Best Vihuela & Best Vihuela Brands
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The Vihuela is a string instrument similar to the guitar, which first appeared in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, around the 15th or 16th century. This instrument feature 5 or 6 strings, each string being actually a double string, usually utilized by Spanish Mariachi in their performances.
The sounds produced by the vihuela resemble the ones produced by a tenor guitar, as it is smaller in size and, therefore, can produce a higher pitch. Because of is smaller dimensions and high notes, the Spanish choose the word “vihuela” to name this instrument because the sounds it makes you think more about a violin and not a guitar.
Another aspect worth mentioning is that the vihuela is not used on its own for playing a song, like a guitar would, as it is an instrument use more for accompanying other instruments, like the Guitarrón, which is another string instrument. The vihuela is supposed to provide syncope and rhythm to a song, while the Guitarrón or guitar is the leading instrument.
What are the Best Vihuelas to Buy?
If you are interested in purchasing a vihuela, then you must know that this instrument is made of wood, just like traditional guitars do. But, if a guitar will have a straight back, the vihuela will have a slightly rounded back.
The strings are made out of nylon, which is tightly stretched on the instrument. Also, the G, D, and A strings are tuned one octave higher than the way guitars are tuned, precisely for giving this instrument the tenor sounds it ended up being so popular for. Of course, the tension of the strings can be adjusted according to the desired sounds and performance of the instrument.
So, it is worth taking a look at all these details and checking out a vihuela closely before buying it, if you want to make sure that it is the real thing. For this, it would be best to get your instrument from reliable providers.
Still, the choice does depend on your budget and how much you are willing to invest in a vihuela. Thus, take the time to search for the ideal instrument and don’t rush into purchasing an instrument without checking it closely.
5 Best Vihuela Reviews and the Best Vihuela Brands
1) Jimenez LV2 El Quetzal Viuela, Rosewood Fingerboard
This is a beautifully designed and created vihuela, made out of gorgeous rosewood on its neck while the sides feature mahogany and maple. What’s so special about this vihuela is that it was designed by H. Jimenez, a reputable vihuela player, so that the instrument is capable of answering to the requirements of professional vihuela performers.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that it is not suitable for beginners, as the perfectly clear sounds it provides are ideal for allowing you to get used to the actual sounds of a vihuela.
In other words, a high-quality instrument will teach you how to play it correctly right from the start. Another aspect that recommends this vihuela for beginners is the presence of double attached straps and chrome straps pins for them, which are usually requested by Mariachi teachers for the instruments of their students.
So, besides getting a practical instrument, you will also get a beautiful one at the same time, with tuners shaped like a butterfly, ideal for tuning the instrument with ease.
Just remember that because this is a handmade instrument, you will have to tune it after you receive it, as the strings come attached but they are not adjusted properly. Besides this aspect, this vihuela is great to have.
2) Lucida LG-VH1 Viheula with Bag
In case you are looking for a vihuela that is slightly more accessible, in terms of price, then it is worth checking this one out. Vihuelas as not cheap instruments because they are made out of wood and not plastic or other modern materials.
This is what makes them so special, but it is also the reason they cost several hundreds of dollars. With a rounded back, performed in a classic manner, and beautiful half-herringbone purfling, this vihuela is a nice apparition.
The strings are made in Mexico, according to the best standards concerning vihuela strings, so you can be sure that the instrument will sound as it should. If you are looking to offer a vihuela as a gift, then the fact that this one comes with a bag can be rather useful. This way, you will get the instrument and a protective bag at the same time.
Other particularities include a fingerboard and nut made out of soft rosewood, while the neck and top are made out of nato. This beautiful instrument has all it needs to be an authentic vihuela, so, depending on what you’ll looking for, there aren’t any reasons not to seriously consider purchasing it.
3) Paracho Elite Vihuela with Gig Bag
Every vihuela player would like to have an instrument that does not just perform well, but also looks great at the same time. During a gig, the sounds count the most, but the looks also have a purpose, especially when we are talking about Mariachi.
So, we can say that this instrument was made with them in their mind, as this instrument presents beautiful details and can help you perform at the highest standards. Beautifully decorated and made out of the best types of wood, this vihuela it a great addition to the string instrument collection of any music enthusiast or can represent a great choice for a beginner in this field.
If quality and attention to details is what is most important for you, then you will not regret if you choose this particular instrument. Most certainly it will not disappoint you and you will be able to throw great gigs no matter where you go.
While it is true that the vihuela is not a primary instrument during a performance, the success of the performance depends on a vihuela, due to its tempo and rhythm. This is why having a high-quality instrument counts in a great deal.
4) Paracho Elite Vihuela
If you like instruments with a bold and obvious character, then you need to take a look at this one. This is the kind of vihuela that screams “Mexico” each time you will lay your eyes on it. The types of wood used for its making are the authentic types used for making traditional vihuelas, so you can be sure that this instrument will not just look as it should, as it will also sound as it should.
Thus, with a top made out of tacote, back and sides made out of cedar, and a Granadillo fingerboard, this vihuela has everything it needs to steal your eyes and heart. Besides this, the soundhole features and beautiful decorative rosette while the edges of the instrument are made in the same note, for a spectacular overall look.
Also, a vaulted back, a characteristic specific to vihuelas, will ensure that the instrument will produce resonating sounds. So, yes, this vihuela is not just beautiful, but more than capable of providing an amazing performance each time.
You will also get a gig bag made out of nylon together with the instrument, so you will be able to carry the vihuela with ease from one gig to another.
5) Paracho Don Cortez VIHUELA modelo Cessar
This is a gorgeous handmade vihuela that will definitely make an impression no matter where you choose to play it. It has the looks and the ability to produce beautiful sounds. Made in Mexico, you can be sure of the authenticity of this instrument.
Starting with the types of wood chosen for its making and going to the design and method of making, everything respects the traditions of making a vihuela. Thus, the body of the instrument is made out of cirimo wood, while the top is made out of Canadian pine and the diapason is made out of granadillo.
So, if you are looking for an original, Mexican, handmade instrument, this vihuela is exactly what you need. You can be sure that the sounds made with this instrument are more than what you expect, as traditionally made instruments are always capable of delivering stunning performances.
But, because it is an instrument made by hand, you will need to check the tuning of the strings when it arrives, as they may not be properly tuned. This is due to the fact that handmade instruments are not touched by any kind of machines, so you will have to reach the desired level of tuning according to your preferences.
Choosing the Best Vihuela from the Best Vihuela Brands
Finding the ideal vihuela is not an easy choice because they all seem to look the same. You cannot make a vihuela out of anything else but wood, so there are slight differences concerning the type of wood used.
So, yes, it may be hard to make up your mind when it comes to deciding upon the desired instrument. Probably the fact that it is handmade will count, as handmade instruments are always unique instruments, although they are also more expensive than the ones made in series.
Thus, even if you would like a handmade instrument, the budget may turn out to be problematic. In the end, it is up to you how much you are willing to spend on such an instrument.
If you are a professional vihuela player or you’re working hard on becoming one, then investing in a more expensive vihuela is not a bad idea at all, as you need a pleasant and reliable instrument at your side.