Large body Irish Bouzouki
NK Forster Large Body Irish Bouzouki – Handmade tone that cuts through a session
Tone and tradition.
WHAT IT IS
The Irish bouzouki found its place in traditional music in the late 1960s, when Johnny Moynihan introduced the Greek bouzouki into Irish music.
One of the first luthiers to adapt and redesign the instrument for Irish music was my former boss, Stefan Sobell. I spent years in his workshop, helping build Sobell bouzoukis and citterns from the late ’80s through the early 2000s. When I set up my own shop, my earliest instruments were close relatives of his—essentially Sobell-style bouzoukis. For decades, Sobell instruments have been the benchmark in this field.
After years of building and refining, I’ve come up with something I believe surpasses even those early classics.
WHY YOU NEED IT
These large body Irish bouzoukis are made to handle the demands of regular playing. Built for tone, strength, and reliability. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or playing in a session, they hold up beautifully.
They suit traditional Celtic music especially well. But they’re also flexible enough to suit a range of styles.
WHAT YOU GET
A strong, resonant large body bouzouki.
Responsive enough for solo work. Tough enough for session playing.
Custom tonewoods, scale lengths, and detailing available.
Made to be played. And made to last.
WHAT MY CLIENTS KNOW
They know that every instrument comes with a lifetime warranty. That I’ve built these instruments for over three decades — starting alongside Stefan Sobell and evolving the design through years of hands-on experience. These aren’t boutique showpieces. They’re working instruments, built by someone who knows what the gig demands. Scroll down to see what owners say.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS
Prices start at US$8225
Includes premium tonewoods and full customisation.
HOW TO BUY
If this sounds like the right instrument for you, I’d be happy to hear more about what you’re looking for.
Fill out the form below. Do you have questions or want to talk build details? I’ll reply personally.
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 or American maple.
Fretboard - fine Sri Lanka ebony or ancient bog oak.
Bridge - ebony, rocklite ebano or maple.
Hardware
Tuners - Gold Gotoh 510.
Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets.
Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.
Tailpiece - polished, lacquered brass.Dimensions
body width -390mm (15 3/8”)
body length - 450mm (17 3/4”)
body depth - 95mm (3 3/4”)
nut - 8st 36mm (11 3/32”) 10st 40mm (11 9/32”) or custom
scale length -
bouzouki 650mm (25 5/8”)
tuning – (D)GDAE or similar
cittern/octave mandolin 585mm (23 1/16”)
tuning – (D)GDAE or similar or high tuning – (G)DADA
mandola 515mm (20 1/4”)
tuning – (G)CGDA or similar