Viola da Terra Artimúsica VA04S Terceira Simple 18 Strings Round Mouth

The Artimúsica VA04S Viola da Terra is a faithful expression of the Azorean musical tradition, designed for those who value authenticity, rigorous construction, and a sound deeply rooted in Portuguese popular culture.

This model represents the typical variant of Terceira Island, distinguished by its round soundhole and 18-string configuration, offering a rich, enveloping, and immediately recognizable sound.

Built in Portugal using traditional methods, the Artimúsica VA04S Viola da Terra reflects the accumulated knowledge of generations of viola da terra makers. The spruce top contributes to a clear and balanced sound response, with good projection and definition, while the solid walnut back and sides add depth and body to the sound. This combination of woods creates a very characteristic tonal balance, capable of sustaining firm rhythmic accompaniments while highlighting melodic lines with brilliance and presence.

The mahogany neck offers structural stability and a comfortable feel during performance. The panga panga scale ensures precision and durability, maintaining a consistent response throughout the entire register.

The Viola da Terra from Terceira occupies a central place in traditional Azorean music, accompanying songs, challenges, and tunes that have spanned centuries. Although related to other wire-stringed violas from the mainland, it has developed its own characteristics due to the insular context, asserting a distinct sonic identity. The round soundhole of this model reinforces this heritage, contributing to a homogeneous sound projection and a full timbre, suitable for both traditional contexts and more contemporary approaches.

Artimúsica, founded in 1992, is today one of the leading references in the handcrafted construction of traditional Portuguese instruments. As a family-run business, it maintains a strong connection with the techniques inherited from master Joaquim José Machado, applying them with rigor and respect for tradition. Each instrument produced by Artimúsica reflects this commitment to quality, sonic coherence, and cultural identity.

The Artimúsica VA04S Terceira Simples 18 Cordas Boca Redonda Viola da Terra is a solid choice for musicians seeking a genuine, well-built instrument with its own voice. Ideal for preserving traditional repertoire or creating new interpretations from a solid historical base, this viola invites you to explore the sound of the Azores with confidence, imagination, and musical depth.

Specifications:  

• Model: VA04S, 18 strings

• Soundhole: round

• Top: solid spruce

• Back and sides: solid walnut, simple

• Neck: mahogany

• Fingerboard: panga panga

• Bindings: 1

• Finish: gloss