Another Crazy Idea

[Daniel_Bingamon]

Wasn't quite sure where to post this message.

I had been contemplating about making a Crwth. I have on occasion made cigar box guitar and a wild and crazy idea recently came to me about making a Crwth using the cigar box implementation.

Due to the size and body shape, may have to use two boxes. There's a Cigar Box Guitar maker who made a Mountain Dulcimer using two box long ways. Rotating the boxes would give the basic shape for a Crwth body.

Here's the guy who made the Cigar Box Dulcimer: http://www.jagshouse.com/cbg_boxes.html

BTW - You should see some of Mack Hoovers "Reinstruments", a collection of rescued instruments and some have interesting parts like "No-stick Frying Pans".

[Congratulations]

I had been contemplating about making a Crwth.

I'm sorry: a what?

[MagicSailor]

I had been contemplating about making a Crwth.

I'm sorry: a what?

He said a Crwth. Pay attention, will ya!

Wikipedia says they're archaic. (Looks kinda' rectangular to me...)



Clicky

Google is your friend!

Owen

[Daniel_Bingamon]

The Crwth is a Welsh lyre that is played with a bow. It has two strings that are drones and an unfretted fingerboard in the center. The strings are arranged flat, not arched like the violin.

Someone here on C&F had a signature line that said "The Crwth will set you free", so I wondered what a Crwth is and it does sound good enough to set you free.

Some samples:
http://www.fflach.co.uk/cms/fflachaudio/crwth/01.mp3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZGzGlhr ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-qxRnYnQNM

http://tripatlas.com/Crwth
So that's the Crwth and nothing but the Crwth.

[djm]

It sounds a lot like the hurdy gurdy. No doubt there is some relationship lost back in the mists of time.

djm

[Cayden]

It sounds a lot like the hurdy gurdy. No doubt there is some relationship lost back in the mists of time.

djm

Nah, a hurdy gurdy looks like this:

[djm]

What it looks like and the grinding noise it makes are separate issues. Of the samples provided, I find a great similarity in the sound of these two instruments.

djm

[SteveK]

Nah, a hurdy gurdy looks like this:

An ancient Stroh hurdy gurdy, played in that venerable combination of Stroh hurdy gurdy and Stroh ukulele,

[Cayden]

Don't forget the fiddle

[Innocent Bystander]

Damn. I forgot the fiddle.

Sounds like an interesting project, Daniel. Cigar-boxes are a useful resource. Sadly I don't see many of them here in my beardy guardian-reading, sandal-wearing, smokeless UK home.

If I had one (or two) I might be inclined to make a psaltery. Not one of those hogshead yokes that Weeks plays, but a wee one.

It's probably a good thing I don't have any. I can just hear what Mrs Bystander would say...

[hyldemoer]

Daniel, I say go for it.

Someone here on C&F had a signature line that said "The Crwth will set you free", so I wondered what a Crwth is and it does sound good enough to set you free.

Are you looking for a discussion of the interplay between notes presented by the drones and achievable by the fingered strings as they relate to the pathways of Chi/prana through Meridians of Energy/Nadis theorized in the human body,
how things resonate with chakras,
or what is interpreted as acupuncture points,
or what?

Or am I reading too weird stuff much into your question?

[dubhlinn]

Don't forget the fiddle

I had the dubious pleasure of having one of them things under my chin once upon a time.

Ted Fureys house in Ballyfermot, way back then.

I was about fifeteen years old and he said to me..." I don't know whats worse..the shape of the thing or the way you're playing it"..

Good days and happy memories..

Slan,
D.

[Daniel_Bingamon]

Are you looking for a discussion of the interplay between notes presented by the drones and achievable by the fingered strings as they relate to the pathways of Chi/prana through Meridians of Energy/Nadis theorized in the human body,
how things resonate with chakras,
or what is interpreted as acupuncture points,
or what?

Or am I reading too weird stuff much into your question?

I don't want to build something might destroy up the world, but the right sequence of notes might alter your perception of reality.

I just wanted to see how much is known about the instrument. There's plenty of stuff on the internet about it. Is there anyone here who has played one?

[hyldemoer]

There's plenty of stuff on the internet about it.

At the tripatlas site there's a video where its explained to Rachel Barton Pine. I was hoping we'd get an opportunity of her giving it a try. http://tripatlas.com/videoplay/WNG_oNzziZA
I've only heard her play (violin) once in person (when she was invited on stage at a Darol Anger concert) and it was an OMG! experience.

Is there anyone here who has played one?

Don't I wish! Properly built it seems a thing one would study violin (with influences of East Indian music and Ayurvedics) for years before attempting.

Any Hedge-rider who says they aren't interested is lying.

[Lambchop]

Don't forget the fiddle

Nor the dress.