 |
|
|
Balázs NAGY hurdy-gurdy maker - Budapest
As a folk musician, I studied the hurdy-gurdy, the ways of making them,
I wrote a book about my favourite theme: The Hurdy-Gurdy
The Vielle Sofie - a new hurdy-gurdy style for 2015
The Vielle Sofie is a new style hurdy-gurdy that uses the latest technology to create a versatile, yet practical instrument. It combines a traditional form and lacquered finish with features that make players to come an expect. By merging the rounded bottom of traditional lute-back instruments with the shape of current guitar-bodied hurdy-gurdies, it yields a unique instrument that is comfortable to play whether sitting or standing.
Features:
SMART - 2018 Gamba - twins. Left and right handed Left handed Gamba Vielle Sofie - of mahogany
KobVielle - 2013'
This instrument's body derives its shape of an Asian-style lute called the koboz rather than from the classical lute shape, commonly found on hurdy-gurdies, giving it a distinctive appearance. It is set up with strings and a keyboard typical of
This is an electric instrument, and comes equipped with internal pickups, with a preamp option in order to meet today's demanding expectations.
By choosing from among the strings and using the capos, additional keys are easily accessible: G, A, D, and C.
Using the seventh string enables the instrument to be played in the traditional vielle key of C. There is a special option to adjust the wheel position for better sound, for proper string pressure.
|
|
I experimented with other instruments, but the hurdy-gurdy was the most interesting for me. Now I've been working with this instrument for over 30 years. The first instruments I made were copies of museum pieces. Then based upon my own and my colleagues' experiences, I began "modifying" the instruments in order to live up to modern expectations of quality. These modifications are done without sacrificing the traditional form and decoration; basically from the outside they cannot be detected. From the collection, at the Ethnographic Museum in Budapest, I have gotten to know the forms and decoration characteristics of the Hungarian hurdy-gurdies. I have based the measurements and forms of my instruments on these experiences. In the course of my work through the years , every one of the old instruments I have seen has shown me special tricks and innovations which I faithfully incorporate into each of my instruments. Upon the requests of my musician colleagues, I have also started to make instruments with different forms and tunings.
The Vielle Sofie is set up with strings and a keyboard, typical of western instruments, and is finished in a natural shellac for a classic look (no plastics or artificial materials!). It is an electric instrument, and comes pre-equipped with internal pickups, a preamp, and an electronic tuner in order to meet today's demanding expectations.
The Vielle Sofie features geared banjo tuning heads for easier and more precise tuning. Seven strings and a set of button-activated capo provide options for many different tunings and playing techniques. Players can use either of its two French-style buzzing bridge to play in the keys of G or D. By choosing among the strings and using the built-in capos a variety of keys are available: G, D, and A. The seventh string is tuned to G, allowing yet more tuning options. The Vielle Sofie can also be set up as a traditional C/G instrument by changing the strings. 
KobVielle with six or seven strings and a set of capos provide many options for tuning and playing technique. In its basic setup it is equipped to play with two buzzing bridge in the key of G and D. 
