• "De Piezas" - (built by shaping and bending each individual part of the instrument- very much so like building a classical guitar) This type of cuatro has appointments on the top complementing those of the rosette. The back of the cuatro is inlayed with simple lines to complement the instruments overall construction theme. As a special order the back of the instrument can be inlayed with the same appointments used for the top. As a limited option we can make a custom rosette for you with "guiros and maracas". The fingerboard can have either flat fingering surface or it may have a slight curvature on its surface, similar to that of American steel string guitars. This arch or curvature on the surface of the fingerboard would enable the player easier execution of the notes due to the natural curvature of the fingers. There are many other options possible, its all up to the client, you decide what you want and we can discuss what we can do.

  "Enterizo" - (made from one solid piece of wood where the body is hollowed out, neck and body are from same slab of wood) This type of cuatro has appointments on the top complementing those of the rosette. The back of the cuatro has its edges rounded off to impart a soft and aesthetically pleasing look. As a special order, the back of the instrument can be inlayed with the same appointments used for the top.

  Cuatro Enterizo de Laurel	Cuatro Enterizo de Roble

  The electronic amplification system of choice for any of my instruments is by Fishman. All of the pickups provided by Fishman are of superb quality. The acoustic reproduction of these pickups is unequaled and "feedback" problems…what is that? I highly recommend using Fishman pickups but if you have another choice I will gladly install it to your instrument.

   

• Classical Guitars and Requintos

  The classical guitar is built using East Indian Rosewood with Western red cedar or Spruce tops. The traditional guitar is built with the most demanding musicians in mind. As special order the classical guitars may be built using traditional woods from Puerto Rico or other parts of the world like Guaraguao, Laurel, Cypress, KOA and many others.

  The requinto is for the "Musico de Trio" (Trio musicians) built same way as classical guitar. As special order the requintos may be built using traditional woods from Puerto Rico or other parts of the world like Guaraguao, Laurel, Cypress, Curly maple, KOA and many others.

   

• The Venezuelan Cuatro

  This is a beautiful instrument, perfect companion for the musician playing "llaneras and joropos." Traditional measurements are used. Instruments constructed from East Indian Rosewood or traditional woods from PR. The instrument top is of Spruce. Delicately worked to obtain the highest volume and beautiful sound.

   

• Puerto Rican Tres, Cuban Tres, Tiple, Bordonúa and reproduction of antique traditional instruments from Puerto Rico.

Please send an email describing the instrument you
 are interested in and I will reply to you as soon as possible.
info@riverainstruments.com