Cesar Augusto Castro Gonzalez was immediately drawn to the sound of an eight-string rhythmic guitar, the jarana. >>>Audio Slideshow(Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Castro spends time making jaranas and requintos in his wood shop, where pieces of wood, molds and completed instruments hang from the walls. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Tuning pegs, the bridge and fret boards of jaranas are carved out of a hardwood known as African padauck. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Castro takes time out of his day to cuddle with his 8-month-old daughter Sofia. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
