This cuatro was made by Rafael Aviles Vazquez in Puerto Rico in 1999-2000. A type of plucked 10-string instrument (5 courses, double-strung), it is now ubiquitous in most groups playing any kind of Puerto Rican music. It is used in the manner of a first guitar: to play melodies and to “floretear” or accompany singing. The instrument is used today in salsa orchestras and plena music groups and is, of course, the king of Puerto Rican country music.
Avilés Vázquez Cuatro
- Description
- This cuatro was made by Rafael Aviles Vazquez in Puerto Rico in 1999-2000. A type of plucked 10-string instrument (5 courses, double-strung), it is now ubiquitous in most groups playing any kind of Puerto Rican music. It is used in the manner of a first guitar: to play melodies and to “floretear” or accompany singing. The instrument is used today in salsa orchestras and plena music groups and is, of course, the king of Puerto Rican country music.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Avilés Vázquez, Rafael
- date made
- 1999-2000
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- metal (strings material)
- Measurements
- overall: 85.5 cm x 28.5 cm x 9.5 cm; 33 11/16 in x 11 1/4 in x 3 3/4 in
- part: scale length: 51.5 cm; 20 9/32 in
- Object Name
- cuatro
Cuatro
