Hurdy-gurdy

April 10 The hurdy-gurdy is a string instrument commonly used in various European folk music traditions. A hand-cranked wheel makes the instrument’s strings vibrate while a keyboard presses wedges against them to change the pitch. Hurdy-gurdies commonly employ a drone string, giving them a sound similar to that of a bagpipe.

Bassot Hurdy-Gurdy

Description: This hurdy-gurdy was made by Joseph Bassot, Mirecourt/Paris, France, around 1775-1808. It has 6 strings (2 melody with chromatic scale - 4 drones) and 23 keys. The instrument is made of yellow varnished maple body with ebony veneers on keybox and tailpiece. Ebony inlay around edge. Woodburned "BASSOT" on keybox side.
Location: Currently not on view

Data Source: National Museum of American History

date made: 1775 - 1808

Physical Description: maple (overall material); ebony (overall material); mother of pearl (pegs material)
Measurements: overall: 7 in x 25 in; 17.78 cm x 63.5 cm

Object Name: hurdy-gurdy

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