Hurdy-Gurdy

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The Hurdy-Gurdy is a mechanically operated stringed instrument which has been known in Europe, especially France, since about the 12th century. The hurdy-gurdy's rasping sound has been popular in a wide variety of music, including religious, orchestral, folk and court music.

Family
Strings
Pitch range
Up to two octaves.
Material
Various woods and metals, with a pearwood wheel, and gut strings.
Size
Variable. This example is 25 in (64 cm) long.
Origins
The hurdy-gurdy evolved from the monochord, probably in France. It enabled the instrumentalist to sustain the sound without a break when teaching people to sing.
Classification
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings.
And also...
The earliest hurdy-gurdy was over 5 ft (1.50 m) long and required two performers to play it. The instrument rested across the players' knees.

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