I know almost nothing about instrument construction but I have a few years in wood working and access to a wood shop

Hey there,

I'm looking at building a NG linotte in the future and I am wondering if there are any other types of timber that would be reasonable for use in the laser cutting process outside of ply/pine?

I understand that a timber's density can add a depth of sound - especially when added with shapes; the lute back HG having greater depth compared to the central European violin look.

For reference; I am in Australia, so a native timber to cut would be good.

If however, there is no way because of timber density at such thickness/thinness. Could a thin piece of native timber be added over the top of the ply to draw out the depth of sound?

I'm probably overthinking this a little but also good to ask more questions before starting off a project.

With thanks,

-Phyrak

Hey there,

I'm looking at building a NG linotte in the future and I am wondering if there are any other types of timber that would be reasonable for use in the laser cutting process outside of ply/pine?

I understand that a timber's density can add a depth of sound - especially when added with shapes; the lute back HG having greater depth compared to the central European violin look.

For reference; I am in Australia, so a native timber to cut would be good.

If however, there is no way because of timber density at such thickness/thinness. Could a thin piece of native timber be added over the top of the ply to draw out the depth of sound?

I'm probably overthinking this a little but also good to ask more questions before starting off a project.

With thanks,

-Phyrak

Hey I'm considering adding sympathetic strings to a nerdy gurdy. Do anyone on here have experience doing this or know any reason why it might be a bad idea?

I've taken my "battle" Nerdy gurdy to a few fairs now but my sound often gets overshadowed by other instruments which made me decide to build another nerdy but modify it in order to increase the sound as much as possible.

I'm not afraid of manually woodworking and modifying projects and I have quite a few tools but I'd need some indication on what would be most effective ways in increasing the sound, I would also like to make a rustic instrument as I already have a "good" stage gurdy and this would only serve as a beater I can take with me on low stakes occasions, for reference.

My first thought was that of increasing the size of the body, possibly even building a gurdy on top of a guitar body, but other than that Idk what else I could do.

Hi All,
I'm new here but have been interested in acquiring/building a Gurdy for at least the last ten years. but the cost and availability here in Australia has kept me from purchasing one sooner. Recently I picked up a Music Makers HG off Facebook for $50. I travelled two hours with my 3yr old daughter to pick it up. When I got it, it had no bridge, the wheel was delaminated and had a big bulge in one side. The strings were a mix of monofilament and some cheap nylon guitar strings.

https://preview.redd.it/kc5eriqhhqfd1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41c84e2899b0dd73b1e7af74131d09d05abf990c

With the help of CAD and my 3d printer I have since restored it to a playable condition.
I have designed and installed a fully adjustable bridge, new wheel, crank, knob, guitar tuners, wheel cover and some sound-hole covers as the original sound holes are way over sized. I have been able to get it sounding reasonable for what it is with minimal buzzing and screeching. It holds tune to within a half step even when left un-played in a non-temp controlled room so overall for $50 and the time spent fixing it up I am pretty happy. I am currently working through strings as I have no idea what to put on it. being a guitarist I have just used some good quality Nylon Core Aluminium/Copper wound strings with some success. I will be trying some Viola and Cello Strings next.

https://preview.redd.it/gzfkydujhqfd1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2aeff4865082a229547e505b6ae8d42b6372cf6

https://preview.redd.it/fvl4kwrjhqfd1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4dddd8114fdaf958eae6d4436a60a800d76fef49

https://preview.redd.it/ojynusrjhqfd1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1bf0bfe117f37c418809f6d73d92919db62fa156

I would also like to employ some sort of Nut as the string angle is completely out of whack against the wheel to the point where the strings are only contacting 1/3 of the wheel.

I am toying with the idea of adding a buzzing bridge also.

All a work-progress.

Whilst I am having a great deal of fun with this instrument it's lack of keys is a major problem for me. Therefore I am looking to build a new one ;)

I am not overly interested in the Nerdy Gurdy so I am leaning towards Neil Brooks 'Wren'. I have reached out via email in regards to purchasing his plans but I have not heard back in a few weeks. Does anyone have any experience in dealing with Neil as I am hesitant to blindly send the money to his account and potentially wait weeks/months or never receive anything.

Can anyone suggest other plans that are well thought of?

Any help/advice is more than welcome.

Thanks!

Is it possible to build a symphonia using no power tools?

Anyone use silicone or other lubricant?

A simple case can be made using a boat building technique called stitch and glue. Cut plywood panels to size and wire them together ( using vineyard ties here and 3/16 luan. Then run a fillet of epoxy along all the joints.

when this is dry, cut off what will be the top section and do the same with the top panel.

finally glue a raised rim around the bottom section to capture the lid.

hinges, latches and handle, 1” foam hot glued to the sides and top with velvet. Light weight, very sturdy

how does the length of the chien from foot to tail affect the sound?

the longer it is the greater the arc as it vibrates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RvBDGLR87o

I’m building another guild of luthiers plan #49.

anyone think the sound could be improved by raising the keybox off the sound board on the bridge end?

​

How do you know where to position the keybox and the individual keys relative to the wheel? It seems like it needs to be a fairly specific point in order to get the correct notes.

What's the best wood type for a good veneer?

I noticed some scuffs and scratches on my Nerdy Gurdy's wheel and figured they might be affecting sound, I kinda wanted to refit the veneer.

What type of wood would work best?

Also, what would be the best way to do that? I was thinking of scraping off the old veneer with arazorblade using the crank as a sort of lathe then boiling a strip of veneer to soften it and bend it without breaking, cut the "junction" at a 45° angle and glue it on the wheel, then repeat the"razor lathe" process to true the wheel again

I've been wanting to build a hurdy gurdy with a very deep tone, and I was recently looking at ukulele basses. They have very thick rubber strings, and I was wondering if those could be used on a hurdy gurdy to make a bass sound?

Hello everyone, I’ve been interested in playing the hurdy gurdy for a while now. But due to being a broke teenager buying one is out of the question, but maybe I could make one that could get me through the beginning stages of playing.

Now I am by no means a luthier, but I do have experience woodworking from years of shop class. My dad would be able to get me wood at a discounted price and I have access to my schools woodshop with just about every tool and machine that I would need.

Could I, with a mix of will and good luck, make a passable hurdy gurdy with the knowledge available online?