Hurdy-gurdy
DEFINITION
Also called " organistrum ", the hurdy gurdy is a Medieval instrument that is still used in some parts of Europe as a folk instrument. It has the shape of a viol, but it is bowed mechanically, and has only four strings, two of which act as drones. The melody strings are " bowed " by a wheel. There is also a system of keys which, when pressed, activate a mechanism which stops the strings at different places, thus producing the tune. Hurdy Gurdy a boxed, lute-like instrument used by street musicians which is played by turning a crank attached to resigned wheel which scrapes the strings producing sound.