Analog electronic hurdy-gurdy, help with idea?

[MatthewVanitas]

Lots of awesome ideas so far, though the whole crank issue is taking it a different direction than I want for my own piece.

Mine is as much a shruti/harmonium or bagpipe as it is hurdy-gurdy, so incorporating the crank as a gimmick isn't as crucial to me.

I did get a collaboration offer from a member here, with a very reasonable quote, so I'll get with him and figure out what components and level of fit/finish that quote entails.

If he does end up building for me, I hope he'll drop back in here and update folks as it progresses!

This is an awesome forum, exactly what I was looking for. I don't have the engineering background to appreciate (or understand) the mechanics behind most of these devices, but I do enjoy all the interesting musical aspects.

[blue hell]

Good to read, hope it will work out well !

[Nalaregeork]

How about just make it a controller and let the synth be external so...

My impression is that most, most, Hurdy Gurdy's consist of three strings and a bow wheel. Two strings are drone? and one is for melody...
So build something with resistive ribbons and add keys to touch individual notes on the ribbon in key we hope then again... nevermind
Add some sort of mouse pad/kaos pad in place of the normal wheel and when you move your finger around on the pad it is the equivalent of rotating the wheel. You probably add some expressive capability via the kaos pad. Something along the lines of small circles alter the voice one way and big circular motion does something else. The pad could also control some BPM attribute of the wheel simulation.

Oh well I am not in the mood to build it for you but if someone likes any portion of my suggestion feel free

Take a look at this video maybe it will clarify just what I meant
Continuum Fingerboard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ10XbL5qVw

PS: Perhaps you could substitute a joy stick in place of a pad be a bit cheaper and achieve similar results...