# Authentic Handmade Puerto Rican Cuatro by Master Luthier Cristóbal Santiago

Up for sale is a beautiful, rare, and culturally significant Puerto Rican Cuatro handmade by legendary artisan **Don Cristóbal Santiago** at his historic shop, *Casa del Cuatro Puertorriqueño*, located on Ave. 65 de Infantería in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Cristóbal Santiago is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in the design of traditional Puerto Rican stringed instruments. Original instruments from his Carolina workshop are highly sought after by collectors and musicians.

### ITEM DETAILS & CHARACTERISTICS:
* **Luthier / Maker:** Cristóbal Santiago (Official shop label intact)
* **Origin:** Carolina, Puerto Rico (Ave. 65 de Infantería workshop)
* **Instrument:** Puerto Rican Cuatro (10-String / 5 Courses)
* **Serial/Year:** Traditional undated label

### CONDITION REPORT - PLEASE READ BEFORE BUYING:
This instrument is being sold in **Player's / Project Condition** due to natural wood movement over time. Please read the details below:

* **Cracks:** Great news! There are NO cracks or splits in the solid wood top, back, or sides. The wood has aged beautifully.
* **Bridge & Top Area:** There is typical warping/belly bulging in the wood surrounding the bridge area due to decades of natural string tension. The bridge remains attached, but it may require a luthier's attention to flatten or adjust for optimal low action.
* **Neck & Frets:** There is some **fret sprout** along the lower frets of the neck. Because the wood has shrunk slightly over time, the metal fret ends feel sharp/unrefined on the edges of the fingerboard. A quick fret-filing and conditioning treatment will smooth this right out.
* **Cosmetics:** Clean overall with minor handling wear, scuffs, and finish aging consistent with a vintage handmade instrument.

This is a phenomenal opportunity to get an authentic, handmade Santiago master-built cuatro at a highly discounted, player-centric price point.

### PACKAGING & SHIPPING:
This delicate folk instrument will be packaged with professional care, heavily padded inside a sturdy box to prevent any shifting during transit. Shipped fully insured via UPS Ground or USPS Ground Advantage with tracking provided.

Please review all high-resolution photos closely, specifically looking at the bridge area angles and fretboard edges. Sold as-is due to the noted top warping and some fret sprout. Fast shipping!