The 'Merry Wood'
$1,595.00

$700.00 Materials Deposit Due at Ordering
$895.00 + Shipping Due on Completion of Instrument
"I got the hurdy on Saturday, and it was love at first sight! I have been having the best time playing it!  I am so happy! Thank you so much!  I have wanted a hurdy for around 8 years, and I just feel so lucky to have such a beautiful instrument!  So far everything has been going well!  I can't thank you enough!  Chelsee S, Denton TX 
This wonderful instrument has modern stylings, with the natural wood grain under a beautiful lacquer finish that is elegant in it's simplicity.   The newest model in our line started with the question 'what if we built a gurdy incorporating some of same the tone generating principles as a harp'. The resulting instrument is such a delight to play that it was only natural that we call it the "Merry Wood'.   Based on playtesting, by us and our group of local players, we really hit this one out of the park!  The Merrywood has a balanced full singing tone, powerful enough to keep up with any session.  With this model, we are very happy to be able to offer more features, sound,  & playability at a lower price than ever before.  
 
As with our other models, we designed it to be adaptable to a variety of player's needs. 
If you're an experienced player with something specific in mind , the Merry Wood can be customized for you: see the options list to the right).
If you're a beginner on a budget, the Merry Wood's 'stock' 5 string arrangement will have enough legs to grow with you, without breaking the bank. Be sure to visit our 'OPTIONS' page and customize it! (check the navigation bar above)
 FEATURES
  • ​5 strings–  2 melody strings & 3 drones (gut)
  • trompette / chien /buzzing bridge (the “dog”)
  • Fully  chromatic with 2 octave range-23 Keys
  • Adjustable bridges (what is this? Click for details...)
  • Gut strings
  • Can accommodate either the G/C or D/G tuning (what is this? Click for details...)
  • Geared tuners are standard for ease of tuning
  • Sitka Spruce soundboard
  • Decorative 'c-hole' soundhole standard, or you can substitute from our other designs
  • All hardwood construction for best possible tone
  •  Fully adjustable split nut, metal tangents & Marshall plate (what is this? Click for details...)
  •  Removeable handle
​Note: Is there a feature you want but don't see here?  We probably include it even though it's not listed.  Feel free to contact for more specific info.
QUESTION:    What's the difference between the 'Merry Wood' and the 'Madeline' model'? (besides how it looks). Why the price difference?
 
ANSWER: The Merry Wood comes with an extra drone string and has a  trompette standard (that's the rhythmic buzzing bridge you hear in hurdy gurdy music) .  That aside, the 'Merry Wood'  has bent sides and uses different tone bracing inside which is not possible in the simpler box shape of the 'Madeline'.  You may be wondering "Why even bother bending the sides?" When you bend wood it is forever after under stress - it wants to unbend itself, but it can't because it's affixed to the instrument.   When wood is stressed like this, it changes the way it conducts sound in a wonderful way, making for a much more alive and dynamic sounding instrument. When you combine this with the interior tone bracing, this instrument just sings and sings.  Of course, all this adds considerably to the construction time.
Do You Want More?
Add the upgrade package to this model. For only $200.00, this adds remote on/off switches and a soft case.