Hello: This morning by chance I discovered your UA-cam channel and after listening to some songs I subscribed. I love that there are people outside of Latin America who are fascinated by the magic of this instrument. Somewhere on your channel I read that you feel that it is an instrument that connects you with the universe and the whole. This happened to me the first time I heard it many years ago. I lived in Chile for 5 years and there I learned to play the charango a little (I bought one in Valparaíso). When I returned to Spain I had forgotten about it for a few years, but a year after the pandemic I returned to it. Shortly after, I discovered the ronroco and bought one during confinement. Work leaves me little free time to play these instruments, but the time I manage to find for it always rewards me and makes me find and feel at peace with myself, with others and with the universe. Good luck with your channel, delighted to have discovered you and greetings from Valencia (Spain).
Hi Cesar in Valencia (lovely city!), Thank you for writing & welcome to my channel, with the goal to share more magical charango-related content. I sure do feel that the charango connects us with ourselves and the cosmos (an extension of ourselves), with our strings gracefully expanding out in a SPIRAL, then back in to the center string. Delighted to hear you’ve returned to playing your charango and have got a ronroco too. Thanks so much also for the good luck, which I’ll gladly receive - and feel free to write if you have any special requests for future videos or song tutorials:) Cheers & blessings! p.s. Yes it’s interesting playing such an iconic Andean instrument not being from the Andes. I do so with deep reverence & respect - and am so grateful to have come across the charango on a visit to La Paz some 20 years ago, the charango our life-long ally!
@@CharangoWithMonique Hi Monique: I loved your words in response to mine. I am glad to see that you are perfectly aware of the connection of our own soul with the soul of the universe and the role that music and our favorite instruments play in it. In my case; mainly the ronroco, the charango and the guitar. I've had it in mind for some time now to make a split screen music video. Recordings can be made with people who are in different places (even countries) and I have discovered some really good ones on UA-cam. I am attaching this video that I think you are very likely to know: ua-cam.com/video/crXjkY1QBck/v-deo.html Where could I write to you if I have any special requests for future videos? I saw that you have Instagram and I also signed up to follow you. Greetings, blessings and my best wishes for your musical and personal future.
@@cesarsainz6846 Yes, the charango an extension of our soul and heart, a connection to the upper world and to our higher selves… Very cool idea about doing a split screen music video, this is my email : charangowithmonique@gmail.com - feel free to write me there with any ideas, requests and such. Delighted and open to collaborating! Many blessings to you as well on this magical path of music, life, charango and discoveries. Cheers!
Hi & good question! I would say it depends on your playing style and the sound you're lookin for. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all". I prefer a lower action because I play mostly ceremonial and medicine music - more fingerpicking, arpeggios and arrangements than strumming. If you like playing louder, projecting the sound, more strumming, chasquidos and such, you might like a higher action. If you have a chance to try various charangos and actions that would be the best. Hope this helps!
Hi there! So the first and the third are not for sale, the second one is (the Ayacucho-style flat back charango) Send me an email at monique@honeybird.net and I'll share the pricing with you, cheers💫
Sure thing, I use Aquila Corde Sugar strings (medium): aquilacorde.com/en/shop/modern-instrument-string-sets/south-america-instruments/sugar-spanish-instruments/sugar-charango/
Hi again! Here too, please send me an email and I'll share my rates, which are sliding scale in order to have the charango accessible to more people. EmaiL:monique@honeybird.net
Thanks for the video!! It's really useful, the only problem that I have is, that i haven't been able to find a store, retailer that sells them, can you recommend me a place or website? Thanks! 😊
Hi there! Where are you located? It can be quite a challenge to find a charango in many places. Right now at McCabe's Guitar Shop in LA they have a Villela charango for sale, for instance - and when possible it's so nice to check the instrument out in person before buying (though I realize not always possible). So I'll see if I can recommend a store or charango luthier near where you live...
@@CharangoWithMonique Hii! Thanks for answering, I'm located in Whittier, CA, I'm looking for a Charango Andean or Bolivian style the closest to that.. almost like the one that Inti Illimani uses 😄
Hey that's great@@jorgs9508! You might really like the one available at McCabe's. I'd recommend trying it out in person, or calling them directly for more info 310.828.4497 www.mccabes.com/ (mention I sent you). Also feel free to email me (monique@honeybird.net)and if timing aligns we could even meet up there and I can help you on your mission the charango you're looking for. Cheers!
Amateur luthier here. For the most part you offer great advice. But I will offer a couple counter points for people to consider when buying a charango (or any guitar-type instrument). While there are advantages to having a zero fret, there are also disadvantages. The biggest problem with zero fret is that since it is in constant contact with the strings, it will wear out, which affects action and intonation. They need to be replaced as often or more often than the other frets. It is much more difficult and expensive to replace the zero fret than a nut. Having a zero fret does not automatically make it a "better guitar". But for some players, the advantages make it worth it. If you will only play it once in awhile, not a big issue. If you play it all the time, something to think about. Also regarding wood, having a one piece top or back vs 2 piece has more to do with aesthetics than quality. With a two piece, look for book matched wood (the grain has a mirror image between the 2 pieces). A one-piece is often less expensive due to less labor involved. Neither is "better". But it will give a different aesthetic. A 2 piece that does NOT have a book matched set will likely be least expensive since the builder was using up smaller pieces that weren't useable for anything else. But again, that wont affect tone or quality, just the looks. Finally, regarding how tight the grain is, yes, that will affect tone. But again, it isn't a "quality" issue. Tighter closer grain will have a brighter sound, while grain with more space between will have a warmer, softer or mellower sound. Neither is necessarily "better". Just a personal preference. Different wood species will also have different tone qualities. So play several and listen to the differences and choose the one you like better. Don't choose one simply because it has close grain. A different one might sound better to you.
Thanks so very much for these interesting comments. I appreciate your time to leave them. Interesting food for thought, about the zero fret not necessarily being better. Also about the one piece or two for the body. In this life-long path with acoustic wood instruments, there is so much to learn and connect with. I had a talk the other day with my main luthier, based in La Paz, who uses one piece for the body (saying they actually arrive that way to him, in one full piece) I will share this awesome video recently made by charango.it showing his workshop and his process : ua-cam.com/video/ks2aW7t5hv4/v-deo.html Pretty cool to check out!! Thanks again, and may the exploration continue so we can have beautiful instrument & sounds!! Cheers
@@CharangoWithMonique Thanks for the video. It was very cool to see. I should clarify my original comment about one or two pieces of wood for the top or body. After re-reading it, I realized that my comment was not clear. A charango is small enough that the top is probably almost always one piece. With larger instruments, two pieces are more common, largely out of necessity. But I will also assume that on occasion you may see a two piece top on a charango. And if that is the case, it would have been done for aesthetic reasons and wouldn't make it a lesser quality. Secondly, regarding the back, my original comment was referring to the flat back style. For a flat backed charango, the construction methods are very different. I doubt you would ever see a flat backed charango that didn't have a separate piece of wood for the neck. And the fact that they are separate doesn't mean it's lesser quality. Just a different construction method. As for the curved back style, I assume that nearly all (if not all) are carved from one piece, including the neck. I do not have enough experience with charangos to know if 2 piece back/neck are available or not.
@@CharangoWithMonique On another note, when I was young our family lived in La Paz for a couple years. My dad bought a couple traditional armadillo body charangos. At the time I didn't appreciate what they were, and unfortunately we no longer have them. In fact I had completely forgotten about them until recently. It's been 45 or so years. After all these years, I will finally return to Bolivia for a couple weeks at the end of October. Having recently rediscovered the charango, I plan to buy one while there. Does your luthier sell directly from his shop? And if so would you be willing to share with me where to find him? I would love to make a personal connection with the builder rather than just buying from a middleman. Thanks!
@@keithbond9423 How wonderful you'll be returning to Bolivia soon. Yes I would definitely recommend going by Pedro's workshop. Here is his contact : Pedro Quispe Torrez +591 79140356 (whatsapp too) IG : charangos_pedro_quispe charangos.net/ Yes he sells directly from his workshop in La Paz. I completely agree about making a personal connection with the builder. Delighted you'll have that possibility!
Excellent information here. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you 🙏
I recently just met Sabino Huamán in his home/shop. Very nice guy and great luthier. I tried a few of his charangos. All great quality.
That's awesome Kevin, very cool to hear.
Thanks for sharin'!
Thank you for show the Charango to World😊
Thanks Juan, it's a pleasure and honor to do so! 🎸
Hello: This morning by chance I discovered your UA-cam channel and after listening to some songs I subscribed.
I love that there are people outside of Latin America who are fascinated by the magic of this instrument.
Somewhere on your channel I read that you feel that it is an instrument that connects you with the universe and the whole. This happened to me the first time I heard it many years ago. I lived in Chile for 5 years and there I learned to play the charango a little (I bought one in Valparaíso). When I returned to Spain I had forgotten about it for a few years, but a year after the pandemic I returned to it. Shortly after, I discovered the ronroco and bought one during confinement. Work leaves me little free time to play these instruments, but the time I manage to find for it always rewards me and makes me find and feel at peace with myself, with others and with the universe.
Good luck with your channel, delighted to have discovered you and greetings from Valencia (Spain).
Hi Cesar in Valencia (lovely city!),
Thank you for writing & welcome to my channel, with the goal to share more magical charango-related content.
I sure do feel that the charango connects us with ourselves and the cosmos (an extension of ourselves), with our strings gracefully expanding out in a SPIRAL, then back in to the center string.
Delighted to hear you’ve returned to playing your charango and have got a ronroco too.
Thanks so much also for the good luck, which I’ll gladly receive - and feel free to write if you have any special requests for future videos or song tutorials:)
Cheers & blessings!
p.s. Yes it’s interesting playing such an iconic Andean instrument not being from the Andes. I do so with deep reverence & respect - and am so grateful to have come across the charango on a visit to La Paz some 20 years ago, the charango our life-long ally!
@@CharangoWithMonique
Hi Monique:
I loved your words in response to mine.
I am glad to see that you are perfectly aware of the connection of our own soul with the soul of the universe and the role that music and our favorite instruments play in it. In my case; mainly the ronroco, the charango and the guitar.
I've had it in mind for some time now to make a split screen music video. Recordings can be made with people who are in different places (even countries) and I have discovered some really good ones on UA-cam. I am attaching this video that I think you are very likely to know:
ua-cam.com/video/crXjkY1QBck/v-deo.html
Where could I write to you if I have any special requests for future videos?
I saw that you have Instagram and I also signed up to follow you.
Greetings, blessings and my best wishes for your musical and personal future.
@@cesarsainz6846 Yes, the charango an extension of our soul and heart, a connection to the upper world and to our higher selves…
Very cool idea about doing a split screen music video, this is my email : charangowithmonique@gmail.com -
feel free to write me there with any ideas, requests and such. Delighted and open to collaborating!
Many blessings to you as well on this magical path of music, life, charango and discoveries. Cheers!
beautiful channel, beautiful music, beautiful woman. thank you, monique!
Thanks for sharing! May I ask the suitable height for Charango string action?
Hi & good question! I would say it depends on your playing style and the sound you're lookin for. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all".
I prefer a lower action because I play mostly ceremonial and medicine music - more fingerpicking, arpeggios and arrangements than strumming.
If you like playing louder, projecting the sound, more strumming, chasquidos and such, you might like a higher action.
If you have a chance to try various charangos and actions that would be the best.
Hope this helps!
Please talk about the prices of your pretty charangos.
Thanks.😮
Hi there! So the first and the third are not for sale, the second one is (the Ayacucho-style flat back charango)
Send me an email at monique@honeybird.net and I'll share the pricing with you, cheers💫
Can you write what strings do you use as replacement please?
Sure thing, I use Aquila Corde Sugar strings (medium): aquilacorde.com/en/shop/modern-instrument-string-sets/south-america-instruments/sugar-spanish-instruments/sugar-charango/
@@CharangoWithMonique Thank you!
How much do you charge for charango lessons on line.
Thanks.
Hi again! Here too, please send me an email and I'll share my rates, which are sliding scale in order to have the charango accessible to more people. EmaiL:monique@honeybird.net
Hi Jaime! You can now also book lessons with me online at this linK: www.honeybird.net/contact
Rates are listed on my website
See you there!
Thanks for the video!! It's really useful, the only problem that I have is, that i haven't been able to find a store, retailer that sells them, can you recommend me a place or website? Thanks! 😊
Hi there! Where are you located?
It can be quite a challenge to find a charango in many places. Right now at McCabe's Guitar Shop in LA they have a Villela charango for sale, for instance - and when possible it's so nice to check the instrument out in person before buying (though I realize not always possible).
So I'll see if I can recommend a store or charango luthier near where you live...
@@CharangoWithMonique Hii! Thanks for answering, I'm located in Whittier, CA, I'm looking for a Charango Andean or Bolivian style the closest to that.. almost like the one that Inti Illimani uses 😄
Hey that's great@@jorgs9508! You might really like the one available at McCabe's.
I'd recommend trying it out in person, or calling them directly for more info 310.828.4497 www.mccabes.com/ (mention I sent you).
Also feel free to email me (monique@honeybird.net)and if timing aligns we could even meet up there and I can help you on your mission the charango you're looking for. Cheers!
@@CharangoWithMonique thanks soo muuuch!! So nice of you! I'll let you know then, going to check their website first 😊
Amateur luthier here. For the most part you offer great advice. But I will offer a couple counter points for people to consider when buying a charango (or any guitar-type instrument).
While there are advantages to having a zero fret, there are also disadvantages. The biggest problem with zero fret is that since it is in constant contact with the strings, it will wear out, which affects action and intonation. They need to be replaced as often or more often than the other frets. It is much more difficult and expensive to replace the zero fret than a nut. Having a zero fret does not automatically make it a "better guitar". But for some players, the advantages make it worth it. If you will only play it once in awhile, not a big issue. If you play it all the time, something to think about.
Also regarding wood, having a one piece top or back vs 2 piece has more to do with aesthetics than quality. With a two piece, look for book matched wood (the grain has a mirror image between the 2 pieces). A one-piece is often less expensive due to less labor involved. Neither is "better". But it will give a different aesthetic. A 2 piece that does NOT have a book matched set will likely be least expensive since the builder was using up smaller pieces that weren't useable for anything else. But again, that wont affect tone or quality, just the looks.
Finally, regarding how tight the grain is, yes, that will affect tone. But again, it isn't a "quality" issue. Tighter closer grain will have a brighter sound, while grain with more space between will have a warmer, softer or mellower sound. Neither is necessarily "better". Just a personal preference. Different wood species will also have different tone qualities. So play several and listen to the differences and choose the one you like better. Don't choose one simply because it has close grain. A different one might sound better to you.
Thanks so very much for these interesting comments. I appreciate your time to leave them.
Interesting food for thought, about the zero fret not necessarily being better. Also about the one piece or two for the body.
In this life-long path with acoustic wood instruments, there is so much to learn and connect with.
I had a talk the other day with my main luthier, based in La Paz, who uses one piece for the body (saying they actually arrive that way to him, in one full piece)
I will share this awesome video recently made by charango.it showing his workshop and his process :
ua-cam.com/video/ks2aW7t5hv4/v-deo.html
Pretty cool to check out!!
Thanks again, and may the exploration continue so we can have beautiful instrument & sounds!!
Cheers
@@CharangoWithMonique Thanks for the video. It was very cool to see.
I should clarify my original comment about one or two pieces of wood for the top or body. After re-reading it, I realized that my comment was not clear. A charango is small enough that the top is probably almost always one piece. With larger instruments, two pieces are more common, largely out of necessity. But I will also assume that on occasion you may see a two piece top on a charango. And if that is the case, it would have been done for aesthetic reasons and wouldn't make it a lesser quality.
Secondly, regarding the back, my original comment was referring to the flat back style. For a flat backed charango, the construction methods are very different. I doubt you would ever see a flat backed charango that didn't have a separate piece of wood for the neck. And the fact that they are separate doesn't mean it's lesser quality. Just a different construction method. As for the curved back style, I assume that nearly all (if not all) are carved from one piece, including the neck. I do not have enough experience with charangos to know if 2 piece back/neck are available or not.
@@CharangoWithMonique On another note, when I was young our family lived in La Paz for a couple years. My dad bought a couple traditional armadillo body charangos. At the time I didn't appreciate what they were, and unfortunately we no longer have them. In fact I had completely forgotten about them until recently. It's been 45 or so years.
After all these years, I will finally return to Bolivia for a couple weeks at the end of October. Having recently rediscovered the charango, I plan to buy one while there. Does your luthier sell directly from his shop? And if so would you be willing to share with me where to find him? I would love to make a personal connection with the builder rather than just buying from a middleman.
Thanks!
@@keithbond9423 How wonderful you'll be returning to Bolivia soon.
Yes I would definitely recommend going by Pedro's workshop.
Here is his contact :
Pedro Quispe Torrez
+591 79140356 (whatsapp too)
IG : charangos_pedro_quispe
charangos.net/
Yes he sells directly from his workshop in La Paz.
I completely agree about making a personal connection with the builder.
Delighted you'll have that possibility!
Just play it when you look for an instrument, this is the first rule.
Easier said than done….
They don’t have any charangos in Denver
cool instument! Wouldn’t trade my guitar for it though 😂
Yes, the charango is a super cool instrument... guitar is pretty cool too!😊
✨🦙✨ 👶👏❤️