The most common question we hear is “How do I get started on the hurdy-gurdy when I’m on a budget?”
The first answer is to check out the list of hurdy-gurdies to avoid and steer clear of those! The second answer is to read the below article on quality, cheap hurdy-gurdies that fit your budget!
All instruments on this list are simple, no more than 6 strings, and have a 2 octave melody range. They are all under $2000 USD, and they all have recommendations from expert hurdy-gurdy players in the community. Keep in mind that prices, accessories, and waitlists change – and you will need to email the makers to get specifics! If you notice any inaccuracies email me at Max.Enloe@gurdyworld.com
On the list you’ll notice numbers similar to “1/2/1” or “2/2/2” – this refers to the amount of strings on the instrument.
- The first number is the amount of trompettes – alto drones, if there are more than 1 trompette, only 1 will have a chien, unless specified otherwise. The other will act as a normal drone (aka mouche).
- The second number is the amount of melody strings – the strings that play the melody via keys
- The third number is the amount of drones – low, tenor drones that create a bass sound on the instrument.
So if an instrument is a 1/2/1 – it will have 1 trompette, 2 melody strings, and 1 drone.
If you are looking for instruments on a larger budget – check out the makers list as well ask around in communities!
Nerdy Gurdy
The Nerdy Gurdy is by far the cheapest way to get a beginner instrument. The instruments are mostly laser-cut plywood and 3d printed parts, and are sold as kit and pre-built instruments. You can also print your own if you own the machinery. Click the button below for a complete overview as well as information on where to buy.
Price: $350 to $820 USD
Waitlist: No waitlist, but they sell out fast monthly
County: The Netherlands
Woods: Plywood
Strings: 1/1/1, 1/2/1, 2/2/2
Accessories: 1/1/1 and 1/2/1 models come with capos
Symphonia by Robert Mandel
The Symphonia model by Robert Mandel is based on the historical symphonia shape, while being a fully featured hurdy-gurdy. It is a simple, plywood instrument with no capos or extra features. Great for a starter instrument. You can read a review by Sergio González for more information and opinions.
Price: ~$800 USD
Waitlist: Less than 1 year
County: Hungary
Woods: Plywood
Strings: 1/1/1
Accessories: None
Catnip-b by Radosław Malisz
The Catnip-b by Radosław Malisz (KNYS instruments) is an option for a plywood instrument with a full standard setup of strings (2/2/2). The chanterelles come in both G and C (or D) so you can try out any tunings you want. The long scale length (400mm) makes the keys larger than a standard sized instrument. Additional sound samples found on Noelle’s YouTube.
Price: ~$1300 USD
Waitlist: Less than 1 year
County: Poland
Woods: Plywood
Strings: 2/2/2
Accessories: Case included, adjustable bridge, capos upon request
3-string by Gordiy Starukh
The Gordiy 3 string model is a simple, solid wood (not plywood) instrument with beautiful color stains and a mesmerizing design for the crank. The instrument is very small without avoiding ergonomics, a good option for beginners. The bridge design is a unique, non-standard device. Take a look at Gordiy’s YouTube but be aware that he often uses electronics to change the sound. An acoustic version may sound different!
Price: ~$1300 USD
Waitlist: More than 1 year
County: Ukraine
Woods: Solid woods
Strings: 1/1/1
Accessories: Talk to Gordiy about adding capos or other accessories
Sirena by Sedo Garcia
Sedo makes a great quality hurdy-gurdy on this list that use Solid wood instead of plywood. Sedo has been making gurdies for over 40 years and knows what he is doing. While his waitlist is long, the price is good for such a well-built instrument. Sergio shows off this instrument in one of his videos.
Price: ~$1750 USD
Waitlist: More than 1 year
County: Spain
Woods: Solid woods
Strings: 2/2/2
Accessories: Capos, extra strings, and other accessories available upon request
Simplex by Joël Traunecker
Joël is a very good luthier out of France, who studied under Denis Siorat, a famous, retired luthier. His instruments are made of solid woods (not plywood) and sound very nice. You can find sound samples on his website below. Keep in mind Joel does not ship, so you will have to pick it up from his workshop in France.
Price: ~$1750 USD
Waitlist: More than 1 year
County: France
Woods: Solid woods
Strings: 1/2/1
Accessories: 1 capo on both drone and trompette, no other extras available
Galipette by Benjamin Pouzadoux
Benjamin Pouzadoux is the only maker on this list to make a beginner luteback. The instrument uses Solid wood (not plywood) and is well built. The only downside is he does not ship outside Europe, so if you aren’t in Europe, this instrument is not available to you unless you have a friend who will ship it to you.
Price: ~$1850 USD
Waitlist: N/A – you can email him to ask
County: France
Woods: Solid woods
Strings: 1/2/1 (pictures shows optional extra drone
Accessories: Additional strings, capos, and adjustable bridges available upon request.
Aplo by MM instruments
Another plywood instrument on the list, the Aplo is built by a team, so they are able to produce instruments quickly. The melody strings are in G and D so you can try out multiple tunings. The Aplo is a bit of a non-standard tuning, having the trompette in G, and missing the alto drone (or mouche) – but still a quality starter instrument for beginners. Scott Marshall has a playlist showing off the instrument.
Price: ~$1960 USD
Waitlist: Less than 1 year
County: Poland
Woods: Plywood
Strings: 2/2/1
Accessories: No available extras
If you know of other luthiers that belong on this list email me at Max.Enloe@gurdyworld.com and let me know as much information as you can! GurdyWorld is always looking to increase the amount of information on our website.
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