Tech: Mexican Guitarron

Subject: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 13 May 08 - 11:56 AM

Back in the early 1960's, Bud and Travis used the backing of a Mexican Guitarron almost exclusively for their bass. The sound of this unfretted six string instrument is rather unique - deep and resonant, and a natural partner, especially, for the classical or concert guitar. While it is mostly heard accompanying mariachi bands, I'd be interested to know if anyone has experimented with it in folk music since B&D.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:45 PM

Not that I've ever heard of. But it would be a natural. The guitarron tends to have a bit of a staccato sound to my ear - so I'm guessing that most current musicians prefer the sound of an instrument with more sustain. Like the double bass and the electric bass.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:45 PM

A string band called "Solid Comfort", active in Vancouver, B. C. circa 1970, used a mariachi-style bass guitar, but I remember the instrument as being fretted. They issued one 45 on a label (their own?) called Red Rubber Records, Minglewood Blues b/w Bullfrog Blues. They claimed the record was a local hit in Halifax. The line-up was a drummer with minimal kit, mandolin, and two guitarists who shared the bass duties.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: open mike
Date: 13 May 08 - 03:34 PM

I know a luthier who makes Guitarrons and I have asked him for the answer to your question.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: Wesley S
Date: 13 May 08 - 03:59 PM

Does he have a website? I'd love to see some examples of his work.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: Jack Campin
Date: 13 May 08 - 07:24 PM

You might look on YouTube for "sehrud" which bears the same relationship to the ud that the guitarron does to the guitar.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: GerryMc
Date: 13 May 08 - 07:44 PM


Simon Edwards from Fairground Attraction used one almost exclusively on 'First of a Million Kisses' record.

you tube

Gerry :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: Mark Ross
Date: 13 May 08 - 09:39 PM

Feliz Pappalardi used to play Guitarron on a lot of records from the '60's.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: GUEST,Q as guest
Date: 14 May 08 - 12:50 AM

Excellent hand-crafted guitarrones here:
Guitarron

Besides the Mexican, there are other variations.

Subject: RE: Tech: Mexican Guitarron
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 14 May 08 - 10:16 AM

Having played w/the Guild B50, B30E and the Ernie Ball Earthwood acoustic basses in professional situations would offer that all are superior in sound and sustain to the 'Mexican syle' mariachi basses. The limitations of the traditional mariachi bass goes beyond just the single octave. The tuners were inferior, difficult to keep in tune, they were awkward to hold and the 'staccato sound' doesn't lend itself to American/Celtic acoustic music.

That being said I LOVE them. They're fun to play and in an 'open jam' situation always cause a stir. Everyone wants to try their hand at it. Conversation ALWAYS ensues.

I'm sure the ones on the aforementioned link are great, but the Guild's can be had for under 1000.00US and are much more practical in terms of portability. The Ernie Ball Earthwood's are upwards of 3000.00US now because of their rarity, but the 90s Guilds are much better instruments.

For stage, studio or road work get the Guild.