Portuguese Cavaquinho

We find this Portuguese cavaquinho genuinely hard to put down once you pick it up. The open-pore finish lets the wood breathe naturally, and that characteristic triple-aperture soundhole gives it a voice that feels both bright and focused. If you have been curious about the instrument that helped give birth to the ukulele, this is a wonderful place to start that conversation. Construction & Materials The top is solid spruce, chosen for its well-established balance of stiffness and responsiveness. Sapelli back and sides complement the spruce with a warm, slightly punchy low-mid character. The open-pore finish allows the wood to vibrate as freely as possible, which is a deliberate choice that benefits tone over appearance. The mustache-style wooden bridge and slotted headstock with gold-toned tuners are both functional and true to the traditional Portuguese aesthetic. The fretboard carries approximately 12 frets to the body join and seats four strings in the classic cavaquinho configuration. #Frets: 12 Scale length: 13.25 inches Nut width: 1.375 inches Overall length: 22 inches Sound & Playability The solid spruce top rewards even modest playing with a clear, cutting tone that projects well in both intimate and ensemble settings. The scale length sits comfortably between a ukulele and a small guitar, making chord shapes accessible without feeling cramped. Because this instrument is closely related to the cavaquinho traditions of Lisbon and Porto, it responds particularly well to the rhythmic strumming patterns of fado accompaniment, though players drawn to choro, folk, or world music will find it equally at home. About This Instrument The Portuguese cavaquinho is widely regarded as one of the direct ancestors of the Hawaiian ukulele, brought to the islands by Portuguese sailors and laborers in the late nineteenth century. The instrument has remained central to fado and Portuguese folk traditions, valued for its compact size and penetrating treble voice. This example from APC reflects that heritage faithfully, featuring the distinctive triple-aperture soundhole design associated with the regional Boca de Raia style. Care & Maintenance Because this cavaquinho has an open-pore finish, it is more sensitive to humidity fluctuations than instruments with a thick lacquer coat. Store it in a case when not in use and aim to keep relative humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Wipe down the strings and fretboard with a clean dry cloth after each session. The tuning machines benefit from an occasional drop of light machine oil at the gear housing. If the open-pore surface shows minor scuffs over time, a light application of lemon oil on the unfinished wood surfaces can help condition and protect them.