Guitarra de Coimbra

January 30, 2019 6:47 PM

Is it possible to buy a Guitarra de Coimbra in the U.S.?

Love that headstock (as opposed to the Guitarra de Lisboa).

posted by falsedmitri to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

Here's a used one.
posted by jonathanhughes at 7:33 PM on January 30, 2019

German retailer Thomann offers several models, though they sometimes go out of stock temporarily. I believe they're made in Romania by a company called Hora. Thomann ships to the US for something like $35 usd, which strikes me as reasonable, all things considered, and they seem to be a reputable retailer.

Have no idea where to find Portugese made instruments the US. The only ones I've ever seen in shops were in pretty regrettable condition.
posted by 2N2222 at 8:59 PM on January 30, 2019

I don't know where you are but I'm relatively certain I saw one of these at Timbre in west Berkeley. Neat store, all kinds of instruments.
posted by Smearcase at 10:21 PM on January 30, 2019

Try Lark In The Morning
posted by SystematicAbuse at 7:24 AM on January 31, 2019

Try calling guitar shops and luthiers in Rhode Island (Providence or Warwick) or SE Massachusetts (Fall River) where there are lots of Portuguese communities. A lot of folks buy them as souvenirs - they are quite affordable in Portugal - but give up on them. The instrument - with its unique stringing and tuning and its curved fretboard - is not that flexible in adapting to any music besides Fado. But they look great hanging on guitar shop walls.
posted by zaelic at 10:56 AM on January 31, 2019