Tan says nacre, or mother-of-pearl, and animal bones are used as decorations on handmade violins. Photos: Andrew Tan
Despite it being his first attempt at making a hurdy gurdy from scratch, Andrew Tan won the top prize at a competition recently, much to his own surprise.
A hurdy gurdy is a medieval European instrument and Italy-based luthier Tan clinched the gold award for his replication of the instrument at the Malta International Baroque Instruments Competition in January.
Tan says nacre, or mother-of-pearl, and animal bones are used as decorations on handmade violins. Photos: Andrew Tan
A lot of dedication, tears and sweat went into creating this award-winning hurdy gurdy.
The value of a bespoke instrument with personal touches comes with a high price.
Tan is passionate about recreating medieval instruments and unveiling the background of ancient luthiers.
Tan is a member of a choir group that specialises in medieval music using ancient style instruments. In the group, he sings and plays the medieval vielle, which he built.
The value of a bespoke instrument with personal touches comes with a high price.
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