Nothing soothes the soul quite like good music.

Last week, Oxford residents were thrilled to listen to the sounds and songs produced by a hurdy-gurdy at the Oxford Public Library.

A hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument which dates back to medieval times that produces sound by a hand crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings.

The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin.

Metamora-based Hurdy Gurdy Crafters gave the demonstration last Thursday, where Oxford residents had the chance to get an up-close look at the hurdy-gurdy and learn more about this unique instrument.

Nearly 20 people gathered around to listen to songs played by the historical instrument in the library’s Atrium that evening, enjoying old favorites like “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Amazing Grace” along with hurdy-gurdy classics such as “Chypre (Cypress)”.

Ann and Ned Dorries, of Metamora-based Hurdy Gurdy Crafters build and ship parts, kits, and custom-built instruments around the world.

Ned said he first fell in love with the hurdy-gurdy ten years ago while attending the Dulcimer Players festival in Evart, Michigan.

After he heard an unusual sound carrying throughout the campground, he followed the music and discovered the hurdy-gurdy.

“The sound is really exceptional, and I was really just drawn to it,” said Ned.

That was the start of what has been a fulfilling journey, according to Ned.

He purchased his first hurdy-gurdy crafting kit following the Dulcimer Players festival but was disappointed by the poor quality that was found inside the kit.

He became inspired to create his own high-quality hurdy-gurdy kit and has been making them ever since.

While some hurdy-gurdy models are easier to pick up for beginners than others, the instrument can be enjoyed by everyone, Ned said.

“Since I already had an understanding of designing things I was fascinated by it and I knew we could make one and so I ordered a kit that was made by music makers that were very poorly designed, so I built it and sold it for cheap online just to get rid of it. Then we built our own and started making them much better… I love having the instruments work well and having people enjoy them,” said Ned.

The different models vary greatly in fullness and in sound, according to Ned, and can be crafted from a variety of different woods which can range from mahogany to spruce to cherry to maple lumbers. To learn more, visit hurdygurdycrafters.com.