This fellow on the left is none other than living legend Yomo Toro, perhaps Puerto Rico's greatest living senior
Cuatro player. Yomo is trying out one of the first produced.
Here is a Sitka/Koa Acoustic Bass Guitar That Bill and I collaborated on. Bill had a large soundbox hanging around for some time before the two of us agreed to complete it’s construction as an acoustic bass. It's a super full-size jumbo guitar with a long scale (34"). This refined instrument features abalone sound hole inlays, multi-color marquetry purflings and beautiful, Hawaiian koa back and sides. Having started out as an orphan of sorts it is now adored and cared for by a very good composer/musician. The audio clip below features a dear friend and wonderful bass musician Juan Vazquez playing the instrument.
Shown here are two models of Puerto Rican cuatros William and I designed for small production. I made these in batches of eight. On the left is the Maestro Ladi model and the cuatro with the slotted headstock and wider body is one of the Ambassador Series. All the shells and necks are made of Spanish Cedar and the soundboards spruce or redcedar.
Jeff Lopez, composer, bassist and owner of a Becker & Cumpiano cuatro, writes:
Hi Harry,
I received the cuatro. It plays wonderfully and looks beautiful. I was very fortunate to meet
you and Bill and find out about your great instruments. I am looking forward to many years
of great music with this new instrument. I just wanted to let you hear the cuatro. I recorded
it on a Latin-Jazz composition that I wrote and recorded. I hope you enjoy.
The cuatro can be heard on the recording of my composition called Guagua: Click Here
I love the cuatro, thanks for your wonderful craft. It is a real beauty, to the eyes and the ears.