For those seeking to capture the soul of Coimbra fado, the APC 305CB Portuguese Guitar stands as the perfect instrument. Crafted in Portugal by APC, a renowned name in traditional instruments, this guitar embodies the heritage and heartfelt emotion of student serenades and Portuguese musical tradition.
The APC 305CB is meticulously constructed using premium tonewoods. It features a solid spruce top, known for its responsiveness and clear tone, while the back and sides are crafted from mahogany, adding warmth and richness to the sound. These woods are expertly shaped by APC’s skilled artisans, ensuring a resonant and beautifully balanced instrument. The intricate metallic fan bracing beneath the soundboard is crucial for supporting the strings and achieving the distinct tuning required for authentic Coimbra fado performances.
The fingerboard is made from African blackwood, a dense and smooth wood that provides excellent playability and contributes to the guitar’s rich tonal character. At the headstock, the iconic teardrop-shaped volute immediately identifies this instrument as a true Coimbra guitar, a hallmark of the city’s musical identity.
Aesthetically, the APC 305CB is finished with an open pore treatment, which not only enhances the natural beauty of the woods but also allows the instrument to resonate more freely. Every detail, from the delicate scratchplate to the precisely placed frets, reflects the dedication and expertise of the luthiers at APC. Their commitment to quality ensures that each Portuguese guitar is a testament to their craft.
The Coimbra Portuguese guitar holds a special place among the family of fado guitars, distinct from its Lisbon and Porto counterparts. Compared to the Lisbon model, the Coimbra guitar boasts a larger body and a longer scale length. These features contribute to the deeper, more melancholic tones characteristic of Coimbra’s ballads. Furthermore, the Coimbra guitar is tuned a whole tone lower than the Lisbon tuning, specifically to A G D A G C (from highest to lowest string), lending itself perfectly to the poignant melodies of Conimbricense fado.
APC stands as Portugal’s largest musical instrument company, employing around 50 skilled individuals. Founded in 1976 by António Pinto Carvalho, APC has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting Portuguese musical traditions. By combining time-honored techniques with advanced manufacturing technologies, APC ensures each instrument possesses both authenticity and exceptional precision. The APC 305CB Portuguese Guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s an invitation to explore the heartfelt world of Coimbra fado and the beauty of Portuguese musical heritage.
Specifications:
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back and Sides: Laminated Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: African Blackwood
- Finish: Open Pore
APC’s expertise extends beyond Coimbra models, as they also produce Lisbon-style Portuguese guitars and a diverse range of other traditional Portuguese stringed instruments, solidifying their role in Portuguese musical culture.
Note: Portuguese traditional instruments, due to their artisanal nature, may exhibit slight variations in appearance compared to website images, particularly in decorative elements.
