Mexican vihuela

[Freeman Keller]

This charming little instrument is a Mexican vihuela, commonly played as part of mariachi bands.

 

 

It has a deeply vaulted back

 

 

and five nylon strings, tuned like a guitar except the 3rd, 4th and 5th are an octave higher (like a 12 string). It has four or five tied nylon frets - this one was missing a fret and the owner wanted me to replace it. I spent some time looking at lute and saz frets and tied five new ones made out of 40 pound test fishing line.

 

 

The instrument is owned by our high school which has a mariachi music program - our local band is well known for its command of that style of music. It was a rare treat to work with them on this little instrument - with luck I'll get to do more for them.

 

 

[jamesp]

Looks to be in beautiful condition for a HS instrument.

[DeepEnd]

Cool. I've never been close enough to touch one, much less play it.

[guitarcapo]

I just bought a "mandolinetto" on Ebay that I plan on repairing. Here's some pics. It's solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides with a solid spruce top.

 

I plan on replacing the fretboard with a more ornate pearl encrusted ebony one. Refret. Go over the finish with new French polish. Replace the binding. Basically overhaul it. I might even take the top off and work the bracing.

 

 

 

 

 

[Emory]

Cool stuff. Really lovely. Now when my top swells due to humidity I will just say it is "vaulted"... haha.