What is a Charango & What is it Made Of?
Not unlike a ukulele in size and appearance, the music of the charango has entertained many in South America for hundreds of years. Once fashioned from the shells of armadillos, the instrument has caught on globally as many musicians worldwide have featured its sound in their compositions.
History
The charango is thought to be a descendant of the stringed lute-like instruments brought by the Spanish conquistadors to South America in the 16th century.
Features
Traditionally made from armadillo shell and/or wood, the charango usually has ten strings, resembles a small guitar, and is about two feet long.
Geography
The charango comes from the Andes region of Peru and Bolivia, though musicians from all over the world, from Yehuda Glantz in Argentina to Bruce Cockburn in Canada, play the instrument today.
Tuning
The ten strings are divided into five pairs (double courses). The tuning of these courses is G,C,E,A,E.
Material
For environmental and durability reasons, most of today's charangos are no longer made from armadillo shells. Wood is used instead.
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