Furthermore, because of its "trumpet" and bourdon strings, the hurdy-gurdy also allowed a bunch of extra sound effects. It has been called the "synthesizer of t

Furthermore, because of its "trumpet" and bourdon strings, the hurdy-gurdy also allowed a bunch of extra sound effects. It has been called the "synthesizer of the middle ages". The hurdy-gurdy also allows some variation by using more or less force when pressing the keys. This may also be the case with the viola organista, although I suspect less so.