Model S

NK Forster Model S – Designed to be heard, wherever you’re playing.

Refined. Balanced. Responsive to the way you play.

WHAT IT IS

The Model S is a hand-built steel-string guitar, shaped like a Martin OM or 000 but with a tighter waist with a sharper focus and tonal clarity. Available in two versions: the S-SS and the S-HO.

WHY CHOOSE IT?

Built for players who’ve outgrown factory guitars and found that most luthier-made instruments sound remarkably similar. The S-SS has a pronounced mid-range response. The S-HO has a little more bass. Both adapt to fingers or pick, subtle playing or full-on strumming. It’s the most versatile model I make.

WHAT YOU’RE BUYING

A fully hand-built Model S with your choice of tonewoods and soundboard design. Two versions available: S-SS and S-HO. 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.

If you’re unsure which model fits your playing, I’ll help you figure it out.

Scroll down and read what players have said.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS

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

 

The Model S has been my main guitar for the last decade. It’s a constant source of inspiration for me. Without Nigel’s guitar, I don’t think I would have ever recorded a solo record, they have incredible tone and give me so much confidence, making me a more fluid player.

The Model S has unrivaled versatility. I have used it in every session I’ve ever played, it triumphs in every style including old-time jazz, pop rhythm overdubs and open-tune fingerstyle. I’d truly be lost without it.

- Tom Fletcher, England
Nigel's 14 fret to the body, single cutaway steel string has impeccable tonal separation and sustain. No blur; each string sounds as though it's on a separate audio track. The guitar is over 10 years old and has aged into nuance - it is as responsive as a great classical guitar. If you play fingerstyle guitar, this is the kind of precise and lovely instrument you want.

- David Hartman, USA
I have 2 guitars from Nigel, a model F that I bought in 2007 and a model S of 2010.

To me, they continue to be an endless source of joy and inspiration. The workmanship is second to none. The sound is just breathtaking. Take my word for it. Clarity, separation, sustain to die for; the sweetest trebles you’ll ever hear, a midrange full of presence, and bass strings just as strong as necessary; the result is a well-balanced overall sound across the fingerboard. It just doesn’t get any better.

Like all true works of art, Nigel’s guitars are unique. You can’t really compare them to anything else out there. In my view, this sets Nigel apart from many other world-class luthiers many of whom sound somewhat similar. It seems that Nigel has never followed anyone else’s (not even Sobell’s) footsteps. He’s always been doing his own thing.

But most importantly: After all these years, I still get goosebumps when I pick the guitars up and play the first chords. No kidding. I can’t think of a better reason on which to base my recommendation of Nigel’s work to anyone seeking his life instrument.

- Alex Hanslik, Austria
The Model S is an ideal guitar for the studio - some guitars have a narrow ‘sweet spot’ where the sound is balanced and strong in every register - the Model S has a super wide sweet spot and will give a huge number of tonal options depending on microphones and room acoustics. It simply sounds great wherever you’re stood, always.

Ian Stephenson, England
Some seemingly simple design ideas combine into the best guitar I’ve played, bar none - genius - it’s constantly inspiring, and it’s changed the way I play for the better.

Gavin Davenport, England
I've had my NK Forster for 5 years now and it's the best guitar I've ever played. Solid, resonant
It's my number 1 live and recording guitar. The tone and sustain are unique and the craftsmanship is top tier.

Martin Longstaff (The Lake Poets), England
Model S-SS.
Model S-SS-10
Model S-SS-14
Model S-SS-15
Model S-SS-16
Model S-SS-17

  • Material

    Soundboard – mature seasoned European spruce or Western red cedar.

    Back and sides – there are many options - mahogany, maple, figured mahogany, wenge, ziricote or figured bubinga.

    Neck - New Guinea rosewood, American maple or upgrade with 1908 vintage Cuban mahogany

    Fretboard - fine Sri Lanka ebony or ancient bog oak.

    Bridge - rocklite ebano.

  • Hardware

    Tuners - Gold Gotoh 510.

    Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets.

    Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

  • Dimensions

    body width: 395mm 15 1/2″
    depth -120mm 4 3/4"
    nut - 44mm
    bridge spacing -57mm
    scale -24.75″ or custom