Joe,
On this list you will get few kind words about the kits. Let's just
say that they all have deficiencies that are especially problematic
when you do not yet know how to take care of problems. The Musikit one
is especially bad in many ways. While you can get a *playable*
instrument from them, you will spend large amounts of time (and need
access to tools and materials) to rectify its problems. With a kit the
best I think you can aspire to is an "OK" instrument, and that only
with a lot of work.
Starting the hurdy gurdy is a challenge as it is and having a bad/
mediocre instrument makes it that much harder. (I speak from
experience, unfortunately.) If you want relatively inexpensive, yet
good quality, consider ordering the Hackmans' Chinook model: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/products/chinook.htm
($1800)
Where are you located Joe? It might make sense to see if there are any
players in your area whom you could visit and learn from before you
decide what you want to do. Even with a kit, your time investment is
going to be substantial, so you should be sure you're getting what you
want. And if you're going to plunk down a minimum of $1800 for an
instrument, you'll really want to do your homework.
-Arle
On Dec 17, 2007, at 12:16 PM, Joe Mejia wrote:
Hello group,
My name is Joe and I'm brand new to the hurdy-gurdy. As a matter of
fact, I neither know how to play nor do I own a hurdy-gurdy. But I
am looking into fixing both of those problems soon.
I've been researching the instrument and watching this mailing list
for a little while and I've come to the conclusion that I want a
hurdy with a chromatic keyboard. I read that it opens up many more
options for playing music. I also want one that is affordable, since
I am but a poor college student trying to finish up school. The
latter part has been a real issue so far. This isn't a cheap hobby!
So, I found some kits on the internet in my price range, but the
problem is they have diatonic keyboards (Or tangents? What is the
correct term?). I was wondering, since I am somewhat handy at
tinkering, would it be possible to convert a diatonic kit, such as
the one found at musikit.com (http://www.musikit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=hurdy
), into a chromatic keyboard setup?
Thanks in advance,
- Joe
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