Mexico
Mexican

Woods, metal, nylon
Early 21st century
Length: 35.5 in; Width: 12.75 in; Depth: 4.25 in

Chordophone – Lute – Plucked

A handmade Mexican mariachi classic guitarra de golpe with an unlacquered spruce top which produces rich overtones that have become a favorite among finger style players.  There are 5 strings, a mosaic mother-of-pearl inlay rosette, with wood marquetry and  purfling on the curved edges of this classic hourglass body design.  This guitarra de golpe labeled  Don Cortez,  has frets made of metal and at the top are tied on nylon frets.  The vihula has all tied on nylon frets.     

The Mexican mariachi possibly emerged in Cocula, Jalisco, as a form of adoration of the natives to the Virgin of the Pila.  These native people were trying to imitate the sounds and instruments of the Spanish friars who evangelized them through music. The traditional mariachi group that emerged in the late 17^th and early 18^th century were predominantly string instruments.  It was comprised of violins, the guitarra de golpe (a five-string guitar), vihuelas (a smaller version of a classical guitar), harp and the Mexican six-string bass guitar or upright contrabass. Trumpets were not added until the early 20th century, but they are now more or less an essential element. At first, mariachi music consisted of local or regional sones (instrumental music), but soon after, performances began to include vocals.