Session King Irish bouzouki

NK Forster Session King Bouzouki – stripped back, Session-Ready

Compact. Responsive. Built for real session playing.

WHAT IT IS

The Session King Bouzouki is a streamlined, hard-working version of one of my most popular instruments. Built for players who want tone, comfort, and reliability without the frills. It’s based on my Standard Model, with a smaller body that fits in a banjo case and holds up beautifully in loud traditional sessions.


WHY YOU NEED IT

Many bouzoukis are overbuilt or overloaded with decoration. This one strips things back to what matters: clear tone, strong projection, and focused playability.

If you’re gigging, recording, or jumping into tunes in a packed pub, this size gives you a tighter sound that cuts through the mix.
You can choose between two top styles:
• Flat top with a fixed bridge for more bass and sustain
• Arched top with a floating bridge for a traditional bouzouki response


WHAT YOU GET

A handmade, stage-ready bouzouki with practical tonewood choices.
Compact size for great projection and fits in a banjo case.
Two voicing styles depending on your needs.
Customise the scale and nut width.
Reliable tone. Honest feel. Zero fuss.


WHAT MY CIENTS KNOW

They know that every instrument comes with a Lifetime warranty. That I’ve built for pros, hobbyists, and trad players for decades. The Session King Bouzouki came directly from asking players who needed something tough, affordable, and musical. It’s the most accessible model I offer, but it’s no compromise piece.


HOW MUCH IT COSTS

From US$5700
Includes your choice of voicing and a straightforward, no-nonsense build.


HOW TO BUY

If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, I’d love to hear more about your playing and what you need. Use the form below to get in touch. I’ll reply personally, and we’ll figure out whether this is the right fit for you.

P1066034
P1066035
P1066083
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Archtop body
archtop action
flat top body
archtop back
  • Material

    Soundboard – mature seasoned credrela or upgrade to European spruce, Western red cedar, torrefied sitka, torrefied adirondack or redwood.

    Back and sides – khaya mahogany or Queensland silkwood, or upgrade to Indian rosewood, Victorian blackwood, flame jarrah, wenge, ziricote, figured bubinga or many more.
  • Hardware

    Tuners - Chrome Gotoh 510.

    Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets.

    Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

    Archtop tailpiece - nickel blended stainless steel.
  • Dimensions

    body width: 340mm 13.4″
    body depth: 90mm 3.5″
    scale: 22", 23.5", 24.75″ or 650mm or custom.
    nut: 36mm or custom.
    tuning: GDAE, GDAD, ADAD or similar.