Dionisio Quilla "Thanks to my hard work and my great customers, my children are able to get a higher education. Three of them want to follow their own career, while the other three want to help me." The artistry of Dionisio Quilla has been featured in Natural Health magazine. Dionisio Quilla was born in Peru's Puno province on October 3, 1942. He handcrafts most traditional Peruvian musical instruments, including percussion such as bombos, drums and tinyas,; string instruments such as charangos and wind instruments like quena and zampoña. Quilla uses wood and bamboo canes, nylon strings and colorful cotton threads to imbue each instrument with a Cuzco flair. When he was eight years old, Quilla begin to learn his craft from his father, and started making instruments just for fun. Gradually, his technique began to improve and Quilla became more involved in the elaboration process. As a teenager, Quilla accompanied his father to sell their instruments to stores and fairs around Cuzco, Ayacucho and Lima. Quilla describes his work as a way of life, a special motivation, and an activity that has enabled him to provide for his family as well as an education for his six children. Now, four of his children are studying for a university degree and two are studying technical courses. "Thanks to my hard work and my great customers, my children are able to get a higher education," says a proud Quilla. "Three of them want to follow their own career, while the other three want to help me." "To Novica clients I wish to tell them that with my musical instruments you can play Andean and folkloric music, play the music from my land."

	Customer Reviews
		WELL A BIG HELLO TO DIONISIO QUILLA AND FAMILY THE CRILLO GUITAR AND FLUTE ARRIVED - IT WAS A GIFT TO MY NEPHEW. HE IS 22 YEARS OLD, HE WORKS VERY HARD AT SEVERAL JOBS AND GOES TO SCHOOL FULL TIME. THOUGHT HE DESERVED A NICE GIFT FOR ALL HIS HARD EFFORT AND EXCELLENT GRADES. I SHOWED HIM ALL THE ANDES MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND MOSTLY HE PICKED EVERYTHING YOU MAKE. HOW TO GET MORE FOR HIM IN FUTURE. HE RUSHED RIGHT OVER AND BEGAN PLAYING HIS CLASSICAL MUSIC ON THE NEW GUITAR - TRIED THE FLUTE AND IT WILL TAKE MUCH PRACTICE SO HE APPRECIATES THE INSTRUCTION BOOK FOR IT. HE LOVES EVERYTHING AND THE COVERS ARE BEAUTIFUL FOR EACH INSTRUMENT AS WELL. UNMATCHED ARTISTRY AND UNMATCHED TALENT TO PRODUCE FLAWLESS PIECES OF WORK. WE ALL THANK YOU - THE ENTIRE CRONIN FAMILY - RACHEL C, OFALLON MISSOURI USA I ordered Dionisio Quilla's traditional guitar expecting it to look "handmade," but I was and am really overhwhelmed by the exceptional refinement of this instrument's appearance and tonal quality. I may sound just too enthusiatic, but I could not be more pleased with an instrument purchase. The finish and wood grain are so beautiful you want all your friends to see what you've bought. No doubt Quilla's other instruments are just as impressive. The padded cotton carrying case is so attractive you may want to hang it on a wall. Though I plan eventually to pass this guitar along to my nephew, who plays very well, I will keep it myself and learn to play before I give it away. Meanwhile, people who see me carrying it will think a new and intriguing Mariachi has moved to this town! - Alice F, New York, NY, USA Craftsmanship, packaging, delivery and documentation of the cajon drum are all 100%. Thank you so much. - Bian D, Scotland Dionisio Quilla, I just received your mandolin and flute. They are both beautiful instruments. I tuned the mandolin and it sounds great. Thank you for putting such care in creating these works. Sincerely, Mark Kevin Gilbert Publisher of Atsoise http://soulengravings.com/ ÿþ:Œµµç€ - Mark G, Atlanta/Georgia/U.S.A. A nice guitar! Crisp, clean tone. After purchasing the "mahogany" guitar, I was a bit surprised at the pinewood body, but the sound is very nice. The brass frets are a bit jagged where they meet the edge of the fingerboard, and this scratches up the inside of my left thumb and forefinger (due to sliding around the neck). I could probably easily correct this, but I don't think it's enough to fret about. Not a bad buy. Thank you! - Ryan W, Missouri, USA It's great to see well built instruments still being made by hand. The item I bought looks and sounds like the hand made image that I have been looking for. Keep up the good work! - Duane B, Cedar Park,TX USA The guitar I ordered "Blue Queen" is a functional work of art. It arrived in 3 weeks from the date of order. The guitar took a while to settle into its new climate, so it was a couple of weeks before the sound quality was apparant. It was ordered as a birthday gift, and it couldn't have been a more unique. Beautiful artistry, and superb quality. Thank you so much for creating an instrument that my friend will always cherish. - SM S, Detroit, MI I received the charango in excellent condition, and it is a beautiful instrument. The carving on the back is lovely, and the workmanship is excellent also. - James P, Statesboro, GA, USA Dionisio, Thank you for crafting my Quena. The work and care you put into the making and packaging of this wonderful instrument is greatly appreciated. I will take good care of it and learn to play it well, not here in the crowded and noisy world around me, but away in the quiet, serenity of the mountains. Ironically, the music of the Andes first soothed me in the summer heat and winter cool of New York City, where I often stopped to listen to the likes of Viento de los Andes and Agua Clara beneath that great City in it's subway stations. That music carried me away from the noise and confusion surrounding me to a place of comfort and joy. Filled with inspiration, and with Quena in hand, I go forth to learn find my way. Thank you Dionisio. - Fred K, USA I was first impressed by the very fast delivery of the two flutes I ordered. Then I was touched by their beautiful wrapping - and then absolutely charmed by the beautiful workmanship of the flutes. They will be presents to my son and brother in Finland - they are both musicians with special interest in folk music and instruments of the world. - Tuula D, South Miami, FL, USA Dionisio Quilla is a wonderful artist. The flutes are beautiful. They were wrapped and shipped with great care and arrived quickly. Thank you, Nancy Perin - Nancy P, Lake Linden, MI United States Your beautifully made, exquisitely packed bombo drum arrived 5 days after being ordered. Brilliant workmanship, just like the cahon drum you sent me about 18 months ago. 2 magnificent works of art. Many thanks. - Bian D, Scottish Highlands I received the Peace Flute yesterday. It was carefully wrapped and came in a colorful woven fabric case. The flute is amazing. It's musical tone is beautiful and rich and the expertly carved embouchure makes it a pleasure to play. It's also visually an amazing work of art. Muchas gracias, Dionisio, para mi Quena magnifica. - Cathy U, Fort Collins, Colorado I just received my rainstick.It is beautiful,beyond what I was expecting. Thank you so much for such a wonderful piece of art. - Julia K, Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada I just got my rainstick and it really is a beautiful work of art. It had such a personal touch, from the special wrapping to the carrying case. I felt like I had met Dionisio myself. Well, well worth the price; but it could easily be doubled. It will always be a special treasure for me. - Christine K, Pittsburgh, PA USA