Viola Caipira APC CAI 9C Solid Cedar Rosewood

The APC CAI 9C Solid Cedar Pau Santo Viola Caipira stems from a tradition deeply connected to the music of the Brazilian countryside, but was born in the APC workshops in Portugal.

APC used all its accumulated experience in building traditional stringed instruments to create a superior model, designed for those seeking a viola caipira with projection, harmonic richness, and dynamic response.

The configuration of 10 strings distributed in five double courses maintains the instrument's sonic identity. This stringing creates the brilliance, pulse, and harmonic density that distinguish the viola caipira, both in rhythmic accompaniments and in fingerpicking, strumming, and melodies. The 564 mm scale contributes to a compact and agile feel, facilitating position changes and favoring the articulation typical of this repertoire.

The solid cedar top responds quickly to attack and adds warmth to the sound. The solid Indian rosewood back and sides enhance the depth of the bass, the definition of the midrange, and the richness of the harmonics. This combination of woods gives the APC CAI 9C a full and balanced sound, with good projection and natural sustain. When you vary the intensity of your right hand, the instrument follows these differences clearly, from delicate passages to more vigorous playing.

The open-pore finish allows the wood to vibrate more freely and preserves a more natural feel to the touch. This construction choice combines well with the acoustic character of the viola and allows the texture of the woods to show through, reinforcing the instrument's handcrafted identity.

The viola caipira descends from families of Portuguese violas that crossed the Atlantic and gained new forms, tunings, and repertoires in Brazil. Today it remains linked to sertanejo music, moda de viola, catira, and many other popular expressions, while also appearing in contemporary and classical contexts.

If you're looking for a solid-body viola caipira with a traditional Brazilian tone, expressive response, and meticulous craftsmanship, the APC CAI 9C offers a particularly rich combination of tradition, wood selection, and sonic character.

Specifications:

Traditional instruments made in Portugal can present differences
to the picture shown in the website due to it's artisanal manufacturing,
specially in it's decoration.