I think I can add on some trivia here. This unusual shape was conceived by the legendary Paulinho Nogueira. The name is the junction of two words in portuguese: "cravo" and "viola". The original design was supposed to be only a 12 string, because of that, the sound of the instrument resembled the sound of a folk instrument called viola (search the term "viola caipira") that also uses pairs of strings. Cravo comes from the influence that the shape has on the tone. People thought it sounded like a harpsichord (Cravo, in portuguese). And yeah, that's basically it. Giannini makes these to this day. They also released a model of violas using de craviola shape, I don't know if it is only recent, or if they've done it before.
The original 12 string can be heard prominently on the novos baianos track "Brasil Pandeiro". And now you mention it, the harpsichord comparison makes sense, the clarity and punchiness of the 12 string lines on that track do have a certain harpsichord-like quality to them
I have one of these guitars, steel strings. It sounds gorgeous, lovely bassy tone! Great conversation starter at pub sessions, i only strum, so it's perfect for me. Great guitar!
I also only strum and thought this model may be best for finger pickers but you have restored my interest. As a classical guitar you don’t think the steel strings have too much tension? Which strings do you use on it? Also does it have a truss rod? Thank you!
@@Doowopsid I don't have any problem with string tension, it does have a truss rod. I use d'addario strings (11's). Since buying this first one (mine is a 70's) i have found a 90's edition, as well as a 12 string version which REALLY sounds great! I find the guitars really comfortable to play, and i love the feel of the neck. Having said all that, guitars are a personal choice and what suits me may not appeal to someone else.
@@robertfrazer8161 Thanks for getting back to me. I am drawn to guitars of different shapes and colors. This one is obviously very interesting and unique.
I’ve been doing a little research on RUclips about these guitars and it seems in the 70’s they came in a 6 string tied up classical model with nylon strings and a 6 string steel models with string pins for balled end strings. I’ve been looking at possibly buying a used classical even though I prefer steel and thought you may have replaced the nylon strings with steel but now I figure that is not the case…stupid me
@@Doowopsid No, all 3 of mine are steel strung. I've been looking for a nylon strung version, but need to play it first as the neck may be too wide for me - although having said that , i've realised that the 12 string has a wider neck!
We wouldn't recognize the guitar from the state you originally got it in? Is it cuz it looked like a normal guitar & it melted in the sun or something?
I think I can add on some trivia here. This unusual shape was conceived by the legendary Paulinho Nogueira. The name is the junction of two words in portuguese: "cravo" and "viola".
The original design was supposed to be only a 12 string, because of that, the sound of the instrument resembled the sound of a folk instrument called viola (search the term "viola caipira") that also uses pairs of strings.
Cravo comes from the influence that the shape has on the tone. People thought it sounded like a harpsichord (Cravo, in portuguese).
And yeah, that's basically it. Giannini makes these to this day. They also released a model of violas using de craviola shape, I don't know if it is only recent, or if they've done it before.
The original 12 string can be heard prominently on the novos baianos track "Brasil Pandeiro". And now you mention it, the harpsichord comparison makes sense, the clarity and punchiness of the 12 string lines on that track do have a certain harpsichord-like quality to them
I have one of these guitars, steel strings. It sounds gorgeous, lovely bassy tone! Great conversation starter at pub sessions, i only strum, so it's perfect for me. Great guitar!
I also only strum and thought this model may be best for finger pickers but you have restored my interest. As a classical guitar you don’t think the steel strings have too much tension? Which strings do you use on it? Also does it have a truss rod? Thank you!
@@Doowopsid I don't have any problem with string tension, it does have a truss rod. I use d'addario strings (11's). Since buying this first one (mine is a 70's) i have found a 90's edition, as well as a 12 string version which REALLY sounds great! I find the guitars really comfortable to play, and i love the feel of the neck. Having said all that, guitars are a personal choice and what suits me may not appeal to someone else.
@@robertfrazer8161 Thanks for getting back to me. I am drawn to guitars of different shapes and colors. This one is obviously very interesting and unique.
I’ve been doing a little research on RUclips about these guitars and it seems in the 70’s they came in a 6 string tied up classical model with nylon strings and a 6 string steel models with string pins for balled end strings. I’ve been looking at possibly buying a used classical even though I prefer steel and thought you may have replaced the nylon strings with steel but now I figure that is not the case…stupid me
@@Doowopsid No, all 3 of mine are steel strung. I've been looking for a nylon strung version, but need to play it first as the neck may be too wide for me - although having said that , i've realised that the 12 string has a wider neck!
We wouldn't recognize the guitar from the state you originally got it in? Is it cuz it looked like a normal guitar & it melted in the sun or something?
@BaldPerspective lol. No it's made like that. Lm