Traditional instruments Spain

TIMPLE

The “timple” is the 5-string instrument most representative of the traditional Canarian culture. The timple´s measure is of approximately 38-40 centimeters. The most used tuning are D, A, E, C and G. The name comes from the word tiple, whose term is applied to the voices of the most acute tessitura in a choir or orchestra.

On the island of Lanzarote (Teguise ) the master craftsman Simon Morales Tavío is known as the father of our timple since the mid-twentieth century.

The manufacturing of the “timple” is usually artisan . It is made of wood and one of the best known craftsmen of the Canary Islands is Juan Negrin Betancor . The bulge or hump on its back is a characteristic that makes that, in some places of the archipelago, it is affectionately known by the name of "Resounding Little Camel".

Well known timplists are Totoyo Millares, Domingo Rodríguez Oramas “El Colorao”, Benito Cabrera, Germán López, Yone Rodríguez, David Rodríguez “El Majorero” and Toñin Corujo between others.

«TIMPLE» A TYPICAL CANARIAN

INSTRUMENT

We met GERMÁN LÓPEZ one of the best known timplists in the Canary Islands.

OUR MUSIC TEACHER