FAQ
I’m new to the hurdy gurdy and I’d like to know: how does this instrument actually work?
You can find out by watching this video:
I’m not sure what options do I want. Could you please advise me?
You might want to start out by watching our Everything about Saphona playlist. In these videos we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions about strings, capos, packing & delivery process ect. Click on the video below to start watching:
You’ve watched the videos and still have questions? Please drop us a message via our social media or email (see the Contact section at the bottom of the page). If you already know, tell us what kind of music would you like to play, if you’d like to join a band, etc. This information will help us give you the best advice.
How much does the Saphona cost?
The cost of the MM Hurdy Gurdy depends on the setup that you would like to have.
Our basic gurdy costs €3205 / $3513 and includes 2 melody strings, 2 trompette strings, 2 drone strings + basic accessories (to learn more about the basic setup, visit our Pricelist page).
Based on this, you can start customization. On the right side of the hurdy gurdy product page (https://ancestore.eu/en_US/p/Hurdy-Gurdy-Saphona/54) there is a menu.
In this menu, you can choose the options you’d like to have in your gurdy. The price is being calculated automatically - so you know where you stand all the time.
On the menu, you offer a few types of wood. What is the difference between them?
The difference considering the sound is rather subtle and subjective.
Generally speaking, we can say that the spruce + maple combination would have a little bit more of a low-mid frequency range. This is also our preference and it is the most common choice for classical bowed instruments like violin or cello.
Cedar + mahogany on the other hand would have a more deep, bass evoking, warmer sound.
To sum up we suggest taking the aesthetic aspects rather than sound nuances under consideration.
What strings should I use for Saphona?
For the melody strings, we recommend Thomastik viola strings (Alphayue model AL200).
For the low C (C3) it's their C string, for G (G3) it's the G, for the high C (C4) it's the D string, for the high G (G4) it's the A string.
For drones and trompettes we recommend an Italian brand, Aquila - they make strings dedicated for hurdy gurdies. Alternatively for the drones, you can use any cello strings for 1/2 scale - G for G and C for low C or D for high C drone, depending on your preference.
Aquila trompettes are much louder than the nylon ones, so if you'd like to stay with the quiet ones - it's d'Addario Guitar Nylon strings, medium tension, strings B (for C trompette), and G.
What strings should I use for Aplo?
The melody strings we use for Aplo are the Thomastik viola strings (Alphayue model AL200 for scale 4/4). We use the G string for G3 and D string for D4 chanterelle.
The G trompette string is a guitar nylon string.
For drones, you can use any cello strings for 1/2 scale, G for G, and D for high D drone.
What ornaments do you offer?
You can have an ornament on the tangent box lid of your gurdy. You can choose what design do you want to have there. Simply send us a picture and we will adjust it to the keybox lid.
The ornament has to fit the tangent box lid with dimensions of 33,6 x 8,5 cm (13 x 3,5 in) and it should fit the horizontal arrangement. We would also recommend avoiding very small details because some of them might be too small to engrave.
How does the amplification system in your gurdies work?
There are three piezo pickups installed in the gurdy, one for each string segment (melodic strings, drones, and trompettes). 3 PIN XLR socket (Neutriks) is placed disctreetly under the instrument's head. You plug it to our external preamp, where you set up all the volumes and EQ for each strings segment separetly.
There are two possible ways to plug the preamp to your sound system. You can choose one mix output with all the channels mixed together or you can plug each channel (melodic, drone, trompette) to seprate channels, if you are using mixing console, sound card with multiple channels, or couple of amplifiers.
All the outputs are unbalanced Jack 6,3mm.
To sum up, with our electroacoustic hurdy gurdy you get:
- instrument with pickups
- preamp
- XLR cable (5 meters)
- power supply (9V)
What are the measurements of Saphona?
The measurements of Saphona are:
length: 80 cm (31.5 in) for 9 strings and more, 78 cm (31 in) for less than 9 strings
width (at the widest point): 35 cm (14 in)
height (at the highest point): 20,5 cm (8 in)
keybox lid: 33,6 x 8,5 cm (13 x 3,5 in)
The weight without electronics inside is 3.4 kg (7.5 lbs).
How long is the waiting time for Saphona and Aplo?
Currently, the waiting time for Saphona is approximately 11 months + shipping time.
The waiting time for Aplo is 3 months + shipping time.
(updated on February 28th, 2024)
Precise execution time is agreed personally with a Customer via email and depends on our order list.
I live in X. Do you ship there? How much would that be?
You can check out our shipping destinations and prices at Ancestore. Build your dream set up here, click “Add to cart” and choose your country on the next page. The shipping price will be displayed automatically.
If your country is not on the list - let us know, we will add it!
I have placed an order and paid the deposit, but I want to cancel it. What’s the cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation, we refund 50% of the deposit up to 3 months before scheduled shipping date, because after the order is placed, we need to secure the materials for this particular instrument. Past the date of 3 months before scheduled shipping, we start working on the instrument and the refund is not possible anymore.
I’m afraid my hurdy gurdy will get damaged during delivery. What is your policy regarding damage in transport?
Our gurdies are covered by a warranty. You can find all necessary information regarding repairs there.
This Warranty is added to Ancestore products since 04/14/2020.
Items purchased before this date fall under Warranty provisions, excluding the Customer’s responsibilities he/she could not possibly know about or deduce based on common sense and knowledge without reading this Warranty.