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 our complete FAQ, and also our list of hurdy-gurdies to avoid to 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!
Video version
The List
Nerdy Gurdy
The Nerdy Gurdy is a quality instrument, perfectly for learning. It is extremely affordable because it is laser-cut plywood with 3d printed parts. Many listeners would struggle to discern the sound difference between these models and a more expensive instrument.
You can also purchase them as a build-it-yourself kit, or print the kit yourself at home. We do not recommend building your own if you are unconfident in your DIY capabilities.
The instruments are released in bulk once per month, while the kits are released in bulk once per week. We have a complete overview of the nerdy-gurdy linked below.
Price: $400 to $800 USD
Waitlist: No waitlist, but they sell out fast monthly
Country: The Netherlands
Strings: Various up to 2/2/2 (G3 and/or G4 melody)
Accessories: See overview
Trigo by MM instruments
The Trigo is the newest released model on this list. Like the Symphonia, it has only 3 strings, which makes it easy to adjust and keeps the finger pressure light.
The tone is very nice and sweet. The trompette is tuned to G, which is a non-standard tuning for most hurdy-gurdies.
MM instruments has been known to provide addition features upon request, such as electronics and capos.
The one thing we don’t like about the Trigo is that the bridges are all un-adjustable. This adds a level of complexity to setup & adjustment, such as needing to file the drone bridge to adjust string pressure, or use paper shims to adjust melody string pressure.
Price: ~€1100 Euro
Waitlist: Around 3 months
Country: Poland
Strings: 1/1/1 (G4 melody)
Accessories: Contact MM about extras
Catnip-b by Radosław Malisz
The Catnip is a full 6 stringed model, with features like capos available upon request. The drone and melody string bridges are fully adjustable, making setup & adjustment easy for a beginner.
The tone of the instrument is one of the best on this list – the catnip has a deep, resonate, modern sound compared to a more traditional sound you sometimes hear hurdy-gurdies produce. The long scale length (400mm) makes the keys larger than a standard sized instrument.
See below for a complete overview of KNYS Instruments
Price: ~$1300 USD
Waitlist: More than 1 year
Country: Poland
Strings: 2/2/2 (G3/C4 melody)
Accessories: Case included, adjustable bridge, capos upon request
3-string by Gordiy Starukh
The 3 string model is by Ukrainian luthier Gordiy Starukh. Like the Trigo and Symphonia, it has 3 strings – keeping it easy on setup & adjustment and finger pressure.
The tone is nice, and comes with a G3 melody string, giving it a lower pitched sound. The trompette is tuned to a C3, giving it a uniquely low-pitched buzz as well.
The instrument color is custom done for you by Gordiy, and the crank shape is a unique and memorizing shape as well. The main thing we do not like is the melody string bridge adjustment system. It is a unique system which has mixed reviews from players.
Price: ~$1300 USD
Waitlist: Less than 1 year
Country: Ukraine
Strings: 1/1/1 (G3 melody)
Accessories: Talk to Gordiy about adding capos or other accessories
Sirena by Sedo Garcia
Sedo Garcia has been building hurdy-gurdies for 40 years. He is an extremely skilled maker and you cannot go wrong with one of his instruments.
The base model for the Sirena has 6 strings, with options for capos and additional strings (including additional melody strings). Though we don’t typically recommend going over 2 melody strings for beginners.
The tone is very nice and professional sounding. Sergio shows off this instrument in one of his videos.
Price: ~$1750 USD
Waitlist: More than 2 years
Country: Spain
Strings: 2/2/2
Accessories: 2 capos already included
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 well built and sound very nice and professional.
The Simplex comes standard with 4 strings, but additional strings are offered for a higher price. The drone and trompette each have a capo and the instrument comes with basic electronics.
The main downside is that Joel does not ship, you must go to France and pick up his instruments, or meet him at a festival in France, such as Le Son Continu.
Price: ~$1750 USD
Waitlist: More than 1 year
Country: France
Strings: 1/2/1
Accessories: 1 capo on both drone and trompette, no other extras available
Galipette by Benjamin Pouzadoux
This is the only luteback on he list, which is a traditional and very ergonomic design. Lutebacks are great at projecting their sound when playing outdoors or playing for dancers.
The instrument comes with 4 string, but Benjamin also offers additional strings, adjustable bridges and capos as optional addons.
For the US players, Benjamin does not ship outside of Europe.
Price: ~€1800 Euro
Waitlist: N/A – you can email him to ask
Country: France
Strings: 1/2/1 (pictures shows optional extra drone)
Accessories: Additional strings, capos, and adjustable bridges available upon request.
Aplo by MM instruments
The Aplo is built by the same manufacture as the Trigo. They come with 5 strings, with 2 melody strings tuned in G3 and D4, giving you multiple options of tunings. The tone is nice but not very resonate.
Like the Trigo, the Aplo lacks adjustable bridges, giving setup & adjustment difficulties for the bridges. The trompette is also in G, which is a non-standard tuning for most hurdy-gurdies. NOTE (17-AUG-2026): We’ve been informed recently from a buyer that the Aplo now comes with an adjustable bridge, so this is a great improvement!
Price: ~$2050 USD
Waitlist: Around 3 months
Country: Poland
Strings: 2/2/1 (G3/D4 melody)
Accessories: No available extras
Alpha by Alex Zwingmann
We are very impressed by this instrument – it sound great and functions very well.
Alex Zwingmann specializes in solid-body, electric gurdies – but him branching out to beginner instruments turned out very well.
Alex offers multiple customization options for the instrument, from color, capos, electronics, and additional strings.
Price: ~$2300 USD
Waitlist: N/A – you can email him to ask
Country: Germany
Strings: 1/2/2
Accessories: Additional strings, capos, and electronics available upon request.
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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