The plans
We started offering Nerdy Gurdy instruments and kits for sale and download at the end of 2017, after tinkering with the design for about four years. The response was overwhelming, as well as heartwarming. Since we released it into the wild, a fantastic community has grown up around the Nerdy Gurdy.
People from all over the world have shared their experience with us and with each other. Over the years, some of the best hurdy gurdy players in Europe have tested our own prototypes, and provided much valued advice on how to further improve the design.
Based on their comments we’re confident in saying that the Nerdy Gurdy is a very good instrument for starting players. We can also safely state that almost anybody is able to take the kit, and build it into a playable instrument.
The trickiest part seems to be adjusting the instrument, and properly applying wool and cotton. These are skills that any hurdy gurdy player needs to master. The best sounding Nerdy Gurdies that we’ve seen have been ones built by experienced players and, in a few cases, by hurdy gurdy teachers together with their pupils. So find yourself some expert support for that phase, or at least take a deep dive into the large number of tutorials online.
Nerdy Gurdy Version 6.1
You can find the plans and manual here.
Nerdyharpa
You can find the plans and manual here.
The people
The centerpoint for the Nerdy Gurdy and Nerdyharpa communities are these two facebook groups:
– Nerdy Gurdy builders group
– Nerdyharpa builders group
The parts
David Jacobs, Australia
Gary Tabar Jr., USA
David Jacobs, Australia
The players
Coming soon