Charango — Lutherie Encyclopedia

CharangoType: instrumentA small South American stringed instrument with five double courses, traditionally made with an armadillo shell back, central to Andean folk music.## History The charango originated in the Andean regions of Bolivia and Peru during the colonial period, likely in the 17th or 18th century, as indigenous musicians adapted the Spanish vihuela to local materials and musical traditions. The instrument is most associated with Bolivia, which considers the charango part of its national cultural heritage. Traditionally, the back of the charango was made from the shell of an armadillo (quirquincho), though modern instruments are predominantly wooden. The charango was historically a rural folk instrument but was adopted by urban musicians in the mid-20th century and became central to the nueva canción and Andean folk music movements. Artists like Jaime Torres and groups like Los Kjarkas brought the charango to international audiences. ## Construction The charango is a small instrument, typically about 26 inches in total length with a scale length of approximately 14.5 inches. Traditional charangos used a dried armadillo shell for the back, but modern instruments are predominantly carved from a single block of wood or constructed with bent sides like a miniature guitar. Ten strings are arranged in five courses of two. The top is typically spruce, cedar, or a local Andean wood. The neck is short and wide relative to the body, with metal frets. The bridge is a simple glued affair, and tuning machines are either friction pegs or modern geared tuners. The body is quite shallow, contributing to the instrument's bright, trebly character.…