cavaquinho

$4.95 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (2)

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1 community setup

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Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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Price

$4.95 15 available New

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Average Price: $5

Budget/Beginner

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Ukuleles category, cavaquinho is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The cavaquinho is a small yet mighty string instrument, a staple in Brazilian music that delivers a bright and lively sound. This charming instrument is perfect for musicians looking to explore new musical landscapes, adding a unique flair to any ensemble. With a rich heritage rooted in samba and choro, the cavaquinho's distinctive tone cuts through with clarity and warmth, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary compositions.

Crafted with precision and care, the cavaquinho features a compact body that is easy to handle, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned players. Its four nylon strings are tuned to D-G-B-D, allowing for a wide range of melodic possibilities. The instrument's lightweight design ensures comfortable playability, whether you're strumming on stage or jamming with friends.

Join our musician community to discover more about the cavaquinho's role in world music and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a group, this instrument will undoubtedly enhance your musical journey with its vibrant and expressive sound.

Key Features:

Compact and lightweight design for easy playability
Four nylon strings tuned to D-G-B-D
Delivers a bright and lively sound
Perfect for exploring Brazilian music styles like samba and choro
Suitable for both beginners and experienced players

Product specs

Brand	D'Addario
Model	EJ93 Cavaquinho Strings
Finish	Standard
Year	2015 - 2020
Categories	Other Strings

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about cavaquinho.

Setup and maintenance

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Switching the cavaquinho strings to match ukulele thickness helps with fingerings when tuning to GCEA.
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Use a soft bristle toothbrush and light dish soap to clean grime, being cautious to prevent water pooling on unfinished cavaquinho bodies.
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The "2000" grit sandpaper is recommended for cleaning cavaquinhos without a protective finish, ensuring a gentle approach to mold and dust removal.
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Features and functionality

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Cavaquinho typically uses steel strings, contributing to its louder and more shrill sound compared to ukuleles.
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Brazilian cavaquinhos are often equipped with both slotted and solid headstocks, and the fretboard extends all the way to the round soundhole.
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Comparisons

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The cavaquinho's neck is smaller and frets more closely spaced, akin to a soprano ukulele, but with different tuning complexities.
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The neck of a Brazilian cavaquinho is narrower than that of any ukulele, which may require adjustment in playing technique, especially for those accustomed to wider fretboards.
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Mods and upgrades

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Restringing with nylon strings may reduce tension, potentially dulling the sound due to less vibration.
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User experience

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Adapting to cavaquinho tuning can enhance skills across other string instruments through complex fingerings.
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Many players find the cavaquinho’s tight string tension uncomfortable, especially compared to other string instruments, suggesting a steeper learning curve for beginners transitioning from ukuleles or guitars.
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Build quality

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The Brazilian cavaquinho often features a very narrow neck, measuring approximately 27mm at the nut and 40mm at the soundhole, which can feel restrictive compared to ukuleles.
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Use cases and applications

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The typical playing style for Brazilian samba on a cavaquinho involves rhythmic muting with the left hand, favoring closed chord shapes over open strings to match the music's syncopation.
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