Where could I buy a Cavaquinho?

[Nick T]

I will be staying in Carvoeiro at the end of June and when there would like to purchase an authentic Cavaquinho ( a Portugese small guitar similar to a ukulele).

Does anone know of anywhere I could maybe buy one in Carvoeiro? Or any music shops close to the town? Or if I would have to travel, perhaps where I could go to get one?

Thank you in advance.

Nick T

[laserblazer]

Portimao possibly. If I get a chance, I'll take a look.

[Nick T]

Thank you very much, that woud be appreciated.
I don't know if it is a popular instrument or not? From my brief research I assumed it was in Portugal?

Thanks again.

[steve]

I have never seen a cavaquinho here and had to google it to see what it looks like. It appears to be a ukulele body with a spanish guitar neck. The most common sight of acoustic guitars is at Fado events. Here the traditional spanish guitar provides a backing and the 12 string portuguese guitar (which looks like a large mandolin) provides the haunting individual notes and runs.

[maccasa]

My Architect is in a band and he plays one - do you want me to ask him for you?.

[Nick T]

I thought they might have been quite popular (obvioulsy only amoungst the locals) and maybe only if they were novelty instruments, sold in a few shops around Portugal?

But if your friend might know of a few places to buy one that would be appreciated. Obviously I don't have loads of money to spend on a top class instrument, but I would be interested.

Thanks alot.

Here's a video of some Cavaquinhos being played http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yByMQcNR ... re=related

[maccasa]

My Pal has just replied - the best shop he knows is in Albuferia - its called Musica da Festos and it is near Macdonalds - I believe its the one near the watches island - do you know that ?- if you go the back way to Albuferia - onto the wide road by the marina, you go up a hill to the Dolphin island, onto the dual carriageway, then down to the main junction where left is to the A22 and right is to the old town. Carry on up the hill, past Lidl and the fire station and the watches island is next - macdonalds is on the left just before so to the island and back round.

He also said he has heard of a good shop in Lagos but he has never been.

[Nick T]

Thank you very much, I appreciate you finding that out for me.
I don't know the area sadly as this trip will be my first time in Portugal, but I'm sure I can track the store down.

[maccasa]

Apologies - the shop is called Festa da musica. Its actually quite easy to find - go along the N125 to the Albuferia turn off N395 (past the Algarve Retail park and at the A22 juncn and ) go down to the main island (there are a couple of new ones now) where it is signposted to the old town (straight on) and rt to the marina. Turn left up the hill - past lidl - over the lights (2 sets) - past the Bombeiros on the left - you will see macdonalds on your left - go to the watches island turn round and come back - you can park easily by macdonalds. Evidently it is the only Mac's in Albuferia - surprise!

send me yr e mail address and I can send you a map.