The length varies by instrument type and is usually proportional to
wheel size. For example, a small-wheeled Hungarian instrument will
have quite a short crank and for the Hungarian technique you need a
very short crank (relatively speaking) for it all to work right. A
short crank does also have some ergonomic advantages but you lose some
control when using traditional French technique (which relies on the
fingers to produce buzzes, vs. the Hungarian technique that uses the
wrist joint to control the buzzes). So the short answer is that there
really is no single standard length, but rather an interaction of
wheel size, playing technique, and personal preference. Makers will
vary in this regard.
-Arle (writing from Beijing, China)
On Mar 11, 2008, at 6:15 AM, Graeme McCormack wrote:
On the subject of cranks and handles. What is the optimum length of
the crank. I'm just about to launch into making another gurdy. I had
a very long crank on my first gurdy (95mm between centres). This I
thought would give me more control over the buzzes. I now have a
60mm (between centres) crank which is less stress on your arm when
playing. The buzzes still come out OK. Is 60mm the standard length?.
Also for anybody interested have a look at my web blog
http://mccormack.graeme.googlepages.com/antiquatedstrings
also my band http://harlequintas.googlepages.com/home
and my mates web site
http://harlequintas.googlepages.com/home
Cheers Graeme
_______________
Graeme McCormack
1056 Halls Track Rd
Pelverata 7150
Tasmania
home: 0362663598
mobile: 0429663598
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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