couple of other performers certainly taught me the lesson that like the Hurdy Gurdy almost anyone can learn to play the autoharp and then there are those who PLAY the autoharp or the Hurdy Gurdy. Ivan is a master player who is very modest and always says he plays well because he has been playing for 30 years. He refuses to call practice "practice" because he says that indicates far too much work. He prefers to say Play. Good advice. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 13:30:31 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale Promises, promises. judith "Anyone in or near Chicago have one to show off? Or maybe I'll get a field trip in to Traverse City, MI soon, to see the one Judith has... ===== = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 10:57:46 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Re: Kelischeck for sale Hi everyone, The Kelishceck instrument I was refering to that Ivan Stiles plays is not the Minnisinger (Symphony)model on the Susato.com site. Kelischeck did produce other models in the past, here is a 1999 photo of Ivan Stiles playing his instrument: http://www.geocities.com/jpkwvf/MoWv4/hurdy.html I hope this clears up the confusion, David Smith = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 11:34:5 -0700 From: Joanne Andrus <joaand _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale I own a Minstrel and have had several opportunities to play Kelischek symphonies belonging to friends, so I guess I am as qualified as anyone to compare them. The Kelischeks sound reasonably good, and a real advantage is their availability, but the plastic parts and miniscule handle and crank give it more the feel of playing a toy than a Quality Musical Instrument like the Minstrel. If a Kelischek was what was available, you could have a lot of fun with it. There is a lot more diatonic music out there than many people think. But - when you finally moved on to something bigger and better you would have to start from scratch on your right hand technique. The Minstrel, on the other hand, has a full size crank and handle, and a trompette string with dog, as well as being a chromatic instrument. With it you can play everything right away.... well, with a little practice, anyway. Joanne --- Joanne Andrus --- joaand _at_ earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 19:18:41 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: [HG] For Sale Sighting Reichmann Hurdy Gurdy on e-bay: #898145344 Judith Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 23:49:31 EDT From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy Gurdy, Kelischek, for sale I have a friend in Racine who has a Minstrel- I could contact him if you want to see it. Personally, I think the Minstrel is a far finer instrument than the Kelischek's I've seen. But then I'm not a huge fan of plastic anything for musical instruments. Though considering I was just talking with Cali and Alden about making me a completely synthetic gurdy I guess I can't say that anymore! Felicia. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 21:40:12 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: [HG] ebony filler I am in the process of refurbishing a set of very worn out ebony keys. They have 'dents' about 1 mm deep both on the sides and on the tops were they have rubbed against the keybox holes. I have finished all the sides by cutting out the worn parts and inlaying new ebony insets. For the tops I was thinking of using some kind of filler. I have experimented on a scrap piece of ebony with Bondo (a car body filler), Miniwax high performance wood filler (a two part filler) and Titebond II woodglue mixed with ebony sawdust. None of these seem to set as hard as the ebony. Has any of you tried something like this before and have you got some recommendations on what works that you can pass on? Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 07:45:39 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Hi, greetings from Spain... Well, I've used Titebond (normal one, perhaps T 1?) with ebony sawdust making a paste similar as before cooking bread or pizza (but black, obviously) and it results very well. Sometimes, 'cos of evaporation, holes filled becomes a bit "sunk", I mean, you fill the hole but when the paste is dry its surface results concave. This is easily resolved just by sanding the first application and applying a 2nd hand. For bigger holes (as marks in the 3,5,7,9,12 "trastes" of the guitar fingerboards) more hands could be needed. Don't forget to re-sand with graduated grain sandpaper after every hand to take it to the correct level. Good look. PD: excuse my primitive english. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 07:36:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler I use CA glue ("Superglue", but other brands offer more selection of drying times as viscosities.) on Ebony and Rosewood fingerboards. Layer and graduate as described above. This treatment is invisible on Ebony and practically so on Rosewood, but accentuates the scar on lighter woods. Later, Roy P.S. Pardon my splitting a hair, Asier, but I think we'd say "layer", "coat" or "application" instead of "hand". Thought you'd want to know... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 10:15:01 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Dear Juan, I haven't filled keys in this way, but a better alternative would be a two part casting resin. These are easily colored to match the ebony and they dry very hard and a little bit brittle so that they would match the feel of the ebony keys better than the other alternatives you have tried. :-)----Cali = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 10:33:02 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Hi Juan. I was involved with making jewlery for some time and it is common to use ebony, bone, turquoise, or other grindings in the less expensive rings and bracelets that feature inlays. Make sure it is very fine. I bought ebony dust from TSI here in Seattle. I think they still sell the powder, (VERY FINE is needed). I tossed out my catalogue but they are just a mile or so away and I would be glad to check on the availability of powders and bonding agents if you would like. I can not recall the bonding material I used, epoxy I think, but can't swear by it, to create the inlay. It may also have been an epoxy-like material and I stored it away in my brain as epoxy. I inlayed bezels that were pretty good size for rings, quarter inch and up, and since rings are knocking against things all the time the bonding agent is VIP as anything else will scratch or chip. I had good success. I suggest you take a look at any of the books that discuss inlay. Let me know what you learn as I intend to inlay some powdered turquoise I have on the keys of my Bosch should I "EVER" get to that stage of the game. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 10:49:35 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Juan. One other thought. I used ebony dust mixed with Gorilla Glue to try inlaying my hammer dulcimer hammers and was not happy. The paste was easy to work with and took a while to set up, but the resulting inlay was not hard enough to take a polish. It chipped away. I think this was caused by a combination of the glue itself being relatively porous when dry by comparison with products like super glue or epoxy and the grains of sawdust are not small enough to really mix well with the glue. The combination creates a finished product that will not sand smoothly or polish and chips. How much do you have to fill? If it is an entire layer, you might consider creating silver bezels for the keys. then fill the bezel with your epoxy?/powdered ebony goop. If you do this, be sure to overfill the bezel as the material with shrink as it dries. You can buy bezels pre made in various sizes or fabricate your own if you are handy with silver solder and an iron. I think the silver spot price runs a little over $4.50. If you are interested in this rout the Silver Smith web site keeps an up to date posting of the charge for silver at different suppliers. The web site is http://www.silversmithing.com/ Good luckand let me know your progress. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 19:28:04 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Ebony dust (very fine) and epoxy resin are the method used for re-tuning Northumbrian small-pipes if the finger holes have to be adjusted (ie filling existing holes and redrilling). Use a really good-quality, slow-setting epoxy and make sure the proportions are exactly right. Having the 2 parts wrong is the usual reason for it not setting hard. Clean and de-grease the keys before applying and overfill and sand down after it has set (a couple of days). In the UK the usual epoxy is "Araldite 2 part epoxy resin" but any type should do but look for words like "can be drilled/sawn after setting" on the box. Further details of amounts of ebony dust and best epoxy etc should be available from a pipe-maker (try E-mail: rosspipes _at_ aol.com ) - he retuned my pipes and the ebony fill is as hard as anything and takes a good shine! Colin Hill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 13:05:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler --- Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> wrote: > Juan. One other thought. I used ebony dust mixed > with Gorilla Glue to try I would not expect Gorilla Glue (polyurethane glue) to work well for this application. I use it in furniture, and clamped into a joint, it gives a tremendously strong bond. But any glue that isn't contained inside the joint foams up into a soft porous residue that's quite easy to remove with chisel or plane. I haven't intentionally tried it as a binder for inlay with a piece of waxed paper over the inlay area, but it might work. Holding the glue under pressure as it dries is important with polyurethane. As previously mentioned, cyanoacrylate (CA or super glue) or epoxy are probably the best choices for binder, though. ===== -- Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 17:01:56 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Thanks to all of you who replied with suggestions. I have a few more options to experiment with now. I have some polyurethane adhesive which I was using on a canoe. It foams up but dries glass -hard. I have tried a filling method whereby I fill in the depression on the key with a superfluous amount of filler then turn it glued-face down onto a flat surface covered in plastic (wide plastic packing tape works well) I clamp the key down and after a while trim off the excess filler that has oozed from the sides with a knife. When the filler has cured, it comes off the plastic quite easily, leaving a perfectly flat and shiny surface. Maybe this will work for polyurethane. I tried adding black aniline dye (in powder form) to some mixtures and they did not set, ebony dust has no such problems but will only turn opaque fillers grey. Of the methods I have tried so far, Titebond II with ebony dust has dried hardest and darkest but also slowest, it took a couple of days to really set, and we are having a heatwave here. I will report on further findings if they are of interest. Thanks again for your help. Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 21:34:01 -0400 From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler I can't remember for the life of me where I read it, but I seem to recall in some catalog or other that pre-tinted black CA glues (usually very expensive) are useful because it's very difficult to tint some other types of (CA?) adhesives. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Suppose it's just a marketing ploy? You probably know already, Juan, but if you experiment with epoxy, stay away from the cheap 5-minute stuff in the metal tubes or the "double-barrel" syringe dispensers. This stuff is notoriously short-lived, and it often doesn't harden completely. ~ Matt -------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew Szostak - Hurdy-Gurdies 7 Grove Street Camden, Maine 04843 phone: 207-236-9576 email: gurdy _at_ midcoast.com website: http://www.midcoast.com/~beechhil/vielle -------------------------------------------------------------------- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 22:33:55 -0400 From: Beverly Woods <tradmusic _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Now that you mention it, it seems to me that black CA is frequently used for just this kind of purpose in the music store where I teach. I'm there on Thursdays, so if anyone wants detailed insight on that question, I could get it for you in a few days. Beverly = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sun, 11 Aug 2002 21:39:02 -0500 From: gjr <roehmguitars _at_ midtnn.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler > in some catalog or other that pre-tinted black CA glues Try: http://www.stewmac.com/ Geoff = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 05:58:57 -0700 (PDT) From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] wheel construction Felicia and I have been having a side conversation that might be of general interest. The topic is wheel construction -- what materials have you used or seen, and what do you think of them? What do you like or dislike about each, and why? Plywood, solid wood, MDF, MDF wrapped with veneer, plastic, etc? Are there new materials or methods out there that haven't been discussed before? Sitting back and waiting for thoughts and opinions... ===== -- Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 09:46:00 -0500 From: Theo Bick <tbick _at_ austin.rr.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Matthew, Yes the black CA glue is extra strong. I use it where extra strength is needed in model airplane construction like on a firewall. You can put it on thick. But I don't know if it will be brittle enough for you or how it will sand on the ebony. It's the strongest glue I know about and could be worth a try. Just visit a model airplane store. Theo = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 14:41:21 -0500 From: Theo Bick <tbick _at_ austin.rr.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction Hello, Wolfgang's HG uses a synthetic wheel but I don't know exactly what it is, it's probably a secret. It works very well and gives you a good dynamic range. It plays softly when turned slowly, and the note will sound clearly even when the wheel is turned very very slowly, like 7 seconds for one revolution. Of course there may be other factors that allow this to happen, I don't know. It also plays quite loudly when turned faster. And it is, and probably always will be perfectly true. It also looks nice. My first HG had a solid wheel, not good. Then I got two with laminated, banded wheels and one went out of true in a few years and the other stayed true for 16 years. I don't know the material. All three replacement wheels that Alden and Cali made for me were laminated and banded and have stayed true until now. Regards, Theo = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 22:46:58 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction Well, I always make plywood wheels composed by about 15 plys (�), 1 mm each one. Afriend of mine (my master), Jesus Reolid (please, see www.zanfona.com ), he uses about 30 plys, 0'5 mm each one and after that he works both sides of the wheel in the turning machine. Solid wood wheels are worst because solid wood is very sensitive with climate and humidity changes and they all become "bent", so if you can see the importance of the wheel to be always at the same distance to bridge, you can understand this. Asier = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 12 Aug 2002 22:09:16 -0400 From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Luthier's Mercantile International has black "superglue" in two different viscosities - "penetrating" (which probably means "thin;" not appropriate for filling keys) in a 1.0 ounce bottle (about 30 grams, I guess), or "gap-filling" (thicker than the former) in a 0.7 ounce (20 gram) tube. Stew-Mac has it in one viscosity only - a "gap-filling" 0.7 ounce (20 gram) tube. Stew-Mac's small tube costs about $6. LMI's small tube costs about $28. What's up with that?!? Neither catalog mentions anything about problems tinting normally clear CA glues. I've never worked with Cali's idea of casting resin, but it sounds promising. Juan, is there a reason that you filled the sides with ebony bits, but you don't want to fill the key tops the same way? ~ Matt = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 04:25:10 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] wheel construction > From: owner-hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com [mailto:owner-hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com]On Behalf > Of Asier B.G. > > Well, I always make plywood wheels composed by about 15 plys (�), > 1 mm each > one. Afriend of mine (my master), Jesus Reolid (please, see > www.zanfona.com The one of his at http://ret007ei.eresmas.net/reolid/images/zanfjulio.jpg is the first new HG I've seen that looks somewhat like what my old one (http://www.julesong.com/pics/jhurdytable.jpg) might've looked when it was new. Sorta. Kinda. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 09:02:53 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Acting on Theo's tip I went to my local model making shop and inquired about black CA glues. They had only heard of one but it was intended for use on tires and therefore 'vulcanised' so it would set rubbery. However they had a good array of different viscocities, apart from 'gap-filling' they had 'extra thick' which they recomended for my purposes and I ended up buying. ($3.30 for 1/2oz) So far mixing sawdust with glue , either Titebond or CA, has offered the best results, rock hard and almost undetectable. But, as some of you have pointed out, it has to be done in layers, as unlike the epoxies, they dry by contact with air and if you do it in one go the center will be soft an will eventually depress. I thought of casting resin, which I have used before, but thought it may be too heavy and glossy, and I am not so sure that it would bond to wood that is constantly being knocked about all that well. The keys in question are about 120 years old, they are the type that are wider at the front ( 15mm on average) an taper to 10 mm at the back. The dents are uneven, getting deeper towards the edges, I thought that chiseling out a deep enough trough for a new inlay would probably leave me with a weak point, though I may be wrong about that. I thought filler would be by far a simpler way to get a good result to the problem. Finally I'd like to acknowledge all the listmembers. It is great to find that when you have a problem you think nobody will be able to help you with, you write to the list and suddenly you have more information than you can wave a stick at. Fantastic! Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 17:13:48 +0000 From: Martijn Dekker <martijn_dekker _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Question about wheel position Hello, I have a question. I have started building a hurdy-gurdy(my first). The measure (bridge to bridge)is 343mm. Is there a ideal distance for the wheel to be on? If there is how do you calculate this? Thanks in advance, Martijn = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 15:56:55 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: RE: [HG] wheel construction Saludos desde Bloomington, Indiana, EEUU! Vi en tu email que estudias(tes) con Jesus Reolid...me interesaria preguntarte algunas cosillas, ya que tenemos planes mi familia y yo de mudarnos a Esp. dentro de un año o asi. una de las cosas que me interesaba seria tomar clases de Jesus en luteria de la zanfona--¿que me podrias contar acerca de esto? (yo he tenido correspondencia con Rafa Martin, y le he mandado unos e-correos a Jesus, pero debe ser que se encuentra muy ocupado porque no ha podido responderme.) te agradezco cualquier ayuda al respeto, y hasta la proxima, te manda un atento saludo Wolodymyr ("Bloyu" a los hispanohablantes) Smishkewych = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 16:12:48 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: RE: [HG] wheel construction SORRY Sorry folks--that message in Spanish was meant for Asier--OOPS! i forgot to double check the "to" field before sending... cheers, Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:44:55 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [HG] wheel construction Hello, Julie. What about any label from its procedence, country? Where did you get it? Are you going to restore it? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:50:16 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Black power. There's another way to make every wood or paste turns black. You must apply one coat of Aniline Chlorure and, when it dryes, then apply a second coat but with Cromic Acid. Depending on the amount of acid, you can get deeper black tones. Wood isn't affected nor damaged by the use of these products. Take care. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:57:05 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position I first put the wheel with the axis and let all in its position. After that, I put the top (only with hidden screws, not glued yet), and I let a space of 18 mm between the bridge and the wheel. Note that you can make this distance bigger just by making tension on the wire that holds bridge with the tailpiece. If this distance is bigger, sound is weak, and the 2nd octave normally goes out of tuning. If the distance is smallest, sound is too hard and it's easy to make horrible noises (more noises than a normal HG, I mean, ha, ha, ha...). = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 17:33:21 -0500 From: arle lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position There was a thread on this topic a few weeks ago. (Does anyone archive the list in a publicly-available format?) I'll forward you the mails I still have on the topic. The short answer is that there is no way to calculate the "ideal" distance without knowing a lot more about your instrument, and even then it would depend on personal preference and what sort of sound you want. Your best bet would be to look at instruments that you like and that are somewhat like your instrument and see what they do. The problem is that no one position is ideal across the scale length. On a guitar or nyckelharpa (just about any string instrument but a HG) this distance is constantly being adjusted (generally without the player even thinking about it...). With a HG you're stuck with one position so you shoot for a happy medium and realize that no matter what you do it won't work perfectly for every note. Beyond that though, look through the mails I'll send you and see if you can make sense of them to try to figure things out. -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 09:52:53 -0400 From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Another possibility (just what you need!) I found in a Woodcraft (www.woodcraft.com) "sale flyer": "Carver's Epoxy Putty - $9.99 --- This two-part epoxy putty can be used as an adhesive, a non-shrinking filler for natural defects or rebuilding errant cuts. You can sand, carve, paint, etch or even burn this versatile material. 2 oz. containers of putty resin and hardener provide 4 oz. of material." I don't have a clue if this would set hard enough for your keys, Juan (the word epoxy certainly implies this, but we all know about the epoxies which DON'T set hard!), but it probably wouldn't set glossy. It's shown in use (mounting a duck decoy head to the body!) as an almost white putty-like material. It probably could be tinted. ~ Matt = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 09:20:08 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction Asier, when you talk about plys, do you mean sheets of veneer? If so, any particular wood, and do you glue them together with the grain at 90 degrees to each other or at variable angles? With such fine plys, is there a need to cover the rim of the wheel with a band at all? Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 10:00:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction And do you cut the veneer yourself, or purchase it? If you cut it yourself, how? I have a difficulty cutting veneer smaller than about 2mm with any accuracy, using a band saw. ===== -- Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 11:04:31 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] Ivan Stiles' HG for sale There is more information and pics of Ivan's HG here: http://www.julesong.com/misc/hgswap/hgswap.htm --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 11:18:45 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] old HG There's no label I've been able to find anywhere on the HG. I've shined a light inside and the only thing to be seen are aeed to get myself a newer, playable one. ;) --JulieR > From: owner-hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com [mailto:owner-hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com]On Behalf > Of Asier B.G. > > Hello, Julie. > What about any label from its procedence, country? > Where did you get it? > Are you going to restore it? http://www.julesong.com/pics/jhurdytable.jpg = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:08:02 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction Sorry, my english is not very good or I can't explain myself very well... Of course, when I said "ply" I refered to sheets of fine wood. For a wheel like mines (15 mm width), you can take 5 sheets of 3mm each one, or, for example, 30 sheets of 0'5 mm each one. Jesus Reolid uses about 40 or 50 sheets and make a wheel of about 25 mm width, but after that, he works it both sides in the turning bench, making a wheel that is 25mm width in the center (axis), and 15mm in the rim zone. So, if you see the wheel from the rim, it's simetrical. Of course I use aleays a rim (made of sycamore or walnut, for example), but you've to take care and glue it in the correct direction of the fibre. If you glue it in the opposite direction (I did it once and it was desperating), wood "hair" start to "rise" when rim touches the strings. See you soon. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:10:32 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction Sorry I forgot: Yes, wooden sheets are glued 90 degrees one with the next one, and so on, never tried with different angles, but I'm not going to try it 'cos 90 degrees way results very strong against "bending". Thanxxx = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:17:38 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] wheel construction First questoin is answered before. Second one: I've never used a veneer (like the violins ones I supose), but I know luthiers that use veneers and they buy it (making veneer is a job for veneer-makers!!!!). You can find accesories (veneers included) at: www.dick-gmbh.com (or .de, 'cos they are from germany). I They have lutherie tools, accesories, and some book (I bought one about veneers!!!, but the methodes to make them seem very complicated, specially for machines). Asier. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:38:20 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG Only 200!!!!!!! F***!!!! It's incredible, as it seems, that woman haven't no f***ing idea about what she was selling... (excuse my bad-words, but i think they're necessary). Well, I'm going to send the photo to some friends (luthiers and players) in order to determine the age and country. At simple view, I can say that it's very similar with the Vand�e model (a territorie in France), for the very width wheel and of course for the shape. It's trompette bridge is in the french or spanish way, not hungarian (note the hole in the center of the tailpiece). I've seen some others from France with 4 strings too. Just by looking to the position and organisation of the keys, you can determine the tuning. I mean: for a G tuning, 4th and 5th keys must be toguether, with no semitone between them, and for a D tuning, 2nd and 3rd keys must go in the same way... Work on it and get some books!!!! = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 00:04:45 +0200 From: Wells James WO TSgt 31CS/SCMFR <James.Wells _at_ AVIANO.AF.MIL> Subject: RE: [HG] old HG It's too bad your vocabulary is so limited that you cannot find more mature words to describe your shock and amazement over the price of this hurdy gurdy. Jim Wells Italy = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 18:09:35 -0400 From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com> Subject: [HG] Beveled keybox slots Hi list- Juan, your discussion of worn key repair has me thinking about a key vibration problem I'm having. My question is: why are the key slots on the inside of the keybox beveled (wood cut away so the key doesn't contact the full thickness of the keybox side) of so many hurdy-gurdies I've seen? The (three language) Destrem/Heidemann book suggests a remedy for excessive key rattle: a tiny silicon "wedge" carefully placed on the top of the offending key(s) and cut so that when the key is in its rest position it forms a soft wedge in the beveled cut of the keybox, holding it "down" and effectively damping the vibration. This seems like it should work, although for how long is anybody's guess. Also, I'm not too excited by the seemingly permanent nature of the application - you can't remove the key again without first removing the silicon wedge. Any thoughts? ~ Matt = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 16:54:12 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Beveled keybox slots I do not know with certainty why some slots are beveled, the hurdy gurdy I am working on for instance, an 1882 Pajot, has straight holes. But here's my guess: The smaller the length of the hole the key has to travel through, the smaller the chance of it getting stuck and the easier to repair/adjust if there is any wood movement. Secondly, from a maker's point of view it is easy to start chiseling a hole exactly were you want it, but not so easy to have it come out at the other end exactly where you want it, the bevel edge gives you a forgiving margin of error and also removes any rough edges you may end up with at the exit hole. Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:30:07 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Ivan Stiles' HG for sale Sorry - I reorganized a little. You can see Ivan's HG here: http://www.julesong.com/misc/hg/hgswap.htm --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 20:41:09 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] old HG I've added some new and larger photos of my HG, here: http://www.julesong.com/misc/hg/hgjules.htm You can see the damaged bits quite easily in the photos. You might recognize the accompanying text, as I used the previous email as a basis for it. :) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 23:34:09 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Julie's HG I'm about to expose my ignorance. If you're referring to the top surface of the HG, then yes, there do appear to be small nails of some sort here and there. There are some on the back, as well. They could be original, or perhaps added as the instrument aged and the surface began pulling away from the sides? Because they are, indeed, pulling apart. I just took a look at the HG closely for a few minutes, and have found that the small nails that are present are not inserted at regular points in the instrument, which seems to indicate that they were added at a later date. I also found some screws which I think were also added. There are also occasional wood-worm holes. I tried to see if there were *any* identifying marks anywhere, including on the handle, and could find nothing. Those of you who've referred to books which have similar HGs... can you tell me the approximate dates of those HGs? (Could this instrument be one which should probably be in a museum, rather than being owned by myself?) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 23:38:42 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] old HG Well, she said she wanted it to be with someone she knew would appreciate it. :) I've long lost track of her name and information, so don't have any way to get any more info on the HG's circumstances. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 23:48:06 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] Blackening wood I found an article at the Mugwumps website which some might find useful. It is similar to the process mentioned by Asier. "To Blacken Wood" http://www.mugwumps.com/blacken.htm --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 00:43:26 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG It is an unusual design but it looks well made , not some amateur work like the instruments from Vend�e , can you identify the woods ? the back seams to be good quality maple . I like the idea of installing only a few half tone on the lower row . There are two somewhat similar instruments in the book of Luce Mo�se , about HG in Belgium and Holland . Henry Boucher = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 01:29:11 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG Asier said: >(excuse my bad-words, but i think they're necessary). I don't think so. The Listmaster has spoken, and you are hereby warned of dire consequences if it happens again. Alden the Listmaster = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 01:40:08 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: [HG] Archives Someone asked about archives. I'm almost caught up with the archives, when they're done I'll post them all at once on the website. Sorry it's taken so long. Alden = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 01:52:07 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: [HG] Julie's HG Is the sound board nailed ? Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 10:45:24 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG I excuse your foul language as you are not British and may not realise how bad the word is. My little boy often sits with me while I read these e-mails and I don't want him to have to read words like this again from this list. Please do not use the word again. Thank you. Colin Hill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 06:20:19 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] Massif Central CD's Hello, Recently I have been looking at the Hurdy Gurdy website of Neil Brook who is a builder in Lancashire, England. http://freespace.virgin.net/hurdy.gurdy/index.html On his website he states the following; "There can't be many enthusiasts who have not come across the "Massif Central" tunebooks 1&2 compiled by Mel Stevens. Published by Dragonfly Music, they are an invaluable source of the music of central France. ISBN 1 872277 05 5 and ISBN 1 872277 12 8. For those who like to play by ear, I have recorded the entire contents of both books on two cassettes ( on sequenced piano ). They cost �8.00 each plus �1.50 Postage for either or both." So, I wrote to him asking about how to go about purchasing the cassettes here in the USA. Here is the response from him which I thought some of you might be interested in. David Smith Dearborn, Michigan, USA Hi David I could send the cassettes, but since those days, CDs have largely taken over and I have been thinking about transferring them into that format. I admit, I haven't changed the price in 5 years so probably �10 is more like it today. Adding say � 5.00 P&P, that comes to �25.00 or $40.00 I am coming out to California in October and could bring them to post there. Similarly, you could send a cheque in $ to my daughter's address near Laguna Beach where I'll be staying. Let me know if you would prefer CD s . Thanks for your kind words about the site - I often wonder how much attention is paid to the peripheral pages. Best wishes Neil Brook, hurdygurdy _at_ onetel.net.uk http://freespace.virgin.net/hurdy.gurdy/ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 21:41:45 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: [HG] Off topic (apology and warning) My apologies to the list. When I replied to the use of bad language, I neglected to trim the original post from my reply with the result that it repeated itself. A warning to us all to think before acting. Please accept my sincere apologies. Colin Hill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 20:44:41 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG Ok, excuse me, I promise not to do it again (I'm going to start to go to the church, too) :-) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 20:50:59 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG Before nothing, make your son be playing or sleeping... Well, now I can continue... Ok, It seemed to be a culture un-understanding. Here in Spain it's usually to speak and say bad-words if you know how to put them in the correct moment. I couldn't understand your correct languaje "laws", but I promise to respect them and You since today. Excuse me and continue with the discussion about old HG, please. Thanx a lot. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 23:06:57 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position "Asier B.G." wrote: > Note that you can make this distance > bigger just by making tension on the wire that holds bridge with the > tailpiece. Hello, "Asier B.G." wrote: > I first put the wheel with the axis and let all in its position. After that, > I put the top (only with hidden screws, not glued yet), and I let a space of > 18 mm between the bridge and the wheel. Note that you can make this distance > bigger just by making tension on the wire that holds bridge with the > tailpiece. changing the distance between bridge and wheel by just putting tension on the wire that holds the bridge, is not a satifying solution for changing the place where the wheel touches the string (the distance between bridge and wheel). The reason is that the open lenght of the string is changed by this action which changes the positions for the tangents. This will lead to a situation where the instrument gets hardly tuneable since there is not enough space left to turn the tangents into a correct position. If you want to change the point where the wheel touches the string you have to move the wheel, normally by making the slot wider and moving the wheel on the axis or moving the whole axe system. Or you just change the cross section of the wheel so that the touching section moves. regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 17:26:54 -0400 From: Eugene <eugenebienvenue _at_ softhome.net> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG As to foul language, it is amusing that the list devoted to the most raucous of instruments should be a forum for such a debate... Well then, here it is. Instead of swearing, you might make your point contextually: like suggesting that the English "have their heads up their ....." Or you might try substituting asterices for the naughty bits...like: "Kiss my ***" Try changing the sound, ever so slightly, like: "Get a life, acehole!" But there's nothing like sheer ambiguity for getting your message across: "What an ass!" I hope this helped ass your concerns, Ass ever, Eugene = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 21:29:37 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position Your explanation seemed correct, but I forgot to say that I do that BEFORE making the keybox :-) Of course, the better way is to glue the bridge on the correct position, after your prefered distance is choosen. I like it of 15mm. What about your distance preferences, Mr. Wascher? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 11:42:21 -1000 From: Don Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position On Thursday, August 15, 2002, at 11:06 AM, Simon Wascher wrote: > > > -- > > ... , aus zeitmangel und infolge widriger verhaeltnisse verlaesst die > mehrzahl > der menschen diese welt, ohne ueber sie nachgedacht zu haben. Einigen > wiederum, > die das zu tun versuchen, wird schwindelig, und sie beschaeftigen sich > mit et- > was anderem. > Stanislaw Lem, Hundertsiebenunddreissig > Sekunden > > http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/ > I love Stanislaw Lem- but what does this quote mean?? Thanks- Don = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 22:01:23 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG Well, it's a possibility, but I think that way it would be two faults: I would continue swearing. And two: I would be making hipocresy. That's why when I decided to express my self in my way, I did it in its COMPLETE and SINCERE way. Althought this, I've yet express my apologises to all. PLEASE, CAN WE CONTINUE WITH THE TOPIC: "OLD HG"?????? = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 22:36:12 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] Recordings... Hello, I'm proud of recommend you the following spanish HG players: Rafa Martin, look in: http://ret007ei.eresmas.net/rafa/d-rmespalda.html for his new album. You can also buy it (pick on "comprar CD", it's about 12 Euros but ask first)look for photos, biography (in Spanish), and so on... The next is Marc Egea: http:/usuarios.Tripod.es/marcegea Thanks a lot for your interesting. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 17:48:16 -0700 From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ attbi.com> Subject: [HG] Remembrance Hi all, I'm just having a moment of remembrance of Pierre Imbert (I believe it was on this date last year that he died). So many of us owe him so much, especially the Seattle area crowd of which I am a proud member. He was very much in my mind -- and the minds of all those within hearing distance! -- at the Lark in the Morning music camp last week, as I drilled my students on rhythm playing: "RAK-tak-tak-taka-tah...RAK-tak-tak-taka-tah..." So, maybe instead of a moment of silence, we should all go make some noise in his honor. Cheers, Anna * * * * * * * * * * Anna Peekstok Seattle, WA * * * * * * * * * * = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 20:42:08 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: [HG] Strong language , To Asier , As another participant who does not have english as first language , I understand your surprise to this event , Just remember that " United States " really means " Very different States and people , United " This kind of language seens normal on some guitar forums but , obviously , not on the HG one <g>. Back to normal programming .... Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:53:28 +0200 From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG himmiherrgottsakramentzefixxhallelujah This is Bavarian and means something similar like ****, use this and and no children will be endangerd and no linguist will be offended. with turns Helmut = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 04:25:29 EDT From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] Recordings... Asier, are these Spanish HG players playing the music of Galicia and Asturias?? Or classical Spanish music?? Thank you for the links. Jake Conte = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:41:35 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position Hello Don, I can try to translate it into english, but I am not sure if the outcome of this precedure will be usefull: ... , due to lack of time and adverse circumstances the majority of humans depart from this world without having reflected about it. Others who have tried to do so become dizzy and then busy themselfs with something else. regards, Simon Wascher = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2002 22:50:21 -1000 From: Don Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Question about wheel position Thanks Simon- That's perfectly Lem, and made me smile- I hope that I can take a lesson or two from you some day... Aloha- Don = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 12:44:02 +0200 From: Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> Subject: [HG] (no subject) Hello, I hear there is some discussion on the materials for the making of a good wheel. The best material for me is Delignit Panzerholz type B 25 This is a multiplex from very small veneers of beech Total thicknes is 23mm There are 42 layers in it and the circumference of the wheel is absolutely closed ,so perfect for making of a wheel . No more rim required The plate looks like beech so no veneering of the sides is needed. It is absolutely garanteed not to deform or change in whatever way even resisting humidity so perfect for an underwater hg ( wouldn't it be nice ... playing for the fishes... You can find documentation on delignit on the net under delignit . Please let me now how you find it .... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:31:20 -0400 From: Beverly Woods <tradmusic _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler OK, I asked the repair techs when I was in Vintage Fret yesterday about black CA, and they told me that black CA makes a great filler, but lacks the adhesive power of the clear CA. So you wouldn't want to use it in a joint, for instance, expecting the gluing strength of the clear product. They had no explanation for the price difference between Stew-mac and LMI except 1) LMI is sometimes pricey, or 2) maybe LMI has one that has the adhesive power of clear CA? In any case, it's the less expensive version that they buy to use in the shop. Regarding the adhesive & sawdust method, they said this was the older method they used before they got hold of things like black CA, still works, but labor-intensive compared with black CA. Beverly = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 06:33:38 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Hey Beverly, thanks for the research. --- Beverly Woods <tradmusic _at_ earthlink.net> wrote: > ... black CA makes a great filler, but lacks the > adhesive power of the clear CA. So you wouldn't want to use it in a > joint, for instance... I was watching some videos of model aircraft and can't tell for sure if crashing is part of the "sport" or just an acknowledged disaster. Either way I can see where breakaway glue might be an asset. It might be asset on vielles if you travel a lot ;-) > They had > no explanation for the price difference between Stew-mac and LMI > except 1) LMI is sometimes pricey, I haven't shopped with either in years. But it was never unusual to find a product that was entirely too precious with one and dirt cheap with the other. My lutherie time is so limited these days that I've gone over to the tiny over-the-counter tubes at the supermarket. The larger bottles always set up before I can use it all. Personally I try to buy everything I can locally. One of the benefits is the missionary aspect. When they ask "What are you going to do with one ball-bearing?" You get to tell them. Frequently you get invited to come in and play. Then you drag it into a cafe on the way home under the pretext that you don't want to leave it out in the car in the heat, and they just gotta know ... > Regarding the adhesive & sawdust method, they said this was the older > method > they used before they got hold of things like black CA, still works, > but > labor-intensive compared with black CA. The labor intensive part is making all that sawdust ;-) Later, Roy = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:35:16 -0500 From: arle lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] old HG There is also the "Tasmanian Devil" or "Yosemite Sam" cursing: rickinffrickinrackinfrackinrootintootin rabbit! That's considered safe for small children by most people... (It's from Warner Brothers Looney Tunes cartoons, just in case anyone doesn't know the Tasmanian Devil or Yosemite Sam) -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 06:58:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] The Dog Not Taken All this talk about fillers and glues has me wondering if anyone has experimented with chiens made of anything but wood. Synthetics are really what I'm curious about, but I'd welcome views on metal, stone, bone, or even alternate woods. (I'm familiar with boxwood, and aware of ebony. The first one I made was hard maple: I don't know if it was unsatisfactory because of the wood or the crafting, but I never tried it again.) While we're at it, any comments on tap-plates are also welcome. Thanks, Roy T. P.S. I'm not coming up with any lame jokes for this posting. Sorry. I'll get back to you. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 07:12:13 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] WAS old HG; NOW; $%&*# _at_ !!!!! Gee, folks, we've gotten an apology and at least two retractions. Let's come up off of it, already. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:38:25 -0400 From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net> Subject: Re: [HG] WAS old HG; NOW; $%&*# _at_ !!!!! Couldn't agree more, Roy. Maybe we need a tune - here's "The Frolic", performed by the City Waites, with David Chatterley on HG. It's from their CD "The Musitians of Grope Alley". The file is in Real Audio format: http://janusmuseum.org/audio/frolic.ram Allan Janus = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 08:33:55 -0700 From: Diana O'Neill <dianamark _at_ foxinternet.com> Subject: [HG] Pierre Remembrance, from Diana Thank you Anna, for the thoughts. It is wonderful to imagine everyone playing in remembrance and observing a moment of silence. Diana O'Neill & Mark Farrell = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 09:01:00 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] WAS old HG; NOW; $%&*# _at_ !!!!! Anytime that anybody wants to talk about the original subject - my old HG - is fine with me. :) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 11:02:34 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>, asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com Subject: RE: [HG] Recordings of spanish HG and off-topic old HG/bad language I second Asier's recomendation of Rafa, he is a great person as well and very nice to deal with. His group "La Bruja Gata" (the Bewitched Cat) has a great CD, 'manual de pociones' (manual of potions/concoctions), both of which i ended up buying directly from Rafa himself by mail. the instrument is french style, with a trompette, in case anyone is wary of my a musette-pushing tendencies... ;^) regarding the bad laguage issue, my tuppence and then i'll let it rest: I wholly agree with Colin and Alden, though with Asier being partly a countryperson of mine, it might be interesting to know that the bad word in question has a much stronger weight in English than in Spanish, where it is slightly stronger than our "damn". In English it is certainly not the case. that having been said, i agree that that kind of colorful metaphor has no place on our list; i can sympathize with you Colin, as I wouldn't want my daughter to have to read that word, in English or otherwise. cheers, Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 09:03:20 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Julie's HG Since I don't have access to the books which were referred to, I'm still hoping to hear more details about similar instruments. --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 09:10:04 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Well, the job of filling the keys is completed. Like Roy, I prefer to shop locally when possible, it also has the advantage that you can sart as soon as you get home. So I ended up using the cheap, clear 'extra thick' CA glue. I started by mixing it with ebony sawdust before applying, but after doing a couple of keys this way, I decided this was too messy and time consuming, especially since the stuff sets in seconds. I figured out a way to do this job quickly and mess free: First I apply CA directly onto the area to be filled and spread to a thin layer. I immediately dip the key in a jar of ebony dust, making sure it covers the glue. Them I tap the key on the rim of the jar to remove any loose dust and then pat the dust covered glue with my finger until uniform, ( I live dangerously, but I don't walk around with hurdy gurdy keys stuck to my fingers) , sand and repeat as necessary. The whole procedure takes seconds and the results are better than I had hoped for. Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 11:15:23 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>, DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Subject: RE: [HG] Recordings... Hi Jake and all- Rafa plays mostly music of Castile and Leon, which is generally a 'gaita charra' (pipe and tabor) repertoire. it's also, and he talks about this in this solo album 'a la espalda de el gigante', an "invented" repertoire, since Castile has not too much in the way of autochtonous HG music. Galician and ASturian music can be hear on other recordings, some of which i think you may know, there's quite a lot of HG played on Milladoiro's 1st album "a nosa terra." i just ran across some blind beggar's music from asturias (like the lyrniki trad of ukraine) on the web, i can try to locate urls or info for the list... cheers, vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 11:20:57 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: RE: [HG] BACK to OLD HG! Good idea-i sent my message fragment that related to it before seeing these last few. Julie, maybe a new to the scene maker with more time on her hands could try doing it for you for a decent price. this could get new life to the instrument fast! i think though, it depends on how much in a rush you are to get it going. i think i misplaced the photo you sent...do you have time to resend it again? (you can do this to me privately, instead of filling the list's inboxes). cheers, Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 11:31:33 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>, hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com Subject: [HG] Delignit source for north american region Here are some Delignit sources i stumbled upon: (canadian supplier of the German company): http://www.delignit.de/canada/delignit/products/wood/delignitpanzerha.html http://www.fh-luebeck.de/bau/diplomarbeiten/bauing/diplome/holzbau/Diplom/Seiten/227panz.htm (this last one has a picture of what your HG wheel would look like after you shot a bullet through it!) Here's the Deutsch version of the 1st page: http://www.delignit.de/holzmust/panzerholz.html good luck-- Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:02:45 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] The Dog Not Taken >All this talk about fillers and glues has me wondering if anyone has >experimented with chiens made of anything but wood. Synthetics are >really what I'm curious about, but I'd welcome views on metal, stone, >bone, or even alternate woods. (I'm familiar with boxwood, and aware of >ebony. The first one I made was hard maple: I don't know if it was >unsatisfactory because of the wood or the crafting, but I never tried >it again.) If you are anything like me, you go through a whole litter of chiens before you find the one that is right for your instrument. Maple is cheap, easy to work and good for this purpose, I tried boxwood and ebony chiens, but they weren't any better than maple. > >While we're at it, any comments on tap-plates are also welcome. The hurdy gurdy I am working on came with a roughly cut glass tap-plate, obviously not an original feature . The trompette/mouche bridge needed to be glued back on and the plate ran under the bridge for a couple of mm, so I had to choose whether to keep the glass or replace it with a bone one before I glued the bridge back on. I decided to replaced the glass, so we'll never know what that sounded like, but it must have worked for someone. Juan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:18:17 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Dear Juan and listmembers, Juan, as you might imagine we have tried about everything on the market in this regard. I recommended casting resin because it does bond well with wood, if mixed properly it dries very hard, it has a proven track record which CA (superglue) does not, it doesn't creep like aliphatic resin (Titebond) and it comes in a wide variety of set times and viscosity. Casting resin is essentially an epoxy (catalyzed resin ) and can be easily colored with either wood dust or other colorants. The problem of gloss is simply remedied by applying a little steel wool to the final dried product. Other epoxy substances would also work. Matt's suggestion of epoxy putty is also a good one, though I have found that working colorant into the putty was kind of a chore, possible but labor intensive. The drawback of any of the epoxies is that you will probably get small bubbles in the initial use which will have to be filled. The aliphatic resins such as Titebond and Titebond II simply won't stand up to the wear on keys over time. I know it is tempting because it is such a simple and available fix, but I don't think you will be pleased with it in the long run, it also shrinks as it dries. Of course, if you aren't intending to play the instrument much it may be all you need. The black superglue doesn't dry very hard and superglue in general doesn't stand the test of time very well. It is a staple in the luthier's repair arsenal, but we are using it less and less as we watch what happens with it over time. The clear stuff yellows and becomes brittle and flakey and just generally seems to deteriorate, especially if subjected to temperature and humidity changes. Cali Hackmann = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 18:22:46 +0100 From: hurdy.gurdy <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] The Dog Not Taken I made one from bone years ago. Looked beautiful, shame it didn't work! I have found lacewood to be better than maple, it seems stronger and lighter. Neil Brook, hurdygurdy _at_ onetel.net.uk www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 13:27:16 EDT From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] old HG How is this pronounced? I'd love to get our parrot to use it! Felicia, who has cleaned up her language considerably since getting said parrot. Except when tuning my &%%(*&^&$^&^ gurdy... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 10:27:29 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: [HG] alternative chien materials Hi Roy, The most interesting dog I have seen was made of cardboard and super glue. The gentleman who made said that he was not a woodworker and didn't have tools so he cut out the cardboard (the fiber composite type, not corrugated) and glued it together and then coated it with super glue. It was a very responsive dog and had a good crisp sound. Wonders never cease. We make ours out of boxwood because it is easy to carve, but I have seen lots of different woods used and they all seemed to work pretty well. I think it might be fun to try a graphite dog or even cast one out of pewter. Cali Hackmann = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 11:00:03 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] BACK to OLD HG! >From: Smishkewych, Wolodymyr >Julie, maybe a new to the scene maker with more >time on her hands could try doing it for you for >a decent price. this could get new life to the >instrument fast! i think though, it depends on >how much in a rush you are to get it going. I'm not really in that much of a hurry. And it's such an old gurdy, and unusual, that it should probably be restored by someone who *really* knows what they're doing. >i think i misplaced the photo you sent... http://www.julesong.com/misc/hg/hgjules.htm --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 20:29:04 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler Hello, Alden & Cali Hackmann wrote: (...) and superglue in general doesn't > stand the test of time very well. It is a staple in the luthier's repair > arsenal, but we are using it less and less as we watch what happens with it > over time. The clear stuff yellows and becomes brittle and flakey and just > generally seems to deteriorate, especially if subjected to temperature and > humidity changes. All my experiences with superglue make me agrgee with this statement. I belive this is what the stuff is good for: carrying superglue in the hurdy gurdy first aid kit because of its characteristic to allow a quick and satisfying repair that does *not* last till eternity. Meaning you can continue playing your concert, but your instrument maker will be able to remove the bonding for a lasting quality repair. regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria -- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 19:30:09 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] BACK to OLD HG! Just looked at your page - nice looking gurdy, I hope you will be able to get it restored - it deserves playing again. Have you ever heard it play? have you tried it? How did it sound (even with the cracks). I think we would like to know. Colin Hill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 12:00:29 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [HG] BACK to OLD HG! > Just looked at your page - nice looking gurdy, I hope you will be able to > get it restored - it deserves playing again. It would be great for it to be restored, and I agree that it deserves to be played again. :) I really wish I knew the history of the instrument! I have the feeling it would have a lot of interesting stories to tell. > Have you ever heard it play? > have you tried it? How did it sound (even with the cracks). I > think we would like to know. No, I haven't tried playing it. The instrument in its current condition is pretty fragile, and the wheel is no longer true and rubs against the top surface a bit. The wood in the body is quite thin; this gurdy is pretty light in weight. To try to play it I'm sure would widen the existing cracks even further. So I'll just have to wait until someone can fix her up. :) --JulieR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 22:07:05 +0200 From: Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> Subject: Re: [HG] Lucy' s HG , hello, If that is true...! The instrument in Bruges is only 150km away from me. Besides i'd like to go to Bruges, only 30 km from the sea , good for the children and the wife..... If you like i can go over there and visit it, maybe take some pics and do some research about it .... Sorry Henry but I see no oak in it. Only lutier quality maple for the back and the sides and some spruce, i think, for the soundboard I think the instrument should be repaired whithout putting new wood on it at least for the body. Crack's like those i see on the pics can be repaired by a lutier we learned those things at school.... Marc Henry Boucher wrote: = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 13:42:37 -0700 From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> Subject: RE: [H for the soundboard > I think the instrument should be repaired whithout putting new > wood on it at least for the body. > Crack's like those i see on the pics can be repaired by a lutier > we learned those things at school... Since I'm nearby Alden... I think that probably he can give a much better assessment of the instrument's condition than I ever could. He'll be able to give real detail when he's had it in his hands. Alden, you'll be hearing from me. :) --Julie = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 15:33:56 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: [HG] Lucy' s HG , Found by book , it is " La Vielle a Roue " ( original isn't it <g>) by Luce Mo�ses , �ditions la renaissance du livre , collection , les instruments de musique populaire en elgique et aux Pays Bas , Bruxelles 1986 So , I we consider the most unusual aspect of your HG , there is one similar in the book , p 13 Guitar shaped , the keybox extend outside of the sound box , the head has a scroll instead of a human head figure, nailed soundboard , four pegs, diatonic keyboard, the chanter bridge seems to be made of two pieces of wood and has a very unusual shape, string holder long and narrow, The similar instrument is kept at the Gruutthusemuseum in Bruge , ( # 2300 ) , no info about age or origin . Size : total lenght :591mm body lenght :439mm keybox lenght : 305mm wheel diam : 124mm vibrating lenght of strings : 375 mm The odd shaped bridge , violin scroll, nailed sound board are also found other HG made in Belgium in the early 1800 , So many variety of wood have been used that it would be misleading to follow that path , still for repair purposes , it would be interesting to know of wich woods your instrument is made , BTW I suggest that you start wood hunting NOW ! , if you want to have it dry by the time you are ready to have the repairs done , some woods , like oak , are not normally in the reserve of a luthier shop. Hope it helps , Henry Boucher = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 23:38:43 +0200 From: Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> Subject: Re: [HG] Lucy' s HG , Hello, I don't think they have a large collection of musical instruments. In fact I already looked them up on the net and they say :....and a small collection of instruments... that doesn't looks good It's very well possible that they only have one hg and don't now whitch instrument it is , if you ask them. most likely they don't have a lutier for the collction and in those cases its very difficult to get the instrument ready for some pics I'll try it anyway I'll phone them on monday because most likely the conservator has to give his ok for this and i hope he is back on monday... Marc = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 21:54:57 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Recordings... Well, Rafa Martin plays traditional Spanish songs from zones in the centre of our country, like Zamora, Caceres, Salamanca, and Castilla y Leon. He makes a review of this traditional music that originally is composed for "gaita de boto" (a kind of bagpipe), or tabor pipe, and puts these songs into the sound of the hurdy-gurdy, because HG have a great function in Galicia trad music but not in that other countries. He also gives a modern touch to these trad songs including new techniques as using of capodastros, three trompettes, fingerboard under the drones, and so on... Marc Egea is from Catalonia (North-East of Spain) and plays a couple of songs from that tradition, but also music from Bulgary and Rumany, with a big sense of improvisation. He uses new techniques, too. Both players have recorded their CD's in a professional way and have a high quality of sound. THEY'RE HIGHLY RECOMMENDABLE!!!! KEEP ON TURNING... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 22:12:18 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Recordings... A friend (and customer) of mine was in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) two weeks ago and he met a HG street player. His name was Manuel Lousas and he was playing for money and selling his music in CD. He has recorded a CD called "zanfona na pedra" (HG on the rock (but not in the drinking way, he, he)). It's a self recorded CD, in a virgin disc, but with serigraphy and colour booklet. He plays music strictly traditional from Galicia, in the medieval/celtic way. He uses a nice instrument in the french style, but he makes a little use of dog, 'cos it isn't a trad. component of Galician HG. Manuel Lousas 676-812-632 (think you can send a phone message by some web site with free messages...) Keep on Turning... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 22:19:02 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Delignit source for north american region I'm afraid for how my chisel will looks after turning the wheel with such hard material!!! sniff, sniff, my chisel!, sniff, sniff... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 17:44:10 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: [HG] Person looking for HG in the UK This was posted on a Usenet newsgroup: Subject: Re: anyone know where these hurdy gurdy are being sold Newsgroups: rec.music.celtic References: <ac596173.0208100234.df93d3b _at_ posting.google.com> >I have been told that there are two hurdy gurdies for sale, one in >Melksham and one in Plymouth. Can anyone help me get in touch >directly, I'm desperately keen to buy one immediately? >Thanks >Damian Clarke >damian _at_ voxpop.demon.co.uk = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 21:03:12 EDT From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] was old HG, now politically correct cursing In a message dated 8/16/02 1:28:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com writes: Except when tuning my &%%(*&^&$^&^ gurdy... That's fine, Felicia, but you have to add a few # and _at_ . For example: #&% _at_ #!&% _at_ # Or the Fred Flinstone: "Brickabracken......" And the Yosemite Sam one always worked for me too. Jake Conte = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 00:57:51 -0700 From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net> Subject: [HG] Pierre Imbert Thank you, Anna, for a timely reminder of the anniversary of Pierre's passing. I don't think that a day has gone by without my thinking about him and missing him. Words can't really describe the hole that his loss has left in my heart. Alden the Listmaster = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 12:14:00 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] The Dog Not Taken Hello, "hurdy.gurdy" wrote: > I have found lacewood to be better than maple, it seems stronger and > lighter. I did a bit of research in in the net about 'Lacewood' since my dictionary did not know about. I found four species and for two of them I also found other names: Lacewood, London Plane - Palatanus hybrida Lacewood - Roupala Brasilensis Lacewood - Grevillea robusta (Proteaceae) OR Cardwellia sublimis Northern Silky Oak - Cardwellia sublimis Silky Oak - Grevillea robusta So, as allways with wood, a serious dicussion on materials is only possible if the botanical names are enclosed. my first guess is that what you mean is Palatanus hybrida since this is the one that grows in England. Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria -- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 12:43:07 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] The Dog Not Taken Hello, Simon Wascher wrote: > Lacewood, London Plane - Palatanus hybrida > Lacewood - Roupala Brasilensis > Lacewood - Grevillea robusta (Proteaceae) OR Cardwellia sublimis > Northern Silky Oak - Cardwellia sublimis > Silky Oak - Grevillea robusta another lacewood: Lacewood, Yellow (Polyalthia oblongifolia) Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria -- = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 11:08:48 -0500 From: arle lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] The Dog Not Taken Hi, at least in the US, when one refers to lacewood among woodworkers, the reference is generally to an Australian hardwood which is characterized by extremely prominent medulary rays. When quartersawn these are very visible and give a characteristic lace-like appearance. I don't know about what is meant elsewhere, and I don't know the scientific name, although my guess would be one of the Cardwellia species since the Palatanus is European and the Roupala appears to be South American. -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 10:00:42 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler --- SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> wrote: > I figured out a way to do this job quickly and mess > free: > First I apply CA directly onto the area to be filled and spread to a > thin layer. I immediately dip the key in a jar of ebony dust, making > sure it covers the glue. Them I tap the key on the rim of the jar to > remove any loose dust and then pat the dust covered glue with my > finger until uniform, ( I live dangerously, but I don't walk around > with hurdy gurdy keys stuck to my fingers) , sand and repeat as > necessary. The whole procedure takes seconds and the results are > better than I had hoped for. I dump the dust on the glue, mash it down with the flat of a razor blade (easy to clean) and dump the remainder back in the jar. Given the comments on longevity of CA glues: The technique is generally used on places that get a lot of wear and get redone (or recoated) occasionally. With a few minor variations it is also used to fill seams in inlays, so you get a nice black hairline border. Inlays on HGs don't get a lot of wear like they do on guitar fretboards. Would it be feasible to use (completely non-toxic, quick drying) hide glue in this way? Thanks, Roy T. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 19:16:24 +0200 From: Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> Subject: Re: [HG] ebony filler If you speak about the hide glue you warm up in a water bath i think this was already done in the past centuries.... After some time people always reinvent the old tricks from the old masters... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2002 10:49:53 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: RE: [HG] old HG; (Really!) --- JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> wrote: > > Anytime that anybody wants to talk about the original subject - my > old HG - > is fine with me. :) A few stray thoughts: Sorry, I don't see any remarkable similarity between yours and the Reolid shown. I really enjoyed your photos tho', you did a nice job with that. ------------------- I have run into a few examples of some really nice instruments (that needed some work) going from cheap-to-free to a "good owner". Two cases: One fiddle had been in a flood, full of mud. It went for $25 to a fiddler/repairman. He took it apart, cleaned it up and it turned out to be a really superior instrument. A piper who was approached by the owner of some pipes that had become a wall hanging. She had decided that they should be getting played and gave them to him. with a new bag and reeds it also revealed a sterling character. I only pray that someday I'll be a good enough player to inspire people to give me free stuff <g>. So far every time I've acquired "some old junk", it turned out to be just that. I have restored old mail-order guitars that turned out to be cannons. The second, I was extremely skeptical, and told him if he wasn't happy I'd buy it off him for $30, so he could at least turn a small profit. He has turned down much, much better offers. So you never know. I'd be interested to see what you have when you do get it restored. Later Roy T = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 00:20:05 +0200 From: Ren� Meeuws <meeuws _at_ msmp.demon.nl> Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" I just returned from holidays and I had to read several hundreds of HG-list mails ...... ----- Original Message ----- From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu> Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 6:32 PM Subject: Re: [HG] Some advice "a Siorat or a Gotschy" > > I can't comment on Gotschy's instruments - I haven't played one. > I have. They 're very OK! > If you want to play both acoustic and electric, I would not recommend a > Siorat. His electroacoustics can sound very nice (especially if you > happen to be Gilles Chabenat) but electro-acoustic is a bit of a misnomer: > you basically can't play it without being plugged in. I can't agree with that point of view at all. If you want to play an electroacoustic HG (from any maker) amplified, you will get the best resultst if the instrument is regulated very light. If not, you will amplifie also all the mechanical background noises every HG always has. If you do so, the consequence is -of course- that your instrument has less power when you play acoustic. If you use your instrument both acoustic as well as amplified, you have to find a compomise and that's possible very well with a Siorat! When I choose for an electroacoustic Siorat 15 years ago, I did so because of the acoustic sound. I knew nothing about electroacoustics at that time: I discovered the possibilities later. You cannot judge the acoustic qualities of such instruments from one or two specimen which are fully prepared just for amplification. I use my ea-Siorat both amplified, as well as acoustic (in a trio, in workshops and even for a baroque program): satisfaction guaranteed. I know a lot of Siorat players who chosed their ea- instrument in the first place cause of the warm acoustic sound; many of them hardly use the electroacoustic possibilities. So why "misnomer"????? > The acoustic trompette sound in particular is very weak. Be lucky a Siorat has no bourbonnais trompette! ;-) Mind you, the first thing a HG player does when he gets his new instrument, is make his own trompette! So what's the problem? Further: see above. Greetings from Holland, NL, Ren� Meeuws Nijmegen = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 18:26:55 +0300 From: Juulia & Esa <ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi> Subject: [HG] Sordino, ear-plugs? Knowing that this might be considered severe heresy, I take the risk: Does anyone of you players & makers have a proper solution for sordino - for practise at home or other situations when you wish to play with less volume? Or am I the only player whose family more or less kindly & more or less frequently asks about the possibility to play with less volume... There's a saying about accordion player: the best sordino is the coffin. I agree to that, but really would like to find something useful between (or before) that solution and clothes-pin or blue-tac on bridges. And another question: Proper ear-plugs (christmas-tree -model) are a must nowadays, at least if one after years with hg wishes to hear something else than tinnitus (buzzing and drones out of tune). Or what? Musicians everywhere use them quite often today, how is it with folks on this list? I'm serious with these questions, but I really have nothing against LOUD playing , the huge resonance of drones and trompette -otherwise I would not be a happy tekerolant owner... Yours, Esa M�kinen .......................................................... Esa M�kinen & Juulia Salonen Variskuja /Kr�kgr�nden 1b8 01450 VANTAA / VANDA FINLAND tel. +358-9-8235318 ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi website of our band: www.ihtiriekko.net = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 13:25:28 -0700 From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Sordino, ear-plugs? Hi, I have to wear earplugs when in near proximity to a buzzing hurdy-gurdy. There's no way around it for me, I have one ear that's very sensitive and loud noises are extremely painful. The best solution I have found is expensive but very effective. They're called "musician's earplugs" and come in a variety of filter strengths. They are molded to fit your ear and have little removable filters in them. Mine cost $150--some people can claim it on their insurance. They are made by Westone Laboratories--I was fitted by an audiologist at the los angeles based House Ear Clinic and then the plugs came in the mail about a month later. They're great! If you use regular earplugs the kind of sound you get is very muffled and strange and hard for a musician to work with. The musician's earplugs cut not only the high end (which is what normal earplugs only cut out) but the entire spectrum, so the end result sounds pretty normal, just softer. However they are not good for cutting out loud snoring or other annoying noises! Sharon = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 12:20:15 +0930 From: "Castle, Nigel" <NCastle _at_ workcover.com> Subject: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Hi all, I'm interested to hear what solid rosin(s) others use and/or recommend for the HG. Not being a player of any string intrument except the HG means I really don't know much about rosin, and I'm concerned that the rosin I've been using (a rather hard block which I bought many years ago) may not be the best (or worse, may be damaging the wheel). Rather than going out and buying different rosins to experiment with, I thought it would be a good idea to draw on the vast knowledge of this list first. :) I'm sure a similar question has been asked before on this list, but if so I must have deleted the answers. :( Regards, Nigel Castle Adelaide, South Australia = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 23:32:22 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? The dark ( cello ?) one in winter and the light one in summer, or whatever the fidler has in his hand , <g> Seriously , I think that it is more " when " to add more rather than what brand or color .( and how much ) Once upon the time , ( late 1800 ) in the Paris opera , all the bowed instruments players would use the big rosin block that was glued on the mantle of the fireplace in the back room, just to save on their own rosin block , I do not think that a single great composer of the time saw any difference .... Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 08:01:53 +0200 (CEST) From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? --- Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> wrote: > The dark ( cello ?) one in winter and the light > one in summer, > or whatever the fidler has in his hand , <g> Is "cello" a brand?!?....according to my experience rosin for cello (the "fat" upright violin I mean :o) is definitely TOO soft for gurdies. Any other kind or rosin for violin can be good for gurdies, more important is the way you use it! ===== Marcello Bono Bologna-Italy = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 08:16:02 +0200 (CEST) From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it> Subject: Re: [HG] Sordino, ear-plugs? > Or am I the only player whose family more or less > kindly & more or less > frequently asks about the possibility to play with > less volume... No, you're not the only one! The best solution is playing in the cellar or in a room far from the rest of your family, close the door and put your chair in the middle of the room. Any kind of "sordino" change dramatically the sound and the playability of the gurdy (and it's not good enough for the rest of your family! I know several ways to "mute" the trompette but all of them change the reaction of the string (meaning: you have to play in a "different way"). ===== Marcello Bono Bologna-Italy = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 09:03:13 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Hello, "Castle, Nigel" wrote: > I'm interested to hear what solid rosin(s) others use and/or recommend for > the HG. Pirastro 'Goldflex' regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria -- ... , aus zeitmangel und infolge widriger verhaeltnisse verlaesst dieers = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 07:49:41 -0500 From: arle lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Here there is room for at least some disagreement. I use a dark cello rosin for my teker� and very much like the results over the hard amber violin rosins I had used. The violin rosins didn't last long enough for me and a had a tendency to shatter at the slightest bump. The cello cake I bought, for me at least, was far better. However, I have heard from a number of people that this is one area in which the teker� differs from the vielle and that vielles generally need a lighter rosin. So I think the real answer to the original question is "it depends..." ;-) -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 16:25:57 +0200 From: "Ren� Meeuws" <meeuws _at_ msmp.demon.nl> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? > Hi all, > > I'm interested to hear what solid rosin(s) others use and/or recommend for > the HG. Just the best (in my opinion, of course): Renko Kolophonium 70 Violine. Soft and very precise and easy to spread over the wheel. Besides, it's fixed on a block of crosscut wood and packed in a piece of shammy, which is also fixed on this block. Both are very practical, if you have to solve little wheel problems and you can't or don't want to use abrasive paper (see Destrem/Heidemann, par. 6.4). Here in Holland you cannot buy it in music stores. Probably you can order from the maker: Walter Imholz, Hauptstrasse 37, CH-4105 Biel-Benken (tel. 061-737436, Switzerland). It costs about E 12,-. Recently it was also sold by Kurt Reichmann's wife, who traffics in HG accessories (natalia.issupow _at_ t-online.de). BTW: I can imagine several kinds of wheels need several kinds of rosin! At that point I don't have any experience. Greetings from Nijmegen, Holland (NL), Ren� Meeuws = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 13:42:49 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwestern Europe--some questions Hello all- while we're close to the topic, what reliable sources for nat. cotton & rosin (powdered, or solid, besides the ones just mentioned) would y'all recommend for the Midwest USA and southwest Europe (viz., Spain--Asier, Wenceslao and others around the peninsula--if you have any thoughts on this they'd be much appreciated). I will keep in mind Rene's and all of your other suggestions, but i did want to check for the powdered stuff. or have you all had better luck crushing it yourselves? The rosin i used up until recently came from a block of bulk rosin that i smashed in a cloth and sifted through a fine sifter, but i don't know if that is the most recomendable method--it seemed to work fine, tho. Anyhow, thanks for ideas... Vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 15:21:30 -0400 From: Keith Owen Richards <richards _at_ vif.com> Subject: [HG] Introducing myself to HG list Dear Hurdy Gurdy Listserv members, I'm a newcomer to the list, recently having renewed an interest in playing music that I left behind some time ago. So I'm picking up the guitar again for the first time in years, and thinking quite seriously of approaching (with fear and trepidation, mind you) the hurdy gurdy. I'll admit it...first introduction to the hurdy gurdy was hearing Nigel Eaton on the Page/Plant tour (not that there's anything wrong with that!). Actually, that's not entirely accurate. I guess I saw a hurdy gurdy in The Song Remains the Same, the Zeppelin concert film. But what was being played hardly reflected the instrument's possibilities. For the coming months I'll be lurking, absorbing what knowledge I can from the collective wisdom. In the meantime, though, I would be most appreciative of anyone who could take a moment to send a private message (to richards _at_ vif.com ) on any of the following subjects: 1) opportunities to hear and/or take lessons on the hurdy gurdy in the Toronto area; 2) suggestions as to good sources to purchase hurdy gurdys from; 3) suggestions on what to avoid when purchasing (including specific dealers, if appropriate); 4) solicitations from dealers/makers of hurdy gurdys. Thanks to the moderators and administrators of this list. I'm most pleased to find it. Regards, Keith Richards (yes, folks, that's my real name. Born in 1970 and my parents didn't even know who he was. Or never thought he'd live long enough to have more than passing fame, I suppose.) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 12:59:56 -0700 From: Jay <jghof _at_ centurytel.net> Subject: RE: [HG] Introducing myself to HG list HG list, I recently sent an email intended to introduce myself to the list, but it never appeared. Can anyone tell me why? Thanks, Jay Hoffman Aurora, OR USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 15:02:52 -0500 From: Arle Lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwestern Europe--some questions Hi Vlad- My best luck getting cotton here in the States has been through a spinning-supply store. That said, I can't say that I've ever bought it myself. The cotton supply I have came from a spinning store in Utah but was given to me by a spinner who shopped there and bought a lot of cotton on a regular basis. She gave me what seems to be a lifetime supply (she was amused that so little cotton would mean so much in the HG world...) as well as some silk (which supposedly works fine but is impossible to remove from your strings). I don't know what most of the stores would do if you walked in and said "I would like 1/8 oz. of cotton". They might just give it to you... If I were looking for cotton that would be my first choice of places to look though, knowing that's where this long-fiber natural unbleached cotton came from. Other sources people have told me about didn't pan out. (Someone told me to ask for "gun cotton" at a sporting-goods store once, and every sporting goods place I went to netted the same result - a blank stare by the clerk and a "huh?", with no luck finding anything.) Some people have sworn by cotton balls, but they must be finding something different than what I have found as none of the cotton balls I have ever seen should be anywhere near a HG. -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 22:23:31 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions Hello, my cotton supply comes from flower shops. This is a simple method to get small quantities of a good quality _cotton_ here in Austria. It is sold like flowers and vegetation material for decorative purpose and in some shops its only available arround christmas, it seems to be seen as somthing that fits to winter decorations - snowball~cottonball ? regards Simon Wascher -Vienna, Austria = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 21:59:22 +0100 From: Carol Jones <CarolJ _at_ btinternet.com> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions The Stuff that comes in the top of pill bottles (vitamin supplements etc.) is sometimes quite good - not too many knots and reasonably long fibres. Carol. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 14:51:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Hello, I seriously I have used the Piastro that Simon recommended both on HG and violin. This might be purely subjective, but the sound of the HG seems to be more brittle (pardon all the metaphors, a lot of clarity, but not much warmth, with a hard, clear, top-line rosin like that. Using a softer, darker, (cheaper) rosin seems give a more viscious effect. Really, my preference with this and other amber-colored products is "Old Available". = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 16:24:57 -0700 From: "Roe, Katie" <Katie.Roe _at_ wizards.com> Subject: RE: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions Joanne Andrus and I went into a spinning shop in Seattle a few months ago. We bought small amounts of several types of fibers. We did get some pretty strange looks. Joanne has an instrument that works best with a cotton/silk blend. I had a trompette that didn't like anything, so I tried a cotton/linen blend that worked very well. We also bought some unusual blends like: camel down, flax, merino superwashed wool, pure silk, and a couple I can't seem to remember. We are very careful about new fibers because of the potential for getting fibers with natural oils still in them, like wool. Everything we bought is oil-free. I don't have a gurdy to experiment with at the moment (soon, very soon 8-) ), but I look forward to continuing my experiment when I have one again. I play early music and wanted to try some of the things that would have been available back then. Cotton was incredibly expensive, as was silk, so I figure they may have used animal fibers. I know that some players used parchment to wrap the strings as well, though I can't imagine that it would sound good. One of these days I'll have to try bichon hair (my dog) since the breed goes back to the Middle Ages and is very soft. I just have to wait until I bathe him without using a conditioner. Of course I would be cruel to do that (he matts so easily), so it will probably never happen. Katie Roe My soul can find no staircase to heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness. -Michelangelo = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 21:23:12 EDT From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Mostly I use a dark violin rosin which I don't know the name of because the fabric case is worn out and unreadable, but I can just read "art" something on it. That's my everyday rosin for moderate temperature and humidity and it gives me a clear, warm sound used with cotton-ball cotton. If it's very hot and dry (like Arizona) I use a clear yellow cello rosin specifically for hot environments. It gives a harder-edged sound but it lasts more than a few minutes which is a plus. I've used block rosin for over ten years in every kind of environment and never scratched the wheel or otherwise had it cause damage. Now that I've said that I'm doomed of course... Felicia. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 19:03:19 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] WAS Rosin.... NOW Oops! Sorry about that last. I'm at work and had a lot of screens open. I accidently hit "Send" while rustling pages. I began "I seriously..." and then went ahead somewhere else.. I meant to say: I seriously doubt that the hard rosin would damage the wheel. It might conceivably scratch it, if you have a lot of broken edges. Possibly the best way to fix that is wrap it in tinfoil and leave it on the dashboard (of the car). It'll melt. This might not be an option, since you're in the dead of winter, but bear in mind that it will burn and even explode if you heat it too aggressively. Later, Roy Trotter = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2002 23:00:01 -0600 From: Barry Black <bbc0 _at_ telusplanet.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Introducing myself to HG list I got it the first time Jay. Welcome Barry Black www.blackboardcreations.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 09:12:52 +0200 From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de> Subject: Re: [HG] What solid rosin do you use? Hi folks, as I give rosin, belt and cotton with an HG free, I look for a good and cheap quality. The rosin I give with the instrument is either "Karwendel" or "Kuenstlerlob" (artists praise) * good for beginners* ;-) Once a great HG-player asked me: "what type of rosin to you give with the HG, I met someone with your gurdy, it's just wonderful..." And sometimes the player buys another rosin immediately. What I want to say, it depends so much on the instrument, the string diameter and pressure, the distance wheel - bridge and the own taste, of course. It is like the Iowa guy who comes to Germany and wants to drink a beer, he asks which is the best??? - Just try!!! sticky greetings Helmut = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 11:11:00 +0200 From: Petra Kuehmichel <Petra.Kuehmichel _at_ t-online.de> Subject: AW: [HG] Sordino, ear-plugs? Hi, I have to wear earplugs when in near proximity to a buzzing hurdy-gurdy. >>>> try an electric model (solid body) HG by Alex Seidler, Graz, Austria (aseidler _at_ ione.at) greetings Petra = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 11:13:42 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Advanced Notice: Toronto Hurdy Gurdy Day Hi Ben, Is there a possibility that you will be hosting a Hurdy Gurdy event this year? Thanks, David Smith Dearborn, Michigan USA = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 21:42:09 +0100 From: David <david.bawden _at_ btinternet.com> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions Mmmm.....not sure that gun cotton would be appropriate. Here is what I have found out about it: "Immerse clean cotton wool in a mixture of equal parts of the strongest nitric and sulphuric acids, allowed to cool for one minute, wash in plenty of cold water, and dry in the sun or by a very gentle artificial heat. This process gives a gun-cotton which is constant in composition, not liable to change, and of a moderate rapidity of explosiveness." David (Someone told me to ask for "gun cotton" at a sporting-goods store once, and every sporting goods place I went to netted the same result - a blank stare by the clerk and a "huh?", with no luck finding anything.) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 16:15:54 -0500 From: Arle Lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions Perhaps whoever told me to use gun cotton was referring to the product *prior* to its treatment. In any event I don't think my teker� playing is so dynamic and explosive as to warrant that treatment! Others might disagree and say that that is the only treatment it warrants ;-) Or maybe you use it enforce not using the buzzing bridge too much lest you blow your instrument up. That would promote some discipline... -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 23:43:53 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--somequestions Hello, gun cotton is obviousely the stuff called 'Schiessbaumwolle' in german. A very effective explosive. I think the person who suggested the use of 'guncotton' meant 'cotton for cleaning guns/firearms' a quality of cotton I have heared of. For one or the other reason these two qualities of cotton got mixed up somewhen in the process of ongoing information exchange. regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 16:38:42 -0700 From: R. T. Taylor <shangrilart _at_ earthlink.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Massif Central CD's I am one of the lucky guys that already has a copy of Neil's effort to get the Massif Central books on some kind of audio format. Being one of those people that takes forever to read through a few lines of music, I found this a very valuable resource. It sure helps to hear a tune in addition to reading the notes. I hope that more people might take the time to play through some of the tunes on many of the books that are around and make some recordings. It is nice to have tunes in all kinds of formats, audio, mp3, midi, ABC. I find that ABC and MIDI are especially useful because you can usually change the performance to meet your needs; tempo, key, instruments and in the case of multi part tunes you can easily turn on or off the parts in midi files. r.t. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 18:35:24 -0700 (PDT) From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: [HG] Toronto HG Day Hello, Gents. I'm sorry that I've not been on the list since I went to Europe this summer. I've enjoyed not getting the extra mail, so I have not rejoined! I have not given any thought to a Toronto HG day for this year, partly because the last one was organized by Andrea Haddad and I didn't have too much to do with it (so it's not so clear in my mind), and partly because I'm really busy till mid November and I can't see too well past then! I'm kind of ambivalent about the whole idea of a 'hurdy gurdy' event, since I'd much prefer not to make anything 'special' about what is after all just another musical instrument. Then again, another way to do that is to publicize it so much that it ceases to be 'special' in the eyes of the public...hmmm. Feel free to forward this to the list (or paraphrase it) and if you or anyone else would like to engage in discussion, you can mail me directly (nostyle _at_ sympatico.ca). Or maybe I'll rejoin the list....hmm....... BTW, Keith: you live in my old neighbourhood (I'm not too far now: Humber valley). Oh, and I loved your work with the Stones, man... all the best, ben = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 09:28:58 +0100 From: Demon <frank _at_ vickhast.demon.co.uk> Subject: RE: [HG] Massif Central CD's Back in 1997 when the Massif Village Orchestra was going strong. We put all the repertoire for the band (as it was then) on to CDs, separating the g pipes, d pipes, g gurdy, d gurdy, melodeon and concert instrument parts. I still have copies of these and the dots - I'd be happy to mail it to anyone if they would be interested in making them available on the web? Assuming this mail gets through - the last one I did seemed to vanish. Frank = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 11:52:48 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] Massif Central CD's Hello, midi files of many central french and other tunes are available on many sites in the net. For example At the tune finder: http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/music/abc/FindTune.htm (search for 'bourree' for example) Or: one can use a hyperlink to the cgi scripts used by the tune finder to create a midi (or .gif .png .ps etc) file from any abc-formatted file in the web: example: http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/cgi/abc/gettune?U=http://members.chello.at/ simon.wascher/tradarchiv/schottisch/scottish_a_malochet.abc&F=MIDI&X=1 How does this work?: write an internet adress that is set up the following way into your browsers adress window: first comes: http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/cgi/abc/gettune? followed by: U= and write/paste now the full internet address (URL) of the file which contains the tune in question then: &F= and the shortcut for the format of output you like (either MIDI or GIF, PS, EPS, PNG, PDF) and: &X= and the index number of the tune in the file (the number in the first line of a abc tune (example: X=22) so the cgi script can identify the tune and knows what you want to be done with it. be carefull: no empty spaces, capitalisation sensitive! Now click your browsers 'Enter' button and you will get the file returned in the format you've choosen. more info on this can be found at: http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/music/abc/ABCconversion.html last but not least you can find midi (and other format) files on my site: http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/homepage_abc.htm click at 'bourree...' etc. regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 12:49:39 +0200 From: cor westbroek <bourree _at_ hetnet.nl> Subject: [HG] workshops in Holland Hi All, Anyone from this list who is in or near Holland on september 28 & 29, might be interested in knowing that the dutch bagpipe & hurdy gurdy foundation are hosting a weekend of workshops in St. Michielsgestel : Hurdy gurdy: 3 workshops Bagpipes : 3 workshops Dancing: 1 workshop Ensembleplaying: 1 workshop Special guests are members of "Die Hayner" from Germany Check our website (in dutch I'm afraid): http://www.antenna.nl/draailier-doedelzak/ -cursussen, -weekendcursus najaar: for more info. groetjes, Cor Westbroek = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 13:02:29 +0200 (MEST) From: beatrice.richrath _at_ gmx.de Subject: Re: [HG] workshops in Holland Hello, are the workshops in Dutch or English? Best regards from Vienna B�atrice -- GMX - Die Kommunikationsplattform im Internet. http://www.gmx.net = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 14:00:02 +0200 From: cor westbroek <bourree _at_ hetnet.nl> Subject: Re: [HG] workshops in Holland Hi Beatrice, Language is no problem most of the time. If necessary things can be explained in English or German. With our German guests(teachers), German is probably the language that is gonna be used in those workshops. Groetjes, Cor = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 15:36:01 +0100 From: hurdy.gurdy <hurdy.gurdy _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Massif Central CD's Hi. I've nothing against net sources but I rather like being away from the computer when playing my instruments - Does anyone know how to tune a cooling fan into D ?? :-} Regards Neil Brook, hurdygurdy _at_ onetel.net.uk www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 07:37:25 -0700 From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca> Subject: [HG] Last Call for the North East Anybody going to the bagpipe event ? http://www.pipersgathering.org/ I may go saturday afternoon , Henry = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 09:00:40 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC Hi. Is there a particularly good site where either a demo or a publc domain of ABC can be found complete with instruction for use? Thanks. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 09:03:34 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Massif Central CD's Hello Simon. When I went to http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/music/abc/FindTune.htm I got a message that the site did not exist and a suggestion that I go to the trillian.mit.edu address. When I tried that I was told I did not have access to the site. Any suggestions? Thanks. Joan = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 12:19:34 -0400 From: John Roberts <anglo _at_ albany.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC Start at the abc home page: http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/ where all is explained. It's not a program so there isn't a demo, it's a protocol of encoding music in plain text. So it's platform independent. There are a number of programs which will decode/playback/convert to midi/print etc. abc files. Since I'm a Mac user it might not be useful to recommend what I use (just a guess). Go to the page, read the good stuff, and download what you need. JR = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 12:24:58 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: RE: [HG] Massif Central CD's http://trillian.mit.edu/~jc/music/abc/findtune.html works! Judith Also, go to http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc/ for the ABC primer you requested. j = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 18:39:41 +0200 From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at> Subject: Re: [HG] Massif Central CD's Hello, sorry, my fault. For some reason I took the adress '....bc/FindTune.htm' from a google search result without testing. But Judith did a good job correcting me. regards, Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 18:30:34 EDT From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com Subject: [HG] Looking HG or teacher I have gotten my beautiful hurdy gurdy a few weeks ago and I can't get it to sing :-( I don't know how to get started. If anyone is available in the New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, central New York State ------ even as far as Connecticut and Delaware I would be willing to pay for a few hours' lessons on the basics of playing and theory of the hurdy gurdy. I would like to video tape the session as I'm not the most focused student, especially where the lesson is so concentrated. Please help an enthusiastic newbie. Jake Conte = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 18:58:54 -0700 From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC Thanks. I have been to the site and was trying to figure out what the instructions referred to. I will have to figure out how to use it. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 05:55:33 -0700 From: Bob Mackie <rwmackie _at_ telus.net> Subject: RE: [HG] rosin & cotton in Midwest USA & southwesternEurope--some questions gun cotton is raw cotton soaked in nitric acid solution to produce smokeless powder which when sparked in a confined place, makes a *bang* sound and releases pressure, not dissimilar to a wonky chien, I suspect. Bob Mackie another lurker with a bent for amatuer lutherie = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 09:05:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC >From: John Roberts <anglo _at_ albany.net> > Since I'm a Mac user it might not be useful to > recommend what I use (just a guess). On the Mac I use Barfly, haven't tried Melody Assistant*. I'd be happy to hear from any Mac users that have. (Contact me privately if you're shy.) As for PC software, anybody with a preference is welcome to chip in. I need to discuss this. If it's too far off-topic, Click "Fwd" instead of reply. Thanks, Roy T. *There was another program: "abc4mac", that I tried for awhile, but the component pieces were not very well integrated. It did play "guitar chords", which I have not been able to get Barfly to do. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2002 17:56:42 -0400 From: John Roberts <anglo _at_ albany.net> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC Roy, I too use Barfly. But I don't use it enough to be very fluent, or do much troubleshooting. I have found that with a number of the abc's posted on Mudcat, about which nobody seems to complain, I often get errors and I have to try and fix it (presumably syntax errors that other programs deal with a little more sloppily). John. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 24 Aug 2002 07:58:20 -0700 (PDT) From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC --- John Roberts <anglo _at_ albany.net> wrote: > ... I have found that with a number of the > abc's posted on Mudcat, about which nobody seems to complain, I often > get errors and I have to try and fix it (presumably syntax errors > that other programs deal with a little more sloppily). I have spoken to a few people that have this problem, but they seem to take it in stride. Barfly is more fault tolerant ( or "sloppy") with the Error Check feature turned off. I recently downloaded the current version and don't see that feature, but it seems to be pretty tolerant. I reckon that auto-generating software is going to include a lot of extraneous code in the same way that WYSIWYG html editors do. Most of what I have to do to edit a download entails deletion. Later Roy T. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 06:16:06 -0400 From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com> Subject: [HG] It's yours for $1800... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=901860722&ssPageName=ADME :B:SS:US:1 There's a Reichmann left-handed hurdy gurdy on E-Bay...didn't someone ask about left-handed instruments not too long ago? judith Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Traverse Area Association of Realtors www.taar.com = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 10:43:06 -0700 (PDT) From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... It has a bizarre solution to making the instrument cranked with the left: everything is the same as a normal HG, except that the shaft extends through the head block instead of the tail block. Consequently it's not a mirror-image, as I would expect from a left-cranked HG. I wonder (as a matter of speculation) how much difference the extra-long shaft makes in playing the dog. I would think that the shaft would have a little bit of "twist", so that power delivered to the crank would not be immediately transferred to the wheel. 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, 27 Aug 2002 22:51:51 +0200 From: Ren� Meeuws <meeuws _at_ msmp.demon.nl> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... Two years ago I heard a german player, Reiner Bender, play such a left handed HG at the yearly Festival of Kurt Reichmann in Lissberg. You couldn't hear a difference, but see him play was very confusing and funny! Look at http://people.freenet.de/ReinerBender Ren� Meeuws = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 16:15:42 -0500 From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>, hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com Subject: RE: [HG] It's yours for $1800... well, now we at least know that there is a bonafide instrument to match the one in fig 30 of Marcello's "la ghironda"...it's on page 62, a 1930 newspaper illustration by Antonio Rubino. ciao for nao- vlad = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 22:25:22 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... nah, wouldn't look funny - don't all musicians practice in front of the mirror! On a serious note, any HG players who are also keyboard players - is it difficult to reverse the fingering from left/right? Something I never thought of before (not yet having got a gurdy). Colin Hill = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 16:42:55 -0500 From: Arle Lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... As a long-time keyboard player I wondered about that too. All I can conclude is that whoever wrote that probably isn't a decent keyboardist. Most any pianist or organist uses both hands equally (and, in the case of some organists the feet approach the hands in dexterity). A very beginning "hunt and peck" keyboardist might prefer to use the right hand, but for anyone other than that I can't see any advantage to one hand over the other. In fact for most non-keyboard instruments I can think of that require fingering with only one hand it seems that the left hand is the hand for fingering. However, being used to a standard teker� setup now, I think I would find it difficult to play one of these reversed instruments. I think the mirror image instrument would be easier because the motions would be the same, just flipped, whereas the instrument shown would require a whole different technique to play the same tune. -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 23:22:24 +0100 From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... Yes, of course. I should think before I write. I play English concertina and a scale runs from one hand to the other for each note and I can play with either hand without trouble! As you say, most non-keyboard instruments are played with left-hand fingering and what about woodwind etc (both hands). Silly me! Colin Hill The HG does look odd though, doesn't it, poor thing. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 15:48:44 -0700 From: Graham Whyte <graham _at_ altongate.co.uk> Subject: [HG] Walter Imholz solid rosin Rene, I mailed Natalia who replied : >I do not have this special rosin, but I have a rosin of a German Firm. >This rosin use all my customers and there are very satisfied. >It is also rosin for violine and costs EURO 10,00 (USD 9,50). >Furthermore I sell fluid rosin for the same price. >Natalia Issupow Does anyone have a fax # or email/website for Walter Imholz? Graham Whyte = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 23:32:56 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: [HG] PLEASE Help on electronics... Hello, I want to amplificate my HG and I've chose the piezoelectric pins (I hope this is their name). I want to use 3. 1 for the melodics, 1 for the drones and 1 for the trompette bridges, the exit is to be a canon model. Here's my doubt: I don't know nothing about electronics but I think each of those p-e-pins are only connected to a pin in the canon exit, are this? I don't want to use controls on the gurdy, only the canon exit ant then use a mixing-table. But if someone of you can make a drawing with the connections between the pins... I will be saved!!! Thanks. PD: I've yet saw a page in french with an article about electrifying a vielle, but nothing about the electronic work... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 23:37:45 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] It's yours for $1800... Yes, nice instrument, but I think it will be better to make the keys in the left side and the trompette in the right one (the player should be very near the maker, at least for the adjustments...). = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 11:29:12 +0200 From: Helmut Gotschy <Helmut.Gotschy _at_ t-online.de> Subject: Re: [HG] PLEASE Help on electronics... Hello Asier, since nearly 20 years I am experimenting with electrifying the gurdy! The piezos nowadays are really good compared with the early Barcus-Berry or the Shadow pick ups, but they still have a very high impedance. That means minimum bass, narrow mids and extrem trebles. To have a good warm sound you either need a DI box which makes a symetric output or a preamp which balances the impedance or a special acoustic amp with a inbuildt preamp. Also long wires on piezos change the sound and are receptive for disturbing noises and buzzing. I never make a piezo equipped instrument without preamp. Maybe a contact to K&K http://www.kksound.com/ will help you more. I use their piezos since more than 15 years now. Please let me know your further results Greetings Helmut = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 09:01:56 -0700 (PDT) From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu> Subject: Re: [HG] PLEASE Help on electronics... Asier - Each piezoelectric pickup will have a shielded cable: one wire on the inside (the core), surrounded by insulation, surrounded by a layer of wires (the shield), finally surrounded by the outer insulation. For your output jack, you have two options: an XLR 3-pin and an XLR 4-pin. The 3-pin is what you usually see on a microphone with a balanced output, also called a cannon connector. The 4-pin is just like it, but with an extra pin. I much prefer the 4-pin. If you're using a 4-pin jack, solder the following connections: Pin 1: core of pickup 1 (chanters) Pin 2: core of pickup 2 (trompette) Pin 3: core of pickup 3 (bourdons) Pin 4: shields of all pickups You will then need to make a cable with a 4-pin plug on one end split to 3 cables with 1/4" plugs at the other. The shields of these cables all get connected to pin 4, and the cores get connected to pins 1, 2, and 3 respectively. As Helmut mentioned, you want to keep the cable runs as short as possible to prevent signal deterioration. The longer the cable, the more the high end dissappears. I'd recommend onboard preamps, which is what we use, but that may be more than you want to get into here. K+K pickups are really good. I've never considered going back to Fishman since we started using K+K. Good luck! 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: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 11:29:48 -0500 From: Arle Lommel <arle _at_ lisa.org> Subject: [HG] Dog pitch Hi all, A couple of questions that the discussion of pitch and pickups has brought to mind: What determines the pitch of the buzzing bridge? My teker� has a very low pitched dog, and I would like to raise it a bit. I figure I can make my own dog with some experimentation, but any suggestions about how to do this would help so that I could start experimenting in the right direction at least. I assume that reducing the mass of the bridge would raise the pitch, as would shortening it, but I don't know this as I have never fiddled with my dog in that manner. Does the distance from the wheel effect this? My teker� has only a single mortise for positioning the dog, but on the Hungarian instruments there are often three or four, so I assume that varying the position of the dog does something. Also, if pitch can be controlled, is it common to have varying pitches on dogs on instruments with more than one dog? Combined with varying sensitivities on the dogs I would think this could lead to some neat effects. Does anyone have any suggestions/guidelines in this regard? -Arle = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 19:01:12 +0000 From: Asier B.G. <asierdbg _at_ hotmail.com> Subject: Re: [HG] Dog pitch Hello, I think the easyest way is changing the string caliper. I used from 1'40 mm to 0'50 mm plain gut strings, and finally I select the string that gives me the better pitch (always in my taste, of course) Forgive my kicks to the english/USA dictionary, but I've only a school level... :-) Keep on turning... = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 02:36:39 -0700 (PDT) From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu> Subject: Re: [HG] Dog pitch Arle said: > What determines the pitch of the buzzing bridge? My teker� has a very low > pitched dog, and I would like to raise it a bit. I figure I can make my own > dog with some experimentation, but any suggestions about how to do this > would help so that I could start experimenting in the right direction at > least. First I think we need to be clear about the terminology, so that we are sure that we're talking about the same thing. ;-) The string is tuned to a particular pitch, which I'm going to call the string pitch. The dog also taps on the soundboard at a certain speed or frequency, which I'll call the tapping rate. The string pitch can be changed by adjusting the tension of the string, or by changing string diameter. Changing the tapping rate is something else - for me, something of a matter of speculation. Here's a model of how I envision the dog working. When the wheel is moving at a sufficiently high velocity, the rosin friction of the wheel catches the string, pulling it upwards and stretching it. The dog is lifted by the string when this occurs. The string reaches a point where it won't stretch any more. The frictional "bond" between the wheel and the string is broken. With nothing to hold it up, the string tension pulls the string back down, and the dog comes with it until it hits the soundboard. This whole process is one "tap". If the wheel is still moving at the same speed, the whole process starts over again. The frequency with which this tapping occurs is the aforementioned tapping rate. What this rate is, I don't know. I've done some Fourier analysis on a sampled signal, but it wasn't as informative as I had hoped. A digital video camera with a really fast sampling rate would probably do the trick, but we don't have access to one. My empirical observation is that the lower the pitch of the trompette string, the lower the tapping rate is. This can be heard in the high little treble "yap" of a g' trompette, the midrange bark of a c' trompette, and the "woof" of the tekero trompette. Generally the string tension is lower on the trompettes with lower pitch. Perhaps this results in a longer stretch and thus a slower tapping rate. > I assume that reducing the mass of the bridge would raise the pitch, as > would shortening it, but I don't know this as I have never fiddled with my > dog in that manner. > At first glance, I don't think that the mass of the dog bridge affects the dog sound very much. I would think that the amount of force required to bend the trompette string sufficiently to pull the bridge off the soundboard would be much more than the force needed to lift the dog off the soundboard. I'll have to continue later, Alden = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 05:43:59 -0400 From: Michele JavaTime <michelejavatime _at_ juno.com> Subject: Re: [HG] PLEASE Help on electronics... I found that the Dean Markley "stick-on" acoustic pick-up works FANTASTIC!!! It is very reasonably priced, easy to move around, and gives my Szostak HG a full-bodied sound. The pick up is about the size of a bottle cap, and about 1/4 inch deep. I stick it on just to the right of the bridge, directly underneath the tail piece. Then, I run it into a little pint-sized Pignose amp. WOW! It makes my gurdy loud enough to be heard above a large french/english bagpipe in G. (No small feat). The good thing is that I can now plug into any sound system and enjoy a robust sound. So, tinker around with all the electronics if you really must... but this is an instant (and excellent) solution. Michele McCann Hurdy-Gurdy Player...Celtic/Cajun/French Musician DJ on WVUD 91.3 FM 6-9AM Weds. www.wvud.org National Award Winning R�sum� Writer Certified Job & Career Transition Coach = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 06:08:27 -0400 From: Michele JavaTime <michelejavatime _at_ juno.com> Subject: Re: [HG] ABC Dear HG List, I have been lurking on this list since late 2001, while waiting for my Szostak HG to be built. I took possession of a most beautiful new HG in April 2002 at NEFFA. So, you may be asking yourself: "Well, why has it taken her so long to tell us about it?" First off, you have to pry your hand off of the HG handle long enough to be able to type an email to your fellow enthusiasts. Second, you have to stop smiling at least long enough to get some nutrition to sustain life. Third, you have to sit still long enough to shoot off an email to the HGList. I LOVE MY SZOSTAK HG!!! She's a beauty! (at least I think it's a "she") She has a violin shaped body made of flamed maple, with an arched cedar top, a colorful purfling, ebony key box cover and wheel cover, and mechanical tuners. So, no more sticking friction tuning pegs. No fancy carving on the head...in fact, no head decoration at all. This HG is compact enough to fit into the overhead luggage compartment on a plane....or in a crowded session. She's got 3 chanterelle (one in G, two in D octaves), 2 drones (G and D), and 2 trumpettes! Finally, one HG that does the work of 2! The design of the double trumpette system works like a charm. For french dances I use both simultaneously. Also, I amplify her with a Dean Markley stick-on pick-up. Many, many thanks to Matt Szostak for creating a true work of art, a feat of engineering, and the perfect prescription for bliss and happiness! And this HG has been going places. This past weekend she played the Philadelphia Folk Festival. End of September she will play the Cincinnati Folk Festival. Local weddings, dances, and concerts in between is keeping her busy! The name of her band? FRENCH TOAST! (a joke on many levels... : ) She plays with Jon Kmetz on pipes, and Jeff Booth on guitar/percussion. * LIke a pair of hand-painted, sequined, spiked heel boots, this HG stops traffic wherever she goes! Congratulations to MATT SZOSTAK for creating such a fine, fine instrument. All the best to all of you, Michele Michele McCann Hurdy-Gurdy Player...Celtic/Cajun/French Musician DJ on WVUD 91.3 FM 6-9AM Weds. www.wvud.org National Award Winning R�sum� Writer Certified Job & Career Transition Coach = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2002 13:01:29 -1000 From: Don Lax <donvlax _at_ maui.net> Subject: Re: [HG] Szostak gurdy Congratulations on your new HG! So where are the pictures so we can all "oooh and aaahhh"??? Aloha- Don = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 20:02:27 +0200 From: Marc Reymen <reymen _at_ pandora.be> Subject: [HG] hg electronics hello listmembers, Is there somebody who has schematics of an amplifier for a hg or even better a schema of the pick ups the amplifier and the cabling? As an electronic engineer I'm most interested... Also the schematic of an electronic tuner to built in in the tangent box interests me .... Marc = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 13:11:47 -0500 From: Wolodymyr Joseph Smishkewych <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu> Subject: Re: [HG] hg electronics this would be interesting for many--whoever has answers, pls send to the whole list. thanks! vlad |
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