Brazilian Cavaquinho

We were drawn to this Brazilian Cavaquinho the moment we held it — the open-pore finish gives it a raw, honest feel that you just don't find at this level, and the solid spruce top has a clarity and responsiveness that immediately sets it apart. It sits comfortably in hand thanks to its compact proportions, and there's a liveliness to the strings that makes you want to keep playing. This is the kind of instrument that earns its place in a serious collection while remaining genuinely approachable for players just discovering the cavaquinho tradition. Construction & Materials The top is crafted from solid spruce, a tonewood prized across instrument families for its bright projection and long-term tonal development. The back and sides are built from Sapelli, a wood closely related to mahogany in density and resonance, offering a warm and well-balanced sonic character. The open-pore finish allows the wood to breathe naturally and gives the instrument an authentically handcrafted appearance. An ornate rosette surrounds the soundhole, and white binding frames the spruce top with a clean, traditional look. The slotted headstock is shaped from a lighter contrasting wood and fitted with a set of tuning machines for reliable tuning stability. Overall length: 23 inches Scale length: 14 3/4 inches Nut width: 1 3/8 inches Body depth: 3 inches Sound & Playability The Brazilian cavaquinho is the foundational rhythm instrument of choro and samba, and this instrument delivers the bright, cutting tone those styles demand. The solid spruce top responds quickly to light strumming and fingerpicking, producing a crisp attack with pleasing sustain. Despite its smaller size the instrument is easy to navigate even for hands accustomed to larger instruments. The 3-inch body depth contributes to a full, resonant projection without adding unnecessary bulk. Players exploring Brazilian music traditions will find this cavaquinho well-suited to both rhythmic strumming patterns and single-note melodic lines. About This Instrument The cavaquinho is a four-string instrument with deep roots in Portuguese and Brazilian musical culture. The Brazilian variant evolved distinctly from its Iberian ancestors and became a cornerstone of urban popular music in Rio de Janeiro, where it drives the harmonic and rhythmic core of choro ensembles and samba groups. APC is a respected maker of Iberian and Latin American stringed instruments, bringing traditional lutherie methods to instruments built for working musicians and enthusiastic learners alike. This model, the Brazilian Cavaquinho from APC, represents a considered entry into that tradition with quality materials and authentic construction at its foundation. Care & Maintenance Store the cavaquinho in a case or on a wall mount away from direct sunlight and heating vents. Wood instruments are sensitive to humidity fluctuations; aim to maintain relative humidity between 45 and 55 percent, and use a small humidifier in drier climates or during winter months. Wipe down the strings and body after each playing session with a soft dry cloth. The open-pore finish does not require special polish; avoid silicone-based products. Periodically check the tuning machines for any looseness and tighten the mounting screws gently if needed. Have the instrument set up by a qualified luthier if the action or intonation requires adjustment.