FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
IS EVERYTHING I NEED INCLUDED IN THE KIT?
No. Nerdygurdy.nl is the only place to buy all-inclusive kits. All other licensed kit providers will supply you with the laser cut wood and/or 3D printed parts that are unique to the Nerdy Gurdy. You will need to purchase some common hardware, strings, and other parts. A list of these is found in the assembly instructions below. Overall, it is less expensive for you to purchase your kit in this fashion. You can expect to pay $75 for the hardware and strings, bringing your total kit to $360US as opposed to $350 Euro, which is basically $415US.
WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED?
No special tools are required. You will need screwdrivers, clamps, (you can get away with only 4 but 8 are recommended…more if you are able), an electric drill, sandpaper, utility knife, and blades.
WHAT OTHER SUPPLIES DO I NEED?
Wood glue (Titebond III is highly recommended), stain, and varnish of your choice. This instrument is not picky about finishes. Whatever finish you choose will not affect the sound quality. And even though hide glue is often used to build instruments, it’s not needed for the Nerdy Gurdy. PVA wood glue is the best for this purpose.
CAN I GET CUSTOM ENGRAVING ON MY WOODEN PARTS?
Absolutely. Contact me and we’ll work out a design that will be just for you. Additional cost based on extra machine time and time it takes to prepare the art. (Average $30)
I HAVE A 3D PRINTER. CAN I BUY JUST THE WOOD PARTS?
Yes! Absolutely. And I will send you the print parameters so that your parts will be exactly like what I would send. See Order page for pricing.
WHAT IF I CAN’T FIND ALL THE OTHER HARDWARE?
Send me a message and I will help you. I’m available to you through the entire build if you have problems or questions.
CAN I USE SAE (IMPERIAL) SIZE HARDWARE INSTEAD OF METRIC?
Yes. 8MM=5/16”, 2,5 X 13=#4 X ½”, 3,5 X 17=#6 X ¾”.
I CAN’T FIND METRIC SCREWS THAT ARE 13 & 17MM LONG. WHAT DO I DO?
In the US, they don’t sell the odd-numbered lengths of metric hardware. For 13mm, go up to 14mm and use 18mm rather than 17mm.
WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND INEXPENSIVE STRINGS?
Because during the process of setting up your Nerdy Gurdy, it’s quite common to break a string or 2. After it’s all set up and working nicely, you’ll want to purchase better strings.
WHY DOES THE NERDY GURDY USE TRIMMER LINE AND TENNIS RACKET STRINGS FOR THE TROMPETTES?
Because that’s what works the best for those particular strings. It’s easier to get the buzzing bridge to work correctly. People often try other strings but they come back to what’s recommended by the designer. Remember, just because something is inexpensive, doesn’t mean that it’s bad.
SHOULD I STAIN EVERYTHING BEFORE I BUILD THE KIT?
No. Wait until all of the body parts are glued and before the key box is attached to the body. The stain will keep the glue from bonding to the wood.
WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE AND GLUE SOMETHING WRONG?
No worries. PVA wood glue can be loosened by using a heat gun or decent blow-dryer. Scrape/sand off the old glue before gluing it correctly.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF BUILDING A NERDY GURDY?
Truing the wheel to be sure that it’s absolutely round BEFORE you apply your veneer. (video coming soon)
HOW DO I SET IT UP AND GET IT SOUNDING GOOD AFTER IT’S BUILT?
Please see the VIDEOS page for instructions on tuning the strings, tuning the tangents, applying cotton, and applying rosin to the wheel. Patience is the ABSOLUTE KEY to a wonderful sounding Nerdy Gurdy. Set it up correctly and it’s wonderful to listen to. Rush through that part and it sounds like you’re killing cats. 😉