When you are new to playing the hurdy-gurdy, you might get confused due to the different parts involved. But if you are determined to learn to play the instrument, you must familiarise yourself with the parts first.
To help you get started, we have broken down the essential components of a hurdy gurdy. We have explained what these parts are, what they are, and how they function. So, let’s get on with it!
Tangents
Tangents happen to be the key component of the hurdy gurdy. These are small wooden wedges attached to the keys. When you press a key, these tangents touch the string and shorten the length to produce different pitches. This is an essential component that allows you to play notes on the instrument.
Buzzing Bridge
The buzzing bridge, also known as the dog, or chien, consists of small white wooden pieces mounted on black supports. These pieces strike the plates on the instrument to create a distinctive buzzing sound. Well, this is what characterizes the hurdy gurdy.
Main Bridge / Melody String Bridge
This is one of the important components that helps transmit vibration to the soundboard. Some modern main bridges come with thumb wheels, allowing you to adjust the bridge’s height and control the string pressure.
Drone Bridge
You will notice the drone bridge positioned on the outer side of the instrument. This is used to produce a continuous drone sound. The drone strings pass over this bridge and are not influenced by the tangents.
Tirant
The tirant is connected to the trompette string. When you hear the phrase “more tirant,” it means you should turn the peg located on the tailpiece of the instrument. By doing so, you can increase the tension and add extra buzz to the sound.
Capos
Capos are small levers attached to the drone settings and trompette. They allow you to instantly raise the pitch of your string by a whole tone. It is recommended to get capos in pairs for both the drone strings and the trompette.
While the hurdy-gurdy is a complex instrument, it is fun to play. With various parts working together, it creates a unique sound. By understanding its components, you can better learn to play the instrument.
