Here’s a list of the most common questions I receive while performing.

Not finding what you’re looking for? You can always ask me directly through my Contact page.

Q: What is that instrument called?

A: It’s called a Hurdy Gurdy!

Q: A Hurdy Gurdy?

A: Yes. A Hurdy Gurdy.

Q: Is that real or did you invent it?

A: That’s a weird way to phrase that, but no, the Hurdy Gurdy actually dates back to about the tenth century! It was widely used between the 11th and the 15th centuries as a dance instrument, and just about every European country had one version or another. However, by the time of the renaissance it fell out of fashion because it couldn’t really do this newfangled “complex chord progression” everybody was going on about, and it fell by the wayside as a beggar’s instrument.

Q: Wow. So it’s kind of like an accordion right?

A: It does sort of fill the same musical niche, but because it’s the first stringed instrument to have a keyboard applied to it, it’s actually the *inhale* great great great great great GREAT grandfather of the piano, believe it or not! The Crank drives the wheel, the wheel bows the strings, the strings are stopped by the keys, which makes the music. So it’s basically a Keytar that run on the same physics as a violin!

Q: Do you do weddings/parties/events?

A: Yes I do! Feel free to send me an email through the Contact form for a no obligation consultation and we can chat a little about what you’ve got in mind.

Q: I saw you out at a festival, but I didn’t have any cash. Is there any way I can tip with a card?

A: Absolutely! You can leave a secure tip using Paypal or Venmo by clicking the links here or by finding @earlthebard directly in the apps.