Machete (musical instrument)
The machete is a small stringed instrument from Madeira, Portugal. The instrument has a double bulged body, traditionally made of wood, with a small rib and has four metallic strings, which depending on the region, is attached by wooden pegs. Nowadays however, its is not uncommon to see the instrument being made out of linden or poplar. In contrast to this, its slightly larger cousin, the machete de rajão has five metal strings. Historians believe the machete was introduced in Madeira as Braguinha from Braga, and it is the immediate predecessor of the ukulele, being introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants in the late 19th century.
