I played violin professionally for 15 years before commissioning the mandolin, so I was very particular about tone, playability, and aesthetics. I also wanted a collaborator — someone who truly understood what I was after. Mr. Forster helped me refine my thinking and guided me through the process of customising an instrument that was exactly right for me.
He came highly recommended, and once we started talking, it was immediately clear that he was a master of his craft — passionate about quality and deeply attuned to musicians.
From the outset, the experience was highly collaborative and thoughtful. He brought nuanced insight to each of the decisions we made — from tonewood to setup — always aiming to deliver the best possible result.
When the mandolin arrived, it was sublime. It takes a lot to move me, but I was genuinely moved when I first played it. It was exactly what I’d hoped for — in every way.
Since then, I’ve played a lot of Irish traditional and classical music on it. Unaccompanied Bach has been particularly fun. The mandolin sounds beautiful and brings me joy every time I pick it up. I only wish I had more time to play — and more time to grow as a mandolin player.
“When the mandolin arrived, it was sublime. It takes a lot to move me, but I was genuinely moved when I first played it.”
To anyone serious about tone, playability, and aesthetics — and who values a collaborative commission process — I’d absolutely recommend NK Forster Guitars.
I’ll admit, I was slightly nervous at first about commissioning from overseas — I’m based in the DC area — but Mr. Forster was highly professional and responsive throughout. In hindsight, that worry was completely unnecessary.
Kismet said, ‘It was exactly what I’d hoped for — in every way.’ If you care deeply about tone, playability, and a collaborative process, maybe it’s time to start the conversation about your own instrument.