Kim, Bear in mind that some medieval music also includes semitones. It largely depends on how authentic you want to be. You could go the whole hog, and catch nasty diseases as well. Or you could decide that some compromise is acceptable. However, It would also be worth considering other shapes than the symphony; if you look at illustrations and church carvings, it is only the very early period where the symphony would be the only option. The square shape of the soundbox itself is what gives it the unique sound that some people don't like, but some manufacturers do make good ones. However, there are also some dodgy ones out there, and I think that the luthier is almost as important as the shape. Depends on your budget, of course, but have a look at the luthiers own sites, look at YouTube videos etc. It is an expensive instrument, and it is well worth making the decision slowly rather than getting it wrong. I know quite a few people (myself included) who have made the first decision in haste and ended up buying others.
It is, of course, entirely addictive. I now have a symphony for early medieval although it is chromatic, one of Neil Brook's St. Thomas altar models for late medieval upto 17th century, and a real French guitar-back from around 1800 for 18th century to modern..... Regards Geoff Sent from my iPad On 28 Mar 2013, at 00:07, "Kim Browers" <[email protected]> wrote: > Greetings! > > My first message appears to have been lost in cyberspace, so I apologize if > this is a repeat! > > I have seriously been wanting a hurdy gurdy for about 15 years, but have > never been able to justify the money for an instrument I've never played. > However, I have decided to take the plunge! I'm looking to get my very first > vielle a roue, and am seeking some experienced advice! > > I'm primarily considering a Medieval reproduction "Symphony" model. From > what I understand, these generally have 3-4 strings, no trompette and are > quieter than later period/modern models. They appeal to me for their > Medieval music appropriateness, quietness for acoustic accompaniment of > vocals, and diatonic scale for ease of learning (fewer buttons!). The > negative side is that the lack of trompette will eliminate what makes a hurdy > gurdy sound so distinctive! I have also heard negative comments about a > generally unpleasant/inferior sound quality from these models. From what I > gather, the same features that make it simple may make it TOO simple to be > worthwhile. I also play a variety of ethnic music, and want to use one > instrument for both genres if possible. However, the diatonic scale would > make Maqams and micro tones impossible to play, which is obviously extremely > limiting. There are some hybrid options for Symphony models with a Medieval > exterior, aesthetic and basic construction, but have a trompette, and at > least a 24-key chromatic scale. Some even have pickups included. My concern > is if I am intending to use this as a Medieval reproduction, will it > compromise the integrity if I decide on a hybrid? Or is that given a general > pass, as long as liberties aren't taken with the music itself? > > And then there are the websites of manufacturers on the internet that I have > frequented, but really know nothing about. I'm looking for advice from > someone who has played the Symphony style, what to look for, what to stay > away from, some reviews of manufacturers, etc.. If this isn't the best > instrument for an absolute beginner, I will also weigh that in as well! > > Any and all info is appreciated in advance! I'm very excited that this group > even exists! > > Cheers, > Kim > > > -- > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups "hurdygurdy" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected] > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected] > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy > > The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be found at > http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce spam, posts from new > subscribers are held pending approval by the webmaster. > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "hurdygurdy" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > -- -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "hurdygurdy" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be found at http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce spam, posts from new subscribers are held pending approval by the webmaster. --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "hurdygurdy" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
