Help - Irish Bouzouki

Subject: Irish Bouzouki
From: Walt B.
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 10:37 AM

I wish to buy an Irish bouzouki and learn to play it. Could anyone give me some brand names and review how they feel about them? Specifically, how do you feel about the "Trinity College" model? Also, where is a good source for purchase? I am grateful for your help.

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 12:16 PM

If you haven't already come across it, have a look at "Han's Irish Bouzouki Page", at: http//www.ice.el.utwente.nl/~han/bouzouki/index,html

Lots of useful information.

Have fun!

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: John of the Hill
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 05:34 PM

Walt, Consider subscribing to the Cittern-List. You can get the details at the site Malcolm mentioned.By the way Malcolm, I'm about 99% sure that I'm going to order a cittern from Davy Stuart. This family of instruments seems to be growing in popularity and deservedly so. John

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: John Wood
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 07:01 PM

One of the best Irish Bouzouki makers we've come
across is Joe Foley from Dublin
He plays in a group called ``Rattlin' Strings´´,
where he has made all of the instruments the group uses.
Well worth checking out!!

Greetings John.

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 08:57 PM

I started off with a cheap Greek bouzouki which eventually fell to bits; I've still got the body and one day (perhaps) it'll get a new neck. Then an "Octave Mandola" (Baritone Mandolin, really) and more recently a cittern by Gerald Adams (Norwich); open tunings for me. Though I play mostly fiddle, now, I love the Bouzouki/cittern sound. Cittern (5-course) is probably a bit more versatile.

Malcolm

P.S. I mis-typed the URL. It should be: http://www.ice.el.utwente.nl/~han/bouzouki/index.html

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 09:30 PM

I rarely play bouzouki but for me, the nicest one I tried was made by John Hullah. There seem to be quite a few makers that are well worth considering.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: Lucius
Date: 10 Oct 99 - 10:27 PM

One of the best instruments that I've had the pleasure to play was made by this luther:

http://members.mint.net/memusic/

He makes about anything, but specializes in very playable Citterns with wide necks.

I keep thinking that I'll order from him, but there is always something that I end up needing first (like food).

Bob Jovi

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: JedMarum
Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:09 AM

also check out this page; Stefan Sobell's Muscical Instruments. There is a lot of information about the Irish Bouzouki, and several variations of this instrument.

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: hd57
Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:11 PM

Luthier W.A. Petersen is making some very nice bouzoukis. They are available from Elderly Instruments, Anacortes Music, and others, or you can contact Bill at : [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: Davey
Date: 12 Oct 99 - 10:00 AM

Walt, your initial post asked specifically about a Trinity College. The other posts mentioned a number of luthiers, and while I'm sure they make excellent instruments, they may be out of your price range.. Just guessing.

I've been playing a Trinity College bouzouki for about 10 years and while it's not up to the quality that a luthier could make it has been, for me, a very playable and enjoyable instrument. Mine tends to stay in tune from session to session, has good projection, and low action. Also, the sound will vary depending on the strings you use. I'm sorry I can't tell you where they can be purchased, as I've heard (unconfirmed) that Trinity College instruments are no longer being made. I bought mine privately. I have seen a couple for sale in Toronto over the past 3-4 years for around $1,200.

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: John of the Hill
Date: 12 Oct 99 - 07:25 PM

Trinity College bouzoukis and octave mandolins are being made again. Production has shifted from Japan to Korea. I just read a couple of postings on the Cittern list that seem to indicate that they are probably better made than they used to be and the prices are much lower, I think around $425 US. Elderly Instruments handles them. John

Subject: RE: Help: Irish Bouzouki
From: bill\sables
Date: 12 Oct 99 - 07:42 PM

Walt Try luthier Terry Dochertyclick here Cheers Bill