String instrument String instrument String instruments, stringed instruments, or chordophones are musical instruments that produce sound from vibrating strings when the performer plays or sounds the strings in some manner. Musicians play some string instruments by plucking the strings with their fingers or a plectrum—and others by hitting the strings with a light wooden hammer or by rubbing the strings with a bow. In some keyboard instruments, such as the harpsichord, the musician presses a key that plucks the string. With bowed instruments, the player rubs the strings with a horsehair bow, causing them to vibrate. With a hurdy-gurdy, the musician operates
The Hurdy Gurdy Man The Hurdy Gurdy Man The Hurdy Gurdy Man is the sixth studio album (seventh overall) by Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan. It was released in the US in October 1968 (Epic Records BN 26420 (stereo)), but not in the UK, because of a continuing contractual dispute that also prevented "Sunshine Superman" and "Mellow Yellow" from being released there. A songbook of lead sheets to the album was nonetheless issued in both countries. Donovan wrote and recorded much of "The Hurdy Gurdy Man" in late 1967, not long after recording the songs that would form "A Gift from a Flower to a Garden".