F.A.Q. page 2

What is the title of your lesson book/ who wrote it? Getting Started on the Hurdy Gurdy, by Anwyn & George Leverett. If you are curious as to what topics are covered, you can click here for a preview.

I already have a hurdy gurdy, can I just order your lesson book? Unfortunately not at this time. We may make our book available to the public in the future.

Why does it matter if the tangents are 'bolted' in (see chart on previous page)? The 'tangents' are the mechanisms on the buttons that actually contact the string to give you various notes. Some makers use friction fit tangents-where they are wedged into the keyshaft like a doorstop under a door. The problem is that they come loose in dry weather and don't contact the string evenly, causing inaccurate & buzzing notes, or just plain falling out of the keyshaft! Our tangents are bolted into place, so they can tolerate even the most extreme note bends and vibrato, all the while reliably maintaining their intonation.

I've seen hurdy gurdies with plastic parts (tangents/ rosettes / whatever) We do not use plastic parts; we use all hardwood our instruments. We very carefully hand select each and every piece of wood that goes into our instruments. With such wonderful instruments, we feel it's better to use the best materials we can right from the start.

Do you ship to Canada / How much is shipping to Canada? Yes. Shipping rates depend on where in Canada we're shipping to, but rates are generally comparable to shipping in the U.S. You canemail us or call (toll free 888-265-9711) for an exact quote.

Is the wheel removeable on your HG's? Yes.

Do your models include a 'moveable nut'? Yes

Do you sell plans of your instruments? No

Are your instruments durable? Yes. Over the years our personal hurdy gurdies have been: rained on, blown over by the wind, through a very bad car accident, spilled on by various beverages & bodily fluids (don't ask), survived over 1,000 school assembly programs, played in bars, concerts and as street musicians. In spite of all this they still sing wonderfully.

More Q & A will be added as we are asked. If you have a question that you don't see posted here, just give us a call (toll free 888-265-9711) or you can drop us an email at music@aroundthehearth.com.