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Charango

The charango is a small ten string lute that was developed in South America. The back of the instrument was traditionally fashioned from an armadillo, though today many of the best charangos have wooden backs. It is strummed or plucked, and is often played together with Andean flutes such as the quena and the panpipes. It is modest in the projection of its sound but uncannily able to convey the feel of the high and airy vastness of the Andean altiplano.

Quena

The Quena, originating in the mountains of South America, is an end blown flute, generally made of cane but also made from clay, stone, bone and bamboo. It has 5 to 7 holes in front and one thumb hole in the back. The traditional instrument is about 14½" long, while a larger instrument, the Quenacho, extends to 18". A full discussion of the Quena can be found on the following pages.