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Stringed hurdy-gurdy

Date19th century

MediumWood, metal strings

ClassificationsSound Devices

Credit LineGift of Henry LeGrand Cannon

Object number1898.1.254

DescriptionThe wooden body is shaped like a guitar, but the neck rests on top of the body. There are 4 main string pegs at the top of the neck. A handle on the other end rotates a wheel which makes the strings vibrate. The neck is made up of numerous keys for a player to push to alter the pitch. This hurdy gurdy has a small head carved into the wood on the neck. It is the first stringed instrument the keyboard principle was applied. The bowing action of the fiddle was replaced by a wheel cranked by a handle.

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