UGears Hurdy-Gurdy Mechanical Models 3D Wooden Puzzle Hurdy-Gurdy Instrument NEW

First invented in medieval times, the hurdy-gurdy is a violin-like instrument that uses a crank and keys to produce a continuous sound. It is thought to be the first mechanical musical instrument. The hurdy-gurdy is fairly simple to play, requiring merely consistent cranking and fingering to create a classic tone hearkening back to Scottish step dances and joyous festivals. It can be played by one or two people and has a number of variations to allow for musical variety. Since the parts fully interlock, no glue is required, so simply follow the instruction manual to remove the pre-cut pieces from their plywood sheets and gently click them together. As it is played, display windows allow an excellent view of the gears as they work the bow and keys. Mechanical enthusiasts and puzzling experts can enjoy the challenge of assembling the pieces into a lovely and functional model. The aesthetically minded can't help but admire the elegant craftsmanship and the plucky notes. Music is played on two strings that are simple to tune. Buttons and switches control which strings are being played, and keys control the tones, resulting in a violin-like sound. After completion, the hurdy-gurdy is perfect as a lap instrument or display piece. SPECIFICATIONS Size: 15.7 x 8.7 x 6.5 in Estimated time of assembly: 4-5 hours Difficulty level: Intermediate Number of parts: 292 Recommended Age: 14+