This is a very easy Hurdy Gurdy to set up and seems not to be bothered by humidity. I tune to D/G and C/C, use it mostly to accompany traditional English and Irish songs. It has a nice deep bass drone and a sweet warm chanter.
Helmut Siebert's website is www.saitenklang.de. Of his relationship with Siebert, John says "I've never met him, but we keep in touch via e-mail. He's most concerned that I am happy with this instrument". Artist Sue Russell has some lovely watercolors of Siebert in his studio on her website at www.hemlocks.com