Since 1996, Carlos Barbosa-Lima has played guitars built by Cuban-born, Miami resident Andres Caruncho. “I love his guitars and I have two of them,” he says. “The guitar on Mambo No. 5 is cedar, which was for me an acquired taste. It’s fantastic, very warm sounding. Sustain and a singing tone are major features of Caruncho’s guitars.”

Upon my first chance to play a Caruncho guitar I understood why legendary players such as Carlos Barbosa-Lima would choose his instruments. They are easy to play, and more importantly, easy to express emotion with.