Antique Bársony Mihály 1978 Hurdy Gurdy, 22 Keys, 4 string

Description

This is an antique Hurdy Gurdy made in 1978 by Hungarian master craftsman Bársony Mihály, known as “the master of folk arts.” A Hurdy Gurdy (also known as the “wheel fiddle”) is an ancient European folk instrument that works similarly to a violin. A crank at the end of the instrument turns a wheel in the body that vibrates several strings. In the key box, a series of wooden keys press against the melody string to change the note played by the instrument. Several strings, called “drone strings,” are constantly rubbed by the wheel, creating a consistent background noise similar to the sound of a bagpipe.
This antique instrument, constructed according to the instrument-making traditions of the Hungarian town of Szentes, is a living piece of history. Bársony Mihály, trained in the 1930s Hungarian area of Farmsteads, was one of the last of the instrument-makers of this tradition. This 1978 instrument is one of only 213 Hurdy Gurdys ever constructed by Bársony, a testament to the rich history and tradition of instrument-making.
The instrument features four strings: three drone strings and one melody string. The melody string and one drone string are made of Nylon. The other two drone strings are made from traditional catgut and brass. The instrument has twenty-two keys and features an original leather carrying strap. It also includes its original padded traveling case. Bársony’s emblem, along with the year of construction, is printed underneath the tuning pegs at the head of the instrument.