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First off, I didn't know the hurdy-gurdy was an instrument, nor did I know it preceded this. Guess I really didn't pay attention to Donovan's lyrics…

I'm even more curious now. I want to know why this couldn't or wouldn't have been built before.

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Similar things were built. If you read German: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geigenwerk.

I don't. The English version [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geigenwerk] suggests the a hurdy-gurdy wheel is in constant contact with strings, while the viola organista allows for a large number of strings to lower on to the wheel, so individual notes strings and notes are played.

This seems like he moved technology forward, no?

The hurdy-gurdy has 4 drone strings and 2 for melodies, so it's a rather similar concept to bagpipes with regards how it plays.

Also interesting is the origin of the hurdy-gurdy, the Organistrum: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organistrum

Seems like it to me, too. Didn't think of that.

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