What instrument is this?

One of my friends showed me a youtube of The Battle of Evermore that Page & Plant did with some Indian musicians. TBH, although I adore Indian music, I think this is a terrible arrangement and version of the song.

Starting at 00:06 of the video linked below, there’s a guy playing a keyboard instrument with a hand crank. My friend was like, “Look at that! What is that?” I said, it’s a harmonium. But the wiki page on harmoniums (harmonia?) makes no mention anywhere of a crank.

So now I have to know. What is it?

Unless I’m completely high, I would say that’s a hurdy gurdy, man.

Looks like a Hurdy-Gurdy.

I just spent 45 minutes trying to figure this out only to be double ninja’d.

It’s a Hurdy-Gurdy.:slight_smile:

(OK maybe 20 minutes)

Oh yeah! Hurdy gurdy! I knew it started with “H.” lol. Thanks everyone!

:smiley: You made my day and I’m not even dressed yet.

Hurdy Gurdy, as has been mention. IIRC, they were still using it (live) at the Page Crowes show.

Here’s a really good explanation of how they work (a lot of this guy’s videos are really good).
In short, it’s probably most comparable to a violin.

[Moderating]
Moving from GQ to CS.

Want to make your own? A cool company (US Gears) makes a laser-cut model you can assemble.

Sounds pretty tinny, but it works… and looks cool!

ps: Thanks, Donovan. I can’t type the word Hurdy Gurdy without hearing it with way too much vibrato…

Soupy Sales joke: What do you call a strong canary cranking a music box?

A sturdy birdie with a hurdy-gurdy. :smiley:

To be fair, you’re not exactly going to confuse a regular sized hurdry gurdy with a hammond organ. They’re pretty tinny to begin with.