Object Details
maker
Avilés Vázquez, Rafael
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
date made
1999-2000
ID Number
2001.0014.02
accession number
2001.0014
catalog 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 in
part: scale length: 51.5 cm; 20 9/32 in
place made
Puerto Rico
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Guitars
Artifact Walls exhibit
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_764513