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.

Date Made: 1999-2000

Maker: Avilés Vázquez, Rafael

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Puerto Rico

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Guitars, Artifact Walls exhibit

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2001.0014.02Accession Number: 2001.0014Catalog Number: 2001.0014.02

Object Name: cuatro

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 inpart: scale length: 51.5 cm; 20 9/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-d7a7-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_764513

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