​My new Hurdy Gurdy from Altarwind is a time machine. 
   I can’t put it down. It takes me to the distant past and the faraway future in the same instant. I've become quite spellbound and have spent many joyful hours in hurdy gurdy land. It’s hauntingly sweet, mesmerizing, beautiful, and hypnotic.     
   If you’ve played a lot of music you know that some instruments speak to you while others never catch your fancy. I immediately bonded with this instrument and couldn’t be more pleased. My new 'Aisling' model Hurdy Gurdy from Altarwind fits me perfectly. It’s exactly what I thought it would be and more. My bandmates are also blown away by the sound. It’s incredible. 
Anwyn and George are fantastic.  They answered all of my questions in detail which helped me make informed choices when discussing my wants and needs for my particular Hurdy Gurdy build. The sonic qualities and the level of craftsmanship make this an instrument that will stand the test of time. I truly believe that these instruments are well suited to both the traditional and modern Hurdy Gurdy player. Played acoustically or plugged into your favorite pedals you can’t go wrong. They say things worth having are with waiting for and my new Altarwind Hurdy Gurdy is no exception. It was totally worth the wait.
If you’re thinking about having Altarwind build your Hurdy Gurdy reach out to them. You’ll be happy you did. 
Warmest regards, 
Mike Dank 
South Portland, Maine
​I give it an 11 on a scale from one to ten! This exceeded my expectations! Once you have it tuned up on your lap and start playing it takes you somewhere else. Watch the videos they share while you are awaiting its arrival.  The starter book is also super helpful,  I just am two days in, and the maintenance section is great. The book also starts at a novice level so my 14yo is also amazed and is loving our first hurdy gurdy (he plays drums kit, sings and recorder). I play guitar,  bass, keys etc... the thing I like about the book is it teaches you basic songs like when you started piano as a kid, but you can take those finger patterns and "copy and paste" them into new melody lines to create solos or new songs, or just jam out on it... choose a mode or scale and just go to town.  I love this gurdy, it's a 5 string, upgraded with 3 capos on the drones (definitely get capos on the drones so you can play in more key signatures). I also got the active pick up system so I can run it through my guitar pedals into an amp, nice. 
I feel the time, materials, and love that went into this instrument is phenomenal,  and the owners are very friendly and great to work with. Very few people still make gurdies, I am so happy to have one. I own over 30 instruments,  (analog synths, cigar box guitars, etc)  this one is blowing my mind!! My son said "sometimes the instrument finds you". AMEN! 
Thank you George and Anwyn. Thanks for keeping this instrument alive and crafting such a great Gurdy. 
Peacefully,  Mark and Griffin Berglund 
​Minnetonka, Minnesota
Hi Anwyn and George

I just wanted to let you know that I finally have my beautiful hurdy gurdy!  I am excited and daunted at the same time, and I wish to thank you for making me this beautiful instrument, the craftsmanship is amazing and I appreciate the effort that has gone into it.
Deanne R.
Australia
​"Hello, George!
I picked up the hurdy gurdy a couple of days ago, and it is marvelous. I'm having a tremendously good time watching your videos (you and Anwyn are SO SWEET) and cranking the handle to the Joy Machine.
Thanks for all your hard work!
Warmest regards,
Ingrid C., Vancouver, British Columbia
Hi George and Anwyn,
Wow, wow and wow! What an incredible Medieval style hurdy gurdy! It looks as beautiful as it sounds-and the sound is mystical, yearning and very sweet. It is an absolute joy to play!
This is my fifth hurdy gurdy from Altarwind. I am amazed that this instrument plays so beautifully right out of the box-no breaking in period needed! Even the high notes sound beautifully clear! The Madeline is a great starter hurdy gurdy and an equally great additional instrument for any hurdy gurdy player. The sounds it makes are truly mesmerizing. Thank you, George and Anwyn, for creating such amazing instruments! You both are the ABSOLUTE BEST!
Jim Kendros, Composer and Performer
Chicago, IL
, Hi George and Anwyn!
Instrument arrived safe and I cannot thank you enough how beautiful it is in both looks and sound. You guys really went all out on it! Been playing around with for the last 3 weeks; the lesson book has been very helpful. Almost on cue by the time the strings started getting scratchy I came across the cotton replacement bit and it sounds back in business. Hoping to get a little better before I start showing it off but I just wanted to thank you guys so much for staying in touch and providing such an awesome instrument.

All the best and happy holidays,

Kevin G., Schenectady, NY
"Hello, Anwyn!
In Japan, we are in the full of spring.  Tokyo where I live is being the full of cherry blossoms.  It is so beautiful! My la priel, I have used it 3 times for my LIVE.  I am very satisfied with it and its sound.  Of course, It is so happy to play it!  And it has so good looking, there is no people who does not say "Oh, what a beautiful instrument!".
 
I continue to introduce my LIVE report using it.  Today I send you the photos of la priel with Japanese SAKURA cherry blossoms.  It is so beautiful!
 
Thank you.
-Katsuhiko M., Tokyo, Japan
"Hi Anwyn and George!
I just want to thank you again so much for the wonderful instrument you have created for me! Our gig last weekend was one of our best J and playing with your HG was a dream. 
 
Here are some pics attached and a video. Take care and I hope we keep in touch,
Alex G, Sweden