| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Name: | Hurdy-Gurdy |
| Brand: | Ugears |
| Level (Complexity): | Medium (3) |
| Type: | Wooden 3D Puzzle |
| Object: | assembling the mechanism |
| Number of components: | 292 |
| Estimated time: | 4-5 Hours |
| Size: | 15.7*6.5*8.7 in (40*16.5*22 cm) |
| Packaging: | cardboard 14.9*6.7*2 in (37.8*17*5 cm) |
| Materials used: | Organic wooden pieces |
| Safety: | sharp objects, choking hazard |
Visual Description
Hurdy-Gurdy is an exquisitely crafted and designed musical instrument that you can assemble from scratch all by yourself. Based on on the 15th century “organistrum” — the portable organ-like string instrument that produced bagpipe sounds by turning the handle at the head of the deck.
The design of the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy is based on the original prototype, therefore it includes the body, front and back decks, gears, crank (handle), wheel, neck, tuning pegs or hitch-pins, strings and tangent box that altogether form a single beautiful instrument. This self-assembled mechanical musical model is super easy to play, creating sound as the hand-turned wheel rubs against the melody and bourdon strings.
The instrument itself resembles a guitar with two string, a handle and a set of buttons the side. The deck, fingerboard, handles are heavily ornamented with norse and Celtic intertwined knots that give off even greater feel of an ancient artefact coming back to life.
Main Features
Hurdy-Gurdy is, above all, a real musical instrument that can be leaned and played. 6 keys are spring-loaded with rubber bands and little cranks in the keybox to ensure softer and more convenient play. Also the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy has a special mechanism to adjust the height of both strings (melody and bourdon string) on the bridge and the beautiful planetary gears mechanism inside the body.
The length of the melody and the bourdon string is 250 mm (from bridge to the head’s threshold). The length of the strings between the middle of the wheel to the bridge is 30 mm.
Conclusion
Hurdy-Gurdy is, so far, one of the most interesting models from Ugears that we have came across. It is fairly challenging to assemble — experts would spend 2-3 hours assembling it and novices will have to invest 4-5 hours at least. The amount of usability after the assembly is nearly unlimited — learn songs, write your own melodies and amaze your friends and family with magical sounds.
Definitely one of the must haves from Ugears that we would recommend getting first hand. Near perfect combination of challenge, quality and entertainment.
Where to buy
Check prices for Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
Assembly Tips
- Detailed assembly tips of Ugears mechanical models you can find here.
- Download full PDF instruction in 11 languages with pictures to Hurdy-Gurdy here.
- Watch full Hurdy-Gurdy assembly video below.
Hurdy-Gurdy Tuning Tips Video:
Hurdy-Gurdy Playing Lessons:
‘Jingle Bells’ played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
‘Old MacDonald Had A Farm’ played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
Medieval Rock’n’Roll played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
‘Branle des Sabots’ played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
Modern Rock’n’Roll played on the Ugears Hurdy Gurdy
‘USA National Anthem’ played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
‘Game of Thrones’ played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
Ukraine National Anthem played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
‘Ode to Joy’ EU Anthem played on the Ugears Hurdy-Gurdy
‘Moonlight in the night’ Ukrainian Folk Song played on the Ugears Hurdy Gurdy
Tablatures for playing
Hurdy-Gurdy
In order to start playing you need apply wax to the crank powered wheel with the piece of the rosin. Immediately, your Hurdy-Gurdy will be ready to produce some sweet melodies,
We have carefully gathered some tablatures for you to check out below. The rhythm is not easy to get at first actually so it is recommended to switch off the bourdon string using a little lever in the key box.
Download sample tablatures to get start:
Jingle Bells
Medieval Rock’n’Roll
Modern Rock’n’Roll
Game of Thrones
Ode to Joy (EU Anthem)
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Branle des Sabots
USA National Anthem
Ukraine National Anthem
Moonlight in the night: a Ukrainian folk song
Important Notes
- Made of high-quality plywood
- Perfect for family projects through hands-on STEM learning
FAQ
- Detailed answers on Frequently Asked Questions about Ugears mechanical models you can find here.
- If you still have questions, ask them in the comments. We will answer in detail and include them in the FAQ list.
Become a member of our community and get access to a lot of exclusive patreon-only benefits, coupon codes, giveaways and help us create more awesome and mind-blowing content such as “How It’s Made”, interviews with prominent puzzle makers, unique puzzles and more!
