YouTube suggestions inserted a suggestion for a video of an instrument called a hurdy gurdy yesterday. Saw this version and all I could think is, “laser all of the things.”
Coincidentally, there’s a much prettier one in the music video posted over here.
Then there’s this guy with an electric one. Much less laser potential, but pretty interesting.
Here in the PNW – he often plays with Faun when they come to a Festival in NW Oregon called Faerieworlds and also at a winter convention here in Seattle called Mythicon. A friend out of Oregon also plays one on some numbers by his band , Woodland.
I don’t understand why the keys aren’t on top of the machine, so you don’t have to play it blind? Plus, your arm would be in a much more ergonomic position. She’ll have shoulder problems when she hits 60.
Likely has a lot to do with the history/development of the instrument. You know, like erganomics experts of the middle ages held the belief that carpel tunnel syndrome was caused by witches, so the cure wasn’t redesigning the instrument, but developing better ways to detect the witches.
Or maybe it was originally played in a seated position or something.
not to mention that most people don’t look at an instrument once they gain proficiency. it might make it harder to learn, but probably easier to play while standing and hand-held (as opposed to wearing a strap, or whatever).