Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

This is my first attempt at a Bouzouki. Made for a friend who's keen to incorporate a little Bouzouki playing at his local Irish Session.


Scale Length - 25.5"
Fret Board - 12" radius
Back and Sides - Queensland Walnut
Bindings - Ebony
Neck - Queensland Maple
Bridge & Fretboard - Gidgee
Soundboard - King Billy Pine
Head Stock veneer, heel cap and rosette - York Gum Burl
Finish - NC Satin

I know expert at playing bouzouki but it sounds sweet, has a nice action and the intonation's good. I'll let you know what my mate thinks if it survives its journey with Aust Post

Mike, that is a very beautiful and elegant instrument. I think the combination of colours really works a treat, and the matt finish is very tasteful. What were the challenges in tackling a bouzouki, and what plans did you use? It really inspires me to give one a go at a later stage (not that I would know how to play the bloody thing, but that could be a good skill to learn also). Great job with the photography too, BTW
cheers
Mark

Hi Mike,

I really like that !, very simple but Bloody beautiful.

Nice work.

Cheers,

That looks very nice Mike, well done.

Steve

Mark McLean wrote:What were the challenges in tackling a bouzouki, and what plans did you use?
Mark

Mark I pretty much tackled it like I do my guitars. My main concern was the potential for excessive relief in the neck seeing as the the neck join is at the 17th fret. I decided to put some carbon fibre in to stiffen it up and it seems to have worked. But maybe the truss rod would have been enough?

Plans? It's basically an adaptation of Graham McDonald's plans from his "Bouzouki Book" (thanks Graham )

Thanks Mike
I also thought I would follow Graham's ideas if I ever went down this road, and it is great to know that you travelled the same route. Mr McDonald is having a bit of influence around here!
Once again - beaut looking instrument.

Nice looking zouk Mike.

Regards

Nice zouk indeed
Could you tell me where you sourced your King Billy Pine?? Pls

Thanks for the feedback guys.
Maddaddam: The KBP was from a flitch I bought on a Tassie trip quite a few years ago. Honestly can't remember exactly where I got it as I bought timber from a few places that trip. FYI I was there again this year and couldn't get my hands on much quartersawn stuff at all.

I've a attached some audio (via youtube) courtesy of the proud new owner. Some picks of the build included for good measure.

youtu.be/

Cheers

A Fine looking build Mike

What is that you have done at the end of the fretboard near the soundhole ? (sorry mate but my eye's )

Great looking zouk Mike, sharp work and nice choice of woods too. That gidgee fb looks really schweet in the tube video, like BRW and I've not seen gidgee that dark before...

Cheers

Kim