Ronroco/charango luthiers?

[Dr H]

Seems like this particular forum is where the luthiers might tend to cluster, so I'm posting this here, even though it's not precisely mandolin-oriented.

I am considering commissioning a custom charangon -- a larger relative of the charango. I have been researching this instrument for a couple of years, and information on how it is distinct from the ronroco (another larger charango relative) is sketchy and conflicting, at best. So I'm thinking of just gathering the best info I have, designing my own instrument, and finding someone to build it for me.

It would seem most logical that the maker be one skilled in the construction of traditional ronrocos and charangos, and most these (I'm told) live and work in South America. Thus far, I've not had much success in locating any with whom I've been able to make contact. "Charango Mall", on the web, has a list of supposed charango luthiers, but no means by which they might be contacted directly. Searching out individual names on the Web has mostly produced links to other retail outlets, and dead ends.

So... might anyone here be in contact with, or know how I can get in contact with one or more South American luthiers, experienced in building ronrocos, who might be willing to create an over-sized custom instrument for a crazy gringo musician, for an appropriate fee?

TIA.

[Tommcgtx]

A google search turned this up:

http://www.quispetorrezpedro.com/

Have you seen the site?

[Tommcgtx]

I found that site through here:

http://www.charango.cl/paginas/lutheria_charanguera.htm

There are a few other sites and emails for luthiers who make them.

[robert.najlis]

I am in Argentina these days. If you want, send me a private message, and I will see if I can find anything for you down here.

[Dr H]

A google search turned this up:

http://www.quispetorrezpedro.com/

Have you seen the site?

Ooh... looks promising. Thanks!

What did you search for? I tried various combinations of "luthier" + "charango", "ronroco", "charangon"... and never turned it up.

[Dr H]

I am in Argentina these days. If you want, send me a private message, and I will see if I can find anything for you down here.

Thanks, Robert. I may take you up on that.

[Tommcgtx]

Ooh... looks promising. Thanks!

What did you search for? I tried various combinations of "luthier" + "charango", "ronroco", "charangon"... and never turned it up.

I don't remember exactly, but I think I searched for "charango luthier"

[Jim Garber]

Try Joe Todaro in PA. He goes down to SA and has connections with many luthiers. I bought a charango from him years ago and it is a nice instrument for reasonable money. He carries all levels of many of these.

[Bob Clark]

Try Joe Todaro in PA. He goes down to SA and has connections with many luthiers. I bought a charango from him years ago and it is a nice instrument for reasonable money. He carries all levels of many of these.

+1 on Jim's recommendation. Joe Todaro is a first-class guy who knows a lot about these instruments. You might be surprised at what he will have on hand in his shop, too.

[Paco moreno]

I build Charangos and Ronroco. I live in Florida. Morenopaco@aol.com

QUOTE=Dr H;1282637]Seems like this particular forum is where the luthiers might tend to cluster, so I'm posting this here, even though it's not precisely mandolin-oriented.

I am considering commissioning a custom charangon -- a larger relative of the charango. I have been researching tThank his instrument for a couple of years, and information on how it is distinct from the ronroco (another larger charango relative) is sketchy and conflicting, at best. So I'm thinking of just gathering the best info I have, designing my own instrument, and finding someone to build it for me.

It would seem most logical that the maker be one skilled in the construction of traditional ronrocos and charangos, and most these (I'm told) live and work in South America. Thus far, I've not had much success in locating any with whom I've been able to make contact. "Charango Mall", on the web, has a list of supposed charango luthiers, but no means by which they might be contacted directly. Searching out individual names on the Web has mostly produced links to other retail outlets, and dead ends.

So... might anyone here be in contact with, or know how I can get in contact with one or more South American luthiers, experienced in building ronrocos, who might be willing to create an over-sized custom instrument for a crazy gringo musician, for an appropriate fee?

TIA.[/QUOTE]