As you have gathered, you can't get a "cheap" gurdy. I'm not a builder but this question is often asked here and (there are lots of HG builders here) gets the same answers. A HG means a lot of time spent building one. It's not like some instruments that can be "factory made" and still be reasonable to play. They are hand=built by craftsmen (and craftwomen - craftpersons?). >From what I read, the kits are more for the "fun" of construction rather than >having an instrument. I have never seen one but I bow to the experience of >those on the list. It may not be what you want to hear but follow their advice. I had to settle for a decent "budget" HG and I am happy with it although I doubt it would be good for professional use. Still, its a start and maybe, if you like it, a better one will come later. Don't be tempted to buy a cheap one or a kit unless you have the skills to either rebuild/restore and, even then think twice (if you have the skills, what do you need a kit for?). You have come to the right place to ask. No axes to grind here. Colin Hill From: Joe Mejia To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 5:16 PM Subject: [HG] Customizing a kit
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Share life as it happens with the new Windows Live. Share now!
