Bouzouki Comparison: Part 1

[@cheshirebowman4465]

Excellent video. Quite agree about different types of backs. I play an Ozark 2243e. I'm not the slimmest person so if I hold tight against my body or move it away there is definitely a difference, so this means to me that the back must be vibrating to quite an extent.

[@CruelFolk]

Yes, I'm also aware of the movement of the back with these things. There seems to be a lot of debate among makers about how important the back/body are, but it seems obvious to me that they make a big difference.

[@martinwall690]

Thanks for the fair and rigorous comparison. I am currently looking at buying a bouzouki, probably long scale Irish. My favourite of yours is the first one with octave 3rd and 4th courses. What is more, as common with these instruments, the octave up strings are hit first (nearer to player’s head. On my Kamaka 8-string ukulele this comes as standard and my ‘new’ renaissance 4-course guitar I had custom-string that way. It is clearly written up as a historical option for providing the bell- Ike jangle that I love. However, as you pointed out, your last demo with the Brazilian rosewood back also had that sound! Amazing. The only wild card for me is the fixed bridge on first and floating on last demo. Wonderful instruments those 2 and so well presented thanks again and best wishes. Martin

[@CruelFolk]

Those two Fyldes are very different beasts in practice and I end up using them for completely different things. The different woods and - as you point out - fundamental design, make the Octavius quite gentle and sweet-sounding, while the custom long-scale is really powerfull and big. If you're in the market, you might want to check out Part II as well - should be up soon. :-)

[@slowuncle]

I have a 90s vintage Octavius which I ultimately decided to modify to ditch the octave strings in favor of unison courses. It wasn't punchy enough for the tumultuous sessions I was doing at the time; the guitar bridge seemed to make for a quieter sound. In any event it has aged nicely & gotten louder & sweeter-sounding. I now use it in my home studio for a variety of exotica. Guitar bridge seems to make it friendlier to aggressive processing, with both a mic and (especially) the Highlander pickup.

[@CruelFolk]

Yes, mine is much softer sounding. I kept the octave stringing as it adds a particular complexity to the voice that makes it more suitable for certain songs.

[@pkjmfineart1593]

O yay~! Anything regarding Celtic Bouzouks is welcome! Longscale is my preference, unless you can change my mind 8-). I don't own one just yet. (other side of the world/Land of Oz). Subbed!

[@CruelFolk]

There is a very well-respected maker in Australia -- Nigel Forster set up on his own after being apprentice to Stefan Sobell. www.nkforsterguitars.com/

[@pkjmfineart1593]

@@CruelFolk WOW that is some of the best information I have ever been given. Thank you!!!!!!

[@corncrake]

I have both a Fylde Longscale bouzouki and a Fylde Octavius, and a Sobell. The Longscale is my favourite, a lovely tone and light action; the Ocvtavius is warmer and deeper, and the Sobell is a very deep, very loud tone, and not as 'forgiving' as the Fylde. I dislike the chord 'thrashing' rhythm-guitar-style that many musicians do on the bouzouki, often allowing open strings to hide a multitude of sins, but for slow picking or tune playing, and Andy-Irvine-style fingering, the Fylde Longscale is great. Good strings, phosphor bronze are my preference, make all the difference.

[@celticdadgad]

I admire Stefan’s craftsmanship & design. However, it’s the Fylde Long scale bouzouki for me if I was to judge by this video. Its sound isn’t as raspy as the Sobel and seems a tad mellower/warmer.

[@CruelFolk]

Definitely with you regarding the strings. I just wish it was easier to get hold of individual Elixir, as I just destory everything else in a couple of playings where as Elixir guitar sets keep their tone for ages.

[@ceeg0]

Thank you! I am in the market for a luthier-built bouzouki right now and the lack of high quality recordings was making the process infuriating. Interested to hear if you’ve had the chance to play any of Paul Shippey’s.

[@Srtw163]

Helo Do you know any best irish bouzuoki maker Im looking for this i want to buy .if you have then please drop here Social ID links

[@ceeg0]

@@Srtw163 He goes through a few in the video. It depends what you want: for a pre built and relatively low cost instrument made in China you could go with Trinity College or similar. Eastman is a level above, and above that I would say it depends on your location, but you may consider from the UK Fylde, Oddy or similar. Again, he goes through many in this video which is why it’s helpful.

[@Srtw163]

Not yet , but yeah can go But do you know the ne of any irish bouzuoki maker ? Maker name so that's could contact with him.

[@CruelFolk]

Are you asking for someone who's actually Irish? The top guy there would probably be Joe Foley, although you might also want to check out Justin Rogers. Another good maker outside Ireland is N. K. Forster.

[@CruelFolk]

Some of these guys, Foley in particular, may not have social IDs, but most of them have web sites that are easy to find.

[@gabithemagyar]

Lovely instruments ! I think the Oddy tenor guitar may sound better (less buzzy) if tuned to the traditional C-G-D-A.

[@CruelFolk]

Yes, I'm still experimenting with the string gauges on the tenor guitar. I may revert to CGDG at some point - I'll see how it goes.

[@bugtoastmusic1927]

Love this video, thank you. I play a Joe Foley instrument, and have had two guitars converted into guizouks. Thanks for those string gauges. Are your lower strings phosphor bronze? Which are your favorites?

[@CruelFolk]

Happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. Yes, I generally use phosphor bronze. For preference I would use Elixir as I find they last *way* longer than standard strings. However it's been so hard to buy them individually to make up custom sets that I usually end up with whatever is available. Most of the strings in my spares box at the moment are D'Addario and Ernie Ball (Earthwood).

[@Srtw163]

Helo Do you know any irish bouzuoki makers Im looking that Where could i find and get irish bouzuoki?? How could i check out i dont know the any ideas , please if you know irish bouzuoki instrument makers or any website , social accounts ID. i will definitely check it out

[@CruelFolk]

Are you asking for someone who's actually Irish? The top guy there would probably be Joe Foley, although you might also want to check out Justin Rogers. Another good maker outside Ireland is N. K. Forster.

[@Srtw163]

Yes I'm Thanks mean lots

[@castleofsong9620]

As could be expected there are quite a few great independent instrument makers in Ireland. As a native Irish person who keeps somewhat on top of the scene I would say the best regarded Irish Bouzouki makers at this current time would probably be Frank Tate, Ciaran McNally and O’Rainne instruments. All three produce instruments of exceptional quality and tonal characteristics.

[@JoshuaIsaacAlexander]

Great comparison

[@CruelFolk]

Thanks!

[@chriscorr9124]

Thanks for the Video

[@CruelFolk]

I hope it was useful!

[@PerryJones-eo3qt]

my 1998 Octavious has Sapele back and sides with the cedar top.

[@CruelFolk]

Yes, I'm pretty sure that's what mine is too.

[@Rinty145]

Have you ever played a Joe Foley bouzouki and if so what did you think of it?

[@CruelFolk]

No I haven't played one. I was very impressed by the sound that Daoiri Farrell's makes, to the extent that I considered ordering one and spoke to Joe on the phone at some length to discuss it. He seems a really nice guy! In the end I decided to order something else, and it will be unboxed in Part 2...