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]
__________________





Reply via email to