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Instrumentos Valente
Handmade byInstrumentos Valente
Braguesa Guitar
1.920,00 €
Available
Ra-Ro IndexVery RareWhat is the Ra-Ro Index?The Viola Braguesa, from the luxury range, is a work of art in constant reinvention: from the moment it is built to the moment it is played, string after string, note after note, year after year.
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Handmade byInstrumentos ValenteDimensions
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Shipping and returns
Shipping time: Approximately > 8 weeks
We ship worldwide. You have 14 days to return the piece free of charge. Payment is secure and encrypted.
A string instrument from Minho
Braguesa Guitar
A viola braguesa made by hand, piece by piece, in about a month and a half.
The story
Diogo Valente started on a balcony, with generic tools and salvaged wood. Today he is *a young prodigy* of string instrument making. He takes *a month and a half* to finish an instrument and builds each viola *to outlive whoever plays it*.
Story of the piece
Braguesa Guitar
To the tune of Portuguese popular music.
The first time Diogo Valente built a string instrument alone, he was sitting on his porch with a handful of generic tools and half-baked ideas. The result produced a rather mediocre sound, but his calling echoed louder: he wanted to get better and do this for the rest of his life.
From a purpose, he carved talent. From talent, he carved dedication.
At 29, through self-taught learning and the shared experience and knowledge of José Gonçalves - whom he considers his master with over 30 years of experience - he mastered his craft and became a young national prodigy. Today, we can think of him as the rock star of string instrument making, which is the exact opposite of a rock star. He lives in quietude. Solitude is his greatest success. He is only known within the niche of musicians (professional or leisure). It takes him a month and a half to finish an instrument. We are serious - do not order if you are in a hurry.
The Braguesa Guitar, from the luxury range, is a work of art in permanent reinvention: from the moment it is built to the moment it is played, string after string, note after note, year after year.
It is made to last. It is something that all owners of a Valente instrument know: it will very likely outlive them. That is part of its beauty.
In numbers
The piece in facts.
Per instrument6weeks
About a month and a half of work for each viola.
Of experience30years
Of master José Gonçalves, with whom Diogo learned.
Recognition2023
Diogo is named honorary member by the Cavaquinho Museum.
String after string. Year after year.
See the piece
See every detail.
Overview
The viola braguesa
From the luxury range, a work in constant reinvention.
- 1The soundholeWith a decorated rosette around it.
- 2The moustachesThe typical ornament by the bridge.
- 3The headWhere the strings are tuned.
Front view
The soundboard
The face of the instrument, where the sound takes shape.
- 1RosetteFrames the soundhole.
- 2The moustachesTraditional ornament of the viola braguesa.
- 3BindingThe finish around the soundboard.
Back view
The back
Carefully chosen woods, worked by hand.
- 1Wood grainEvery back has a unique pattern.
- 2The neckJoined to the body with precision.
Close up
The head
Tuners, nut and frets, set by hand.
- 1Tuning pegsTo tune string by string.
- 2NutGuides the strings to the head.
- 3FretsMark every note on the neck.
About the piece
Dimensions and care.
Dimensions
Care
Shipping time
Meet the Producer
CRAFTED WITH ART AND PATIENCE
Diogo Valente, an award-winning luthier, creates each instrument with extreme care, from selecting the wood to the final polish.
discover the story
The journey
Instrumentos Valente
Early Training and Discovery
Beginning in Luthiery
Recognition
Workshop and Materials
The first time Diogo Valente built a string instrument on his own, after gathering blocks of wood from beside an industrial oven, he was sitting on the balcony of his home with a handful of generic tools and half-baked ideas. The result produced a rather mediocre sound, but his calling echoed louder: he wanted to improve and to do this for the rest of his life. From purpose, he carved talent. From talent, he carved dedication. Today, his instruments are works of art in constant reinvention, made to last. It is something every owner knows: the instrument will most likely outlive them.
Questions
Everything you need to know.
What is this piece?
Luxury Viola Braguesa, a Portuguese stringed instrument handcrafted by Diogo Valente over about six weeks. Built to last for generations.
Which region is it from?
It comes from Beira Litoral, in Portugal. At Ra-Ro, every piece is tied to its origin and to the territory where it is made.
Who makes this piece?
It is made by Instrumentos Valente, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.
What technique is used?
This piece is made using the Luthieria technique.
Are all pieces identical?
As a handmade piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. That variation is part of its authenticity.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, Ra-Ro ships worldwide.
How do returns work?
You have 14 days for a free return.
Is payment secure?
Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.
Take home an instrument made to last for generations.
1.920,00 € · available to ship
Buy nowWorldwide shipping14 days for free returnsSecure payment
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