Have you tried makers of lute strings? Specifically theorbo strings? They have some really long lengths. You might want to try Damian Dlugolecki in Oregon at www.damianstrings.com and see what he has for theorbo. He makes the strings so you possibly could have him make something custom if nothing else works.
Joanne
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Hmm... I'd like to know how they managed to find music-quality strings in the lengths needed for these instruments. I've been researching the trumpet marine (which is at least somewhat related to the hurdy-gurdy, as it probably inspired the trompette string) for a while now, and one frustration has been the limited scaling options. My hope was that 'cello and double bass strings were produced on enormous spools in the factory, and cut up only further down the line, but so far I've had no luck finding a source that allows me to bypass that last step. Gut is limited by the length of a sheep's intestine to something around six feet, and there doesn't seem to be any other kind of string for bowed instruments available in custom lengths. I guess it would be a good idea to contact these people for more information. For some reason, I've been working under the assumption that makeshift materials such as monofilament fishing line and aircraft wire are not made to high enough tolerances of uniformity, and would respond poorly to a bow, but perhaps I'm just being ridiculous there.
Incidentally, since the strings in these instruments vibrate up and down their length rather than side to side, the wheel in a hurdy-gurdy adaptation should probably be mounted at ninetly degrees to the standard design, almost like my silly vertical bow idea. Also, there may be no way to activate a trompette bridge with longitudinal compression waves. Interesting stuff, at any rate...
Nathan Roy
>
> That's pretty amazing. It reminds me of something I heard some years
> ago called The Long String Instrument,
> http://www.newalbion.com/NA102/ . Great if you like drones.
> Juan
>
>
> I got this link from another list I am on (bowed Psaltery) and, as it
> uses rosin to sound, thought the list members may be interested.
> Do watch the movies, the sound is amazing.
> Now, if we could add a wheel and trompette..........
> http://www.symphonichouse.com/
>
> Colin Hill
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