Session King Tenor Guitar

NK Forster Session King Tenor – Handmade, powerful, trusted

Handmade. Gig-proven. Built to do the job vintage tenors couldn’t.

WHAT IT IS

The Session King is a hand-built tenor guitar designed to be loud, balanced, and dependable. Whether you’re backing trad tunes, writing in alternate tunings, or just finally ready to move beyond the vintage oddities. This model is where the NK Forster tenor legacy began. And it’s still the one trusted by serious players across genres.

WHY YOU NEED IT

Most tenor guitars out there are either overbuilt and underwhelming.
If you’ve played old vintage models, you know the issues: thin tone, poor projection.
The Session King fixes all of that.

It’s strong, clear, and built with the kind of dynamic response you expect from a great acoustic. If you’re looking for a tenor you won’t have to wrestle with, this is it.

WHAT YOU GET

A fully handmade Session King tenor guitar.
Choice of soundboard.  Cedrela (earthy, raw, characterful) for the most affordable models to torrefied Sitka (rich, balanced, responsive) and more.

Wide upgrade path available: materials, finishes, scale lengths.
Built to last. Made to be played. Backed by years of gigging and player feedback.

WHAT MY CIENTS KNOW

They know that every instrument comes with a lifetime warranty.  That Tenors were an afterthought for most builders. That I decided to take them seriously.
Every Session King is built by me, based on decades of experience. Not just with wood, but working with players who rely on these instruments on stage and in studio.

Want to hear what they think? Scroll down and read the testimonials.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS

Starting at US$5550 for the basic stripped down version.
Add upgrades if you want. Or keep it simple.

HOW TO BUY

If this sounds like the tenor you’ve been looking for, I’d be happy to talk more.
Use the short form below to start the conversation. Whether you’re ready to order or just have questions, I’ll reply personally.

Nigel made me a dream tenor guitar: wonderful tonewoods, amazing finish and that rare balance of clarity from the bottom to the very top. It's right up there with the very best of my vintage Martins and Gibsons, with a finer edge.

Ed Baden-Powell - England
The Session King holds its own easily with the banjo. In fact, while we were picking yesterday I had to hold back while playing backup as the tenor was overpowering the banjo. I've been thinking about what to compare the power of this guitar to. While playing two-finger backup chords, it's a bit like shooting a shotgun. The chords boom out with surprising authority. So, there's a learning curve to it. It's refreshing to play a tenor with power to spare.

Steve Wilke, USA
Nigel, I have had quite a few high quality guitars in my life, but yours is the most extraordinary sounding one I have ever owned. That is no exaggeration; it is simply magnificent. It was superb when I got it, and amazingly, sounds even better now. Plus, it has great action, first rate playability. Tell me the truth: Is this the best one of these four-stringers you have ever made? I wouldn’t be surprised.
I really can’t imagine how its sound could be improved upon.


Will Morgan, USA
Beautiful! I love the guitar; it is perfect for the cello music that I play. I've never heard a guitar like this before. When I close my eyes I think I'm hearing a harpsichord! Thanks for the great opportunity.


Pamela Davis, USA
"Nigel exhibits that dogged passion and perseverance that’s made him a master at his trade; perfect blend of engineer + artist. He took time to absorb all my requests and then gifted me with an instrument that blew past my expectations. Pinch me - I’m a lucky new owner of a Session King!"

Bob MacNeil, Canada
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  • Material

    Soundboard - cedrela - a lightweight durable hardwood which has the appearance of a mahogany, yet a tone more like that of a thirty year old mahogany guitar.

    Many upgrades are available.

    Back and sides - mahogany, once again, many upgrades are possible.

    Neck - mahogany, Pacific maple, American maple or New Guinea rosewood.

    Fretboard - rocklite bound ebony or bog oak.

    Bridge - rocklite ebano

  • Hardware

    Tuners - Gotoh gold banjo tuners

    Frets - Evo gold hand polished frets

    Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

  • Dimensions

    body width: 395mm 15 1/2″
    body depth - 110mm 3.9″
    scale - 24.75″ or 22" or custom
    nut - 32mm or custom
    tuning - GDAE, GDAD, ADAD or similar