Big Celtic F

Built for big tunes, loud rooms, and long sets

Handmade tone. European sweetness. American punch.

WHAT IT IS

The Big Celtic F is a handcrafted mandolin built to blend two worlds: the smooth, sweet tone of European-style instruments with the projection and cut of American F-style builds. It’s clear, balanced, and built to be heard without sounding harsh.

WHY YOU NEED IT

Most Celtic mandolins lean too far in one direction. Either they’re too delicate to hold up in a session, or they’re too brash to blend.

This model was built to solve that with a warm, focused tone that still pushes air when you dig in. Whether you’re backing tunes, taking solos, or recording something subtle, it holds its own with grace and clarity.

WHAT YOU GET

A fully hand-built Celtic F mandolin.
Balanced tone with both warmth and presence.
Premium tonewoods, chosen for sound and feel.
Custom detailing available.
Made for players who want their instrument to last and respond.

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.

You’re not just buying materials and labour; you’re buying the sound, playability, and longevity that come from over three decades of experience.

If you’re unsure which model fits your playing, I’ll help you figure it out. And if you want proof these instruments hold up over time, scroll down and read what players have said.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Prices include premium tonewoods, full customisation, and direct updates from me throughout the process.

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

HOW TO BUY

If this sounds like the kind of mandolin you’ve been searching for, I’d be glad to hear from you.
Use the form below to get in touch. I’ll reply personally and help you figure out if this is the right next step for your playing.

"It’s easy to see Nigel’s attention to fit and finish from the images, just as it is to hear the quality of tone that he achieves from the videos. But it’s only when you pick up the mandolin that you understand what a well-rendered tool it is for making music, with a body that is comfortable to hold and play and a fretboard which feels intuitive to navigate. I won’t go so far as to say that it makes me sound like Ian Stephenson, but it makes me want to practice more and get closer to that standard."

- Patrick Heffernan, USA

Commissioning a mandolin or any musical instrument can be a daunting experience and especially when its builder lives in far away in Australia! What if it doesn’t work out? Doesn’t sound or look right!!! I decided to take the plunge and order “The Big Celtic F” featuring f holes, Maple back, sides & neck. I chose this based on photos, music videos and finally, Nigel’s reputation garnered from his time working with Stefan Sobell and then branching out on his own.

The instrument itself is larger bodied than the standard size and it is easier to play, fitting under my right arm very comfortably. Nigel’s workmanship is flawless and details such as the neck’s back strap and Evo Gold frets set this mandolin apart.

It’s sound is warm, well rounded and projects enough volume to hold its own within my nine-piece Celtic Music Band. Now, after several months of playing, its action has settled in very nicely with no adjustments required. Its intonation is perfect, and my N. K. Forster “Big Celtic F” mandolin is now my go to instrument for all my shows.

- Peter Collins, USA

I was fortunate to own a Sobell cittern in the 1980s. When I finally decided to acquire a mandolin that matched the craftsmanship and uniqueness of the cittern, I chose Nigel Forsters' workshop. I was not disappointed. Not only did I receive an instrument that was magnificently crafted in every detail, but one that is unsurpassed in sound quality and playability. The action on the fretboard, the intonation, and the heft of the neck are incomparable. The wide body perfectly balances the clarity of each note with the resonance of the sustained tones. More than any instrument I have ever played, the Celtic F really lets the strings sing. And, of course, it’s strikingly beautiful.

- Kelly Bishop, USA

Material
Soundboard – mature seasoned European spruce

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

Neck - mahogany.

Fretboard - fine Sri Lanka ebony or ancient bog oak.

Bridge - rocklite ebano, ebony or maple.
Hardware
Tuners - Gotoh 510

Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets

Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

Tailpiece - custom made, hand polished solid brass.
Dimensions
body width - 310mm
body length -300mm
depth at tail - 50mm
nut width - 8st 34mm 10st 38mm
scale length - 347mm