The hurdy-gurdy is a marvel of sound and tradition: a buzzing, resonant folk instrument powered by a hand-cranked wooden wheel and a set of keys. Its voice can be brisk and cheerful, or raw and haunting, shifting between sharp attacks and smooth, plaintive drones. Complex, organic, and deeply evocative, the hurdy-gurdy has been a musical storyteller for centuries.
At its core, the instrument works by rubbing a rosined wooden wheel against violin-style strings. A mix of drone strings and melody strings (often tuned in octaves or open fifths) creates its signature sound. Traditionally monophonic, the hurdy-gurdy plays one melody at a time with drones underneath — but in our sampled version, you can break tradition and play chords for a richer harmonic palette.
Authentic Detail & Modern Flexibility
-
Choose how many Drone and Main strings to engage
-
Switch between unison or octave main strings
-
Control key noises and attack “chirps” independently for realism
-
ADSR envelope for experimental sound design
-
Effects pane with Reverb, Chorus, Echo, Rotary, and Amp Cab simulations
We’ve captured the instrument’s imperfect charm in detail. Hurdy-gurdies are famously temperamental — players say you spend two hours tuning, and one hour playing out of tune — and our library reflects that character, with subtle tonal shifts and erratic textures. To give you expressive control, the mod wheel adjusts volume like the crank itself, letting you “breathe” life into every note.
Behind the scenes, multiple attack chirps, randomized key noises, and extensive sample variation ensure that no two notes sound alike. You’ll hear the instrument’s natural grit, clatter, and beauty — just as if it were played live in front of you.
The Result
Rhythmic Robot's Hurdy Gurdy is a triumph of tremulous, uneven, soulful tone. From medieval drones to experimental textures, it delivers centuries of folk heritage straight into your DAW — complete with modern tools to shape, tweak, and push it into new sonic territory.
Requirements:
-
Full version of Native Instruments Kontakt v4.2.3 or higher (including Kontakt 5)
-
Kontakt Player not supported (instruments will load but time out after 15 minutes)
Bring a touch of gypsy magic and folk authenticity into your music with the Hurdy Gurdy – Rhythmic Robot.