Re: Mystery instrument found in Ecuador...
Charangos are usually ten strings, with guitar-esque (or ukulele-esque) bodies.
I think Seter has hit it: 15 strings in five triple courses, floating bridge, tailpiece. I vote bandolin.
Plus, it's the only Ecuadorean instrument listed in the Atlas of Plucked Instruments.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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