NK Forster Session King Tenor – Handmade, powerful, trusted

The Session King tenor guitar is, according to many, the best handmade tenor guitar available today.

For years, tenor and plectrum guitars were overlooked by most makers. A lot of musicians owned vintage models but were left underwhelmed. I saw the need for something better—and set out to redesign the tenor guitar from the ground up.

The handmade Session King tenor has since gained a solid following. You can start with the basic model, or pick from a wide range of upgrades—materials, finishes, and features—to suit your playing style and budget.

One popular option is the torrefied Sitka spruce soundboard, which gives a rich, responsive tone. That said, the cedrela top also has its fans—raw and earthy, with a unique character of its own.

Put simply: if you’ve been looking for a proper tenor guitar, the Session King is likely the one. It’s strong, well made, and better sounding than any vintage tenor I’ve come across.

Every instrument is hand-built to last—and to be played. Whether you’re on stage, at home, or in the studio, the Session King tenor delivers clear tone, balance, and real playability.

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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