“It sounded like a grand piano.”
“In April 2017, I’d just missed out on a Sobell bouzouki that was listed in Ireland — it sold locally before I could act. I started searching for Stefan Sobell, and that’s how I came across NK Forster Guitars. I’d never heard of Nigel before, but once I saw he’d apprenticed with Stefan, that gave me the confidence I needed.
I landed on this listing: a redwood and cocobolo bouzouki with an oval soundhole, up at GuitarGal. The woman on the phone said, “I just posted this a few minutes ago.” I bought it on the spot.
Two days later it arrived. I opened the case and lifted it by the neck — the deep soft V felt perfect in the hand. The tone was just as I’d hoped: a rich low end, crystal-clear highs. I’ve learned to give the back room to vibrate — that’s when the full colour of the sound really comes out.
“The tone was just as I’d hoped: a rich low end, crystal-clear highs. My late brother once said it sounded like a grand piano.”
The look of it is stunning. That flamed redwood top, the cocobolo back and sides, the elegant tailpiece resting on felt (no grommets needed) — it’s practical and beautiful.
I tend to reach for this bouzouki over my octave mandolins when playing in groups — and other musicians notice. They say, “That sounds like a proper bouzouki.” My late brother, also a musician, once said it sounded like a grand piano.
Would I recommend NK Forster? Absolutely. Everyone I know who owns one swears by it. And for me, owning an instrument of this quality — it demands you raise your playing to meet it.”
Steve said his bouzouki sounded like a grand piano. If you’ve been wondering what a handmade instrument might unlock for you, get in touch and let’s talk. Use the form below, click “I’m a player” and let’s begin.