Hurdygurdy

Hurdygurdy, a musical instrument somewhat resembling a lute in form. It has four or six strings of wire or catgut, which are fastened to screw-pegs at the head. Two of these extend over the sounding board to the tail-piece, their sound being produced through the revolutions of a wooden wheel with a handle, which the player grasps in his right hand. The other strings are tuned as drones. The compass of the hurdygurdy is two octaves upwards from the tenor G. It was in use amongst the peasantry of several European countries during the Middle Ages.