Kit obsession? I don¹t think that it is a strange question for someone new. You have IKEA, model aeroplanes even whole houses that come as a kit. Not all are of bad quality either. But asking around and researching I found out that building an instrument is more critical. Kinds and quality of wood used. Glue that is provided, the way it has been sawed, instruction, the patience and precision of the builder etc. Still it is a good thing to ask around if you don¹t know about something.
My first objective was to save money but still looking for a proper instrument. At the end I have ordered one from a builder which will be finished at the end of this year. But well. The most convincing thing might be your own ears. Here it is... The music maker kit... finished: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKM_99Y0KME ;-) Douwe From: JULIE BARKER <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 10:28:08 +0000 (GMT) To: <[email protected]> Subject: [HG] Re: hurdy gurdy kits...or the DIY fanatics folly. Why this obsession with kits? How many people on this list have built their own house or car? How many people on this list drill their own teeth? I suspect it is a big NO to both of these questions. The world has some very good hurdy-gurdy makers, all would have spent years learning their trade; for example, an instrument makers course in England is 4 years full time with study and practical work overseen by experienced tutors. The classic French makers spent years on an apprenticship before they were allowed to have their name on an instrument. Lutherie involves skills that cannot be learnt in a diy environment with the hurdy-gurdy requiring additional engineering skills over and above those of the violin / guitar maker; for example, respected UK maker Chris Eaton had a career making high-precision parts for missiles before becoming a hurdy-gurdy maker. So basicaly, leave hurdy-gurdy making to the experts, unless of course you are training to join their ranks. If you want a good instrument to play then get one from an expert..there is no short cut or cheap option. Philip [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Being polite is nice , > But Telling the truth saves money , > The MusicMaker Kit is just way too expensive for what it really is . > This is as polite as I can be , on that subject . > > Morris tunes with out the " chien " will be like drum without drumsticks > . > > Henry > > >> >When buying (or thinking of) it's a good idea to ask here first. >> >The comments regarding these kits are generally unfavourable unless you >> >just want the fun of making something and you have the skill to do all the >> >rest of the work needed to get it playing (and the extra money). >> >It's likely it will cost the same as one from a maker by the time it's >> >playable (and needs a lot of time spent as well). >> >You will probably need an experienced player to actually set it up as well >> >or there is little chance of it being playable (at least by someone new to >> >HGs). >> >Have a look in the archives for the number of time the list has been asked >> >"should I buy a kit?" and the responses. >> >The answer is nearly always "NO" if you actually want to play it. >> >I'm sure other list members will add to this but, as you are new to the >> >list, the warning is appropriate, I think. >> >Yes, it's the doggy thing, >> >Colin Hill >>>> >>>Nice kit. The price is good too considering the price of the >>> >>finished product. Is the trompette the "dog" thingy? (ok I'm a newby and >>> >>totally ignorant) > > Philip G Martin aka Drohne www.drohne.co.uk
