In Paraguay, the relationship between harpists and harp makers is a close one. In this video, harpmaker Oscar Maldonado of El Rey discusses the business of harp construction while his friends Marcelo Rojas and Nicolas Caballero play for the enjoyment of customers and workers. Both artists are featured on the album Maiteí América: Harps of Paraguay, available on CD and digital.

Paraguayan harp music is unique, and stands out as a favorite for harpists the world over-not least for its driving rhythms, compelling melodies and rich ornamentation. "Greetings, America," Maiteí América in the Guaraní Indian language, boasts three generations of Paraguay's best harpists spinning out classic compositions steeped in over four centuries of history. The preeminent, tradition-hewn polca paraguaya musical form is infused with intensely fresh, mind-opening improvisations by master musicians Nicolás Caballero, Martín Portillo, Marcelo Rojas, Miguel Ángel Valdez, and Kike Pedersen. 68 minutes, 20 tracks, 44-page booklet with extensive bilingual notes and photographs.