Thanks for sharing that link, it's a great read.
I've been trying to source a cavaquinho here in the US to use and play as a steel-string soprano uke, but all I find are on ebay and costing ~$200, and brand names for which I can find no info...reviews, etc...
Seems that I may have to source a music shop in Portugal that will ship to USA that sells 'beginner' level instruments, but I am not hopeful as of now...any thoughts?