“I first came across NK Forster Guitars through the Tom Kimber video. At the time, I was playing tenor banjo but wanted a different voice — something suited to slower, prettier tunes. The tone in that video had a fullness, almost like a guitar, and I was immediately hooked. I must’ve worn that video out listening to it. It kept me going through the long wait for the build.
I’m no expert when it comes to guitar construction, but I knew what I liked when I heard it. That sound led me to Nigel’s work. I wasn’t overly concerned with looks, though the tenor I received turned out to be beautiful. What mattered most to me was tone — and after some back and forth, I settled on a 22″ scale and a torrefied Sitka spruce top. I couldn’t be happier with that decision.
When the instrument arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the finish and the wood tones. The craftsmanship is, to my eye, flawless. It felt familiar in the hands — very close to the banjos I’d been playing, which was exactly what I was after.
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“The sustain is remarkable… I often find myself slowing things down just to let that voice shine.”
What really sets this instrument apart is its clarity. The sustain is remarkable, especially for such a short-necked guitar. While I mostly play Irish instrumental tunes, I often find myself slowing things down just to let that voice shine. It’s a joy to play — and a joy to hear.
This was a big investment for me, more than I’ve spent on any other instrument. The wait was long, and the import process into the US had a few complications. But I knew all that going in, and Nigel was completely transparent about the timeline and costs. The result is a guitar that’s not only a joy to play, but also a piece of art to look at. I still feel a little rush of excitement every time I open the case. That’s how I know I made the right choice.
I have no regrets. As long as I have the dexterity to keep playing, this tenor will stay with me.”
Brian told me, ‘I still feel a little rush of excitement every time I open the case. That’s how I know I made the right choice.’
If you’ve been hesitating because of the cost or the wait, maybe it’s time to start the conversation. Scroll down to the form below, click “I’m a player” and let’s get started.