Portuguese Guitarras--For Sale $900 and up

Ron with spruce face, solid rosewood "Severa" Model

As of March 2004 I have redesigned and upgraded our models of Portuguese guitarras. Each of these guitarras is made in Portugal. When they arrive in California I dress the frets and set up the action (see my photo essay on how I set up guitars, press here.

We have 2 different styles of Portuguese guitarras: the Lisboa and the Coimbra.

The Lisboa guitarra (Lisboa is the Portuguese word for Lisbon) has a scroll type head (which is much like a violin head. It has a string length of 440mm or 458mm which allows it to be tuned in the traditional fado tuning. The traditional fado tuning is: bb., aa, ee, Bb, Aa, Dd (1st to 12th string). This instrument is the typical guitarra used to accompany fado singing in Lisboa, and for playing Lisboa style variations.

Lisboa head

The Coimbra guitarra has a teardrop or shield type head design. It has a string length of 470mm or 490mm which allows it to be tuned in the Coimbra style which is: aa, gg, dd, Aa, Gg, Cc (1st to 12th string). This tuning is one full step below, that is, two frets lower, than the Lisboa tuning. This tuning is associated with the music and song of the University of Coimbra located in central Portugal which my wife and I attended during the summer of 1974. The Coimbra style of guitarra is linked to the instrumental music of Carlos and Artur Paredes, and to the student serenades. In recent years some Lisboa fado guitarists also have been using this longer scale instrument to accompany fado.

Coimbra Head

The Alfama model is a Lisboa style guitarra, it is named after an old district in Lisbon which is historically linked with fado. It has a solid spruce soundboard (face), rosewood fingerboard, laminated African sapele (a type of mahogany) back and sides, one piece bridge, scroll head, mother of pearl design rosette inlay.

With a hardshell case ($160), a string winder ($65), an extra set of strings ($15), special finger picks ($2 each), chord chart, and my set-up and fret dressing ($150), the price for the Alfama guitarra is $900. If you come to see me in Irvine, California I will also thrown in an introductory lesson on playing the Portuguese guitarra.

Alfama model

Alfama model back

The Severa model is a Lisboa style guitarra, it is named after the first famous fado singer. Maria da Severa who lived and loved in Lisboa (1820-1846). This guitarra has a solid spruce soundboard, ebony fingerboard, solid indian rosewood or solid maple back and sides, two piece bridge, mother of pearl design rosette inlay, carved back of head.

With a hardshell case ($160), a string winder ($65), an extra set of strings ($15), special finger picks ($2 each), the chord chart, my set-up and fret dressing ($150), the price for the Severa is $1600. If you come to Irvine, California I will even give you your first lesson on playing the Portuguese guitarra.

Severa Model Spruce face with rosewood back

Severa model back

Severa model with maple back (notice light colored head plate)

Severa model maple back

The Serenata model is a Coimbra style guitarra. It is named after the student serenade of the city of Coimbra. It has a solid spruce soundboard, ebony fingerboard, solid indian rosewood back and sides, two piece bridge. mother of pearl design rosette inlay.

With a hardshell case ($160), a string winder ($65), an extra set of strings ($15), special finger picks ($2 each), the chord chart, my set-up and fret dressing ($150), the price for the Severa is $1600. If you come to Irvine, California I will even give you your first lesson on playing the Portuguese guitarra.

Serenata model spruce face

Serenata model rosewood back

Hardshell case for Portuguese guitarra--it is only sold with our guitarras, it is not sold separately. The interior color varies some are dark red some are dark tan--I have no control over the color which we receive.

One piece bridge

Two piece bridge

Shipping is about $55 for Fedex ground service across the US (5 day), 3rd day air is about $110. These are just estimates--we will quote a precise freight price per shipment.

The Soares method book for learning Coimbra style is $85 and the Fado Portugues book by David Cohen for learning 26 famous fado is $34.95

Contact me below by e-mail or call 949-856-1537 for further information on Portuguese guitarras for sale.

• The action on these instrument is set-up by Ron Fernandez who also levels, re-crowns and polishes the frets. All of the guitarras I have seen from Portugal need additional work to make them play easily--the bridge and nut must be adjusted so the string height is appropriate and the frets must be leveled. Setting up a portuguese guitarra so it is easy to play is very time consuming--the labor for this work is $150.
• Retail prices includes custom case ($160), string winder ($65), special finger picks ($2 each), extra set of strings ($15), and Guitarra Magica instruction book ($20) in Portuguese, English and French).
• As of July 4, 2006 I have a number of guitarras in stock.
• I am working on a method book with DVD for the Lisbon style guitarra which I intend to finish in 2006. Keep checking our site.
• A Fado song book and a method for the Coimbra guitar are now available.

Playing the Portuguese Guitarra Lisbon Style (an Internet lesson)

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