How To Buy The Perfect Hurdy Gurdy?

When looking to buy a hurdy gurdy, it is important to consider a few factors that affect the instrument’s quality, functionality, and overall playing experience.

Even the style of music you want to play matters because it ultimately influences your choice of hurdy gurdy. For most people, a French-style hurdy gurdy is the best, mainly because of its versatility.

However, if you are drawn to more specific styles like Hungarian or Galician music, you may prefer those particular instruments. To help you choose the right hurdy gurdy, we have provided a few tips below.

Consider Your Budget

Hurdy gurdies are not cheap instruments. When planning to buy a hurdy gurdy, you need to be realistic about how much you want to invest. The amount you pay reflects the craftsmanship and sound quality of the instrument.

While you can find hurdy gurdies under $1,000, these are usually lower-quality. They may have issues with tuning stability, playability, or sound quality. However, they might work if you are just starting and want to experiment with the instrument.

On the other hand, high-end hurdy gurdies often start around $3,000. These instruments are made with top-quality materials and provide superior sound production. Also, they are built for long-term use.

Check The Features

When selecting a hurdy-gurdy, you must pay close attention to the specific features because they can greatly affect your ability to play the instrument. This is especially true for beginners, who are just starting.

A beginner’s hurdy-gurdy should have at least one or two chanter strings and two drone strings. The chanters are used to play melodies, while the drones provide a continuous harmonic backdrop. As you progress, you can explore additional strings.

If you plan to amplify your hurdy gurdy for live performances or recordings, it’s a good idea to choose one with built-in pickups. This feature will allow you to connect the instrument directly to an amplifier or PA system which is great for larger venues.

Final Words

Buying a hurdy gurdy is a big investment. So, make sure to check the important features before making a decision. Whether you choose a French-style instrument or a Hungarian one, you should focus on the key elements.