The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that looks like a mechanical violin. Instead of a bow, it uses a rosined wooden wheel turned by a crank to vibrate the strings. This creates a continuous, drone-heavy sound similar to bagpipes. The player uses a small keyboard to press 'tangents' against the melody strings to change the pitch. It also features 'drone strings' that provide a constant background note and a 'buzzing bridge' (called the trompette) that creates a rhythmic buzzing sound when the crank is turned with a specific pulse. Originally a medieval church instrument, it became a popular folk instrument across Europe, especially in France and Hungary. In recent years, it has seen a massive resurgence in folk-metal and experimental music due to its unique, gritty, and mechanical timbre.