The timple is the instrument of música folclórica canaria, with five strings, a clear and rhythmic sound, present in guachinches, romerías and village festivals throughout the island. Similar to the ukulele in size, it distinguishes itself by an extra string and a curved back that gives it a rounder resonance.
Unlike a classical guitar, the timple is smaller, with a curved back (hence its affectionate nickname of camellito, little camel). It is often played by strumming or plucking, and its particular tuning (G-C-E-A-D) gives this typical brilliance that gets everyone dancing. A strong symbol of Canarian identity, it represents both Spanish heritage and island adaptation. Many families have a timple at home, and local craftsmen continue to make them from woods such as pine or ebony.
The standard timple has five strings (sometimes four in north Tenerife), tuned G-C-E-A-D. Its 60-65 cm makes it more compact than a guitar and easy to transport in a cabin bag. The top is spruce or pine, the curved back is dense wood. It plays all genres of Canarian folk music, isa, folía, malagueña. Handmade production is historically concentrated in Lanzarote, but Tenerife has several good luthiers. Budget 80 to 150 € for an entry-level model, 250 to 450 € for a handcrafted instrument.
In the twentieth century, the instrument was considered a "peasant's tool" and risked disappearing. Totoyo Millán initiated the folk revival from the 1950s onwards. Benito Cabrera then brought the timple to European concert halls, playing with symphony orchestras and giving it academic legitimacy. Los Sabandeños, a Canarian music group, popularized the traditional repertoire to a much wider audience.
To hear it played properly, head to the guachinches in the La Orotava valley, patron saint festivals in northern villages, or the Festival Internacional del Timple in Teguise, Lanzarote (usually in January). To buy one, craft shops in Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz have good selections, as do some stalls at weekly markets. Cultural associations and local teachers offer short introductions, between 25 and 40 € per hour. Local festivals in July-August and December-January are the best opportunities to see the timple in its natural context.
Is the timple really like a ukulele?
Not exactly. It resembles it in size and ease of handling, but it has five strings instead of four and a very curved back that amplifies the sound in a rounder way. The playing technique is different: fingernails or a thin plectrum are often used. If you already play ukulele, you'll find your way quickly on the four common strings, but the fifth really changes the musical colour and repertoire.
Can you bring a timple on a plane without problems?
Yes, absolutely. Most airlines accept the timple as carry-on luggage since it is small and light (in a reinforced hard or soft case). At Tenerife South or North airport, no particular issues reported. Many French, Belgian and Swiss tourists bring them back every year. If you buy one locally, ask for a certificate of craftsmanship if possible, which sometimes facilitates customs passage, even though it's not mandatory for a traditional instrument.
- La Orotava: historic town full of guachinches where the timple is often played.
- Icod de los Vinos: visit to the Drago Milenario + walk through the centre with local musical atmosphere.
- Romerías and village festivals in the north: the perfect opportunity to see the timple in action in its most authentic context.