Hurdy Gurdies have two main tuning configurations. Our instruments can accommodate either tuning very well, it's just  a matter of which string set we put on before we ship it out to you.

C/G Tuning
All strings are tuned to either 'G' or 'C' notes. The keychest is set up like a piano keyboard, where the main row of buttons is in the key of 'c', and the 2nd row of buttons are the chromatics.

Keychest as viewed from player's perspective. Notes added for clarity

The melody strings are tuned to 'g'. The drones are tuned to G or C notes of various octaves.  Note the #10 chromatic key (diagram above). The tolerances are so close in the upper register that with a slight adjustment of the tangents, this key can be either 'F' or 'F#', depending on the player's needs. By default we tune it to 'F' before shipping

​This is the default tuning we use when we ship out a new instrument. Because the keys are similar to a piano, it's also the most beginner friendly. It's also generally well suited to French traditional music.

There's a couple of ways to set up the melody strings (chanterelles)
-Tuned in unison to g4 (middle 'g')
-Both tuned to 'g', but an octave apart (g3 & g4). See chart above. We usually set them up in the octave tuning by default. If you prefer something different, let us know at the time of ordering.

D/G Tuning
All strings are tuned to either 'D' or 'G' notes. The main keychest is set up in the key of 'G' ('f' natural is in the 2nd /chromatic row of keys)

Keychest as viewed from player's perspective. Notes added for clarity.

The melody strings are tuned to 'd'. The drone strings are toned to D or G notes of various octaves. Note the #10 chromatic key: this key can be either 'C' or 'C#', to best suit the player's needs. By default we tune it to 'c' before shipping.

This tuning is well suited to Celtic music. If you prefer this setup, just let us know at the time of ordering.

The melody strings ca be set up either in unison tuned to middle d (d4), or two alternative octave tunings:
-'high' octave tuning: chanterelles tuned to d4 & d5, or
-'low' octave tuning:  chanterelles tuned to d3 & d4.

The high octave string (d5) can be a little more demanding on cotton & rosin technique, so we only recommend that for more experienced players.

If you have a specific tuning in mind, please let us know at the time of ordering.