People on the internets say he makes perfectly serviceable, no-frills hurdy-gurdies, which explains the price.
So hey, taneq, if you're reading- thanks for the heads up, which started me on the search for an affordable hurdy-gurdy. I'll let my neighbours know it's all the fault of someone on the internet :P
Thanks for pointing it out, I think I might actually give it a try. Cheers! :D