humstrum

plural humstrums

1. countableuncountableAn instrument out of tune or rudely constructed.
2. countableuncountableA hurdy-gurdy.
3. uncountableMusic badly played, or poor singing.

   1 more example

   I was very much struck with a melancholy figure of a blind man, who was singing a song of love[…]"Here are two shillings for thee, my blind Cupid, for which you are not obliged to me, but to a noble gentleman who stands within five yards of you. So get into harbour, and make thyself warm, and keep thy humstrum for fairer weather."

   1801, Entertaining story-teller