Parlour King Tenor Guitar

NK Forster Parlour King Tenor – Vintage charm, modern design

Vintage Vibe. Modern Voice. Big Tone in a Small Frame.

WHAT IT IS

The Parlour King is a vintage-inspired, hand-built tenor guitar that combines old-world charm with modern acoustic performance. It’s compact, elegant, and designed to feel as good as it sounds. Perfect for small spaces, home sessions, or gigs and surprisingly powerful when pushed.

WHY YOU NEED IT

You want something smaller. Easier to hold. More focused.
But you don’t want to sacrifice tone, volume, or character.
The Parlour King gives you all three. Whether you’re recording, playing late at night, or navigating a loud pub session where a dreadnought gets muddy, this guitar holds its ground. And it looks the part while doing it.

WHAT YOU GET

A fully hand-built Parlour King tenor.
Traditional body shape for comfort and playability.
Custom tonewoods and finishes to match your tone and taste.
Warm, focused, and surprisingly rich sound.
Perfect for home studios, the stage, or for players who want something a bit different.
A lifetime warranty.

WHY IT’S WORTH IT

Every instrument is built by me – no production runs, no shortcuts. Each design has been refined through years of feedback from professional players who rely on their instruments night after night.

You’re not just buying materials and labour; you’re buying the sound, playability, and longevity that come from over three decades of experience.

If you’re unsure which model fits your playing, I’ll help you figure it out. And if you want proof these instruments hold up over time, scroll down and read what players have said.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Prices include premium tonewoods, full customisation, and direct updates from me throughout the process.

If you’d like the current price list, scroll down and fill in the contact form at the foot of the page.

HOW TO BUY

Think this might be the right fit for your playing life?
Use the form below to reach out. Whether you’re ready to start a build or just curious, I’ll reply personally and help you figure out if this is the right instrument for you.

"The Parlour Tenor is gorgeous in every way. It has a beautiful tone and a huge range, from ringing trebles on top to an amazingly big low end for such a small body. The craftsmanship is a wonder to behold, the instrument is incredibly responsive, and it’s a joy to play. The Parlour Tenor - one of the best guitars of any kind I’ve ever played, and by far the best tenor. A real treasure. "

Taylor, New York, USA
"I'm extremely delighted with my parlour sized tenor guitar from Nigel. The workmanship and skill in making this instrument is no less than impeccable. The most unexpected surprise for me is the sheer power of sound that comes from such a wee instrument. The mahogany timber which I chose gives a warm and sweet sound. I just find immense joy noodling and performing on this beautiful instrument.”

Mel Tompkins, Victoria, Australia
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  • Material

    Soundboard - cedrela - a lightweight durable hardwood which has the appearance of a mahogany, yet a tone more like that of a thirty year old mahogany guitar.

    Many upgrades are available.

    Back and sides - mahogany, once again, many upgrades are possible.

    Neck - mahogany, Pacific maple, American maple or New Guinea rosewood.

    Fretboard - ebony or bog oak with rocklite binding.

    Bridge - rocklite ebano

  • Hardware

    Tuners -Chrome Gotoh 510

    Frets - Evo gold hand polished frets

    Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

  • Dimensions

    body width: 330mm 13″
    body depth - 100mm 4.3″
    scale - 24.75″ or 22" or custom
    nut - 32mm or custom
    tuning - GDAE, GDAD, ADAD or similar