As a guitarist, I think I know about guitar makers, but I don’t know so much about bouzouki makers. I have not tried so many bouzoukis as there are not so many bouzouki players around me.
So, I would like to ask bouzouki players what maker you recommend and the reason.
By the way, I currently have a Peterson, and I am quite satisfied with it.
My budget is around USD2,000 and P.W. Crump and Davy Stuart are currently in my mind…
I'm a newbie to the world of bouzouki so my comments come with no authority, but here they are for what they are worth!
When I decided to buy my zouk I got in touch with Han Speek who runs his own bouzouki enthusiast website.He gave me some useful advice and in the end, following one of his suggestions, I bought a Fylde 'Touchstone'. It has a very pleasing sound to my ear but I admit I didn't compare it with any alternatives.
It could be worhtwhile getting in touch with Han to add his opinion to the avalanche of thoughts your posting will attract!
Having had a number of mandolins over the years I felt it was time to bite the bullet as it were and get a decent one. Having had the opportunity to try a variety of them including a Gibson and Sobel I kept returning to one that was made by Joe Foley in Ireland. This seemed, to me, to have the sweetest sound and are very popular with serious ITM musicians. I ordered one 6 x weeks ago and he warned me it would take about 10 months to build.... can't wait !!!
Now I believe he also builds zooks that are 2nd to none.
My new bouzouki is a Trillium , made by Robt Abrams in New Hampshire, and I love it. It sounds great. It makes me want to play better. Besides the great sound it is a solidly made piece of art, superb workmanship. I ordered it in April 05 and it was delivered in November 05.
Joe Foley made me a bouzouki back in 2000. I think I paid 700 punts at the time (I'm sure they are considerably higher now). I can't tell how how happy I am with this aquisition. Do you know the feeling you get when buy something and it turns out to be better than you hoped? Well that's how I feel about my Foley. I was living in Mississippi at the time and was planning a trip back home later in the year. I gave Joe a ring and asked him for a bouzouki and that I would be back in the country in six months. He said 'No problem'. I asked if he needed any money up front. he said 'no, sure you can pay me when you see me'. Six months later I was home and took a trip up to Dublin to see Joe. The transaction was made and I got bouzouki no 514. Beautiful and well made. I asked for nothing really special, just his standard bouzouki yet it had some very nice inlay work and the cedar top had an excellent grain.
Six years on and it is aging nicely, I believe it sounds better now than when I first got it. Of course that happens with a lot of instruments. I've played some other very nice bouzoukis. A friend of mine has a Sobell and it really is a great sounding instrument. Very different from the Foley and for me ,being a guitar player, I found the Foley suited me better. Anyway as you can probably tell, I really like my Foley bouzouki! I know there are many makers in the US who make fine instruments but I have to be honest some of the instruments I have come across, while very nice to look at, do not pack the same punch as the Foley. It is a very robust instrument and great for a working musician. OK i'll stop. Bottom line ..... get a Foley!!
Initially I wasn't going to add my tuppence worth to what has been said about Joe Foley, but I have known him for about 30 years, even beofre he started making instruments!!
Joe has made 3 instruments for me (2 guitars and a bouzouki) and one for my wife (a mandolin). All of them are in their own way, unique and magical instruments, and we are very proud to own and play them.
As this thread refers to bouzoukis, let's concentrate on Joe's unique contribution in this area. Quite simply, in an era when bouzoukis were very difficult to obtain, he supplied musicians in Ireland and further afield with quality instruments at extremely affordable prices, using very high grade materials. Without Joe and a handful of others, the Irish music revival could have been badly affected.
Over the years he has honed his craft and the "standard" Foley bouzouki has superb craftsmanship, solid design and excellent volume and tone (these obviously vary with the exact design and choice of woods).
Joe is always available to the buyer should any of his instruments develop any problems after purchase, and he will maintain them in the event of a mishap. Indeed some instruments have been returned to him in more than one piece after an "accident" and have been lovingly restored by their maker.
Anyone who knows Joe would describe him as an absolute gentleman, great craic and someone who is extremely knowledgable about his profession.
To me the only reason not to go hand-made for a bouzouki is the time spent waiting for your instrument - some makers supply shops and this means you can try out the finished article - another slight concern if you have ordered an instrument (i.e. what do I do if it doesn't turn out as I expected??).
Also your decision may depend on where you live. Our house is very near Joe's workshop, in fact I can easily walk to it in about 5 minutes, that's how close we are....so if I have the slightest problem with an instrument, it can be sorted very easily.
However I guess most areas have some kind of guitar repairman available who can do any of the trick y stuff.
I have a Crump B-II, and I am crazymad in love with it. I have had and still have a great relationship with Phil, and it's been great to work with him.
I would love to have a Joe Foley also. I've played several of them, each of them different, each perfect for its owner, and all very, very nice.
Davy Stuart's work is really great-looking, but I haven't ever been in the same room with one.
I've played a Trillium, very nice. I've had a couple of Fyldes, very nice, and would be a nice move from your Peterson.
Luthiers just recently stepping up ... Brian Dean in Montreal is making some lovely instruments, as is Daunt Lee in Newfoundland, with his Minstrel company.
Have a look at the Mandolin Cafe (www.mandolincafe.com), where there are lists of builders from all over the world, and in the forums there is a CBOM ("Cittern,Bouzouki,Octave Mandolin) forum there are archived loads of discussions of various makers and instruments.
I have a Crump B-I, and like stv, am very happy with it. Just the right amount of sustain, good balance, great projection and a joy to play. Workmanship and detailing is very nicely done as well.
I have a guitar-shaped bouzouki made by Dave White, based near London, at www.defaoiteguitars.com
It's a gorgeous instrument, and Dave's a great guy - very reasonably priced instruments, good all together package and after-sales (not that you'll need it, great workmanship). He'll build to your spec as well. Mine just keeps getting better - it's only a few months old but already it's really starting to sound awesome. The bass on it is incredible, it's got great volume and tone, and that's been the opinion of people who know as well, not just me starting out on it (I'm fiddler & pianist first up). But it's good enough to have me already going well on it... there's a shortage of bouzouki players in Limerick so I'm going for filling that gap ;)
My Crump B-3 should be here by month's end. Phil has been great to work with. I can't wait for it to arrive!
If money were no object, I'd probably get a Foley or Sobell (or both!). I've played a Foley and loved it (Donal Clancy's). I've never played a Sobell but have seen/heard Ciaran Curran's and it's a magnificent instrument. I also love the sound of my teacher Zan McLeod's Stephen Owsley Smith octave.
The Nyberg instruments look really cool and so do Andy Tobin's. Paul Doyle and Frank Tate are some other makers you might have a look at.
I'm currently doing Joe's Website,so there will be an online catalogueto look through the stuff. in the meantime if you are serious about one, I can get you contact deatails if you email me here...
I'd recommend any of his instruments.
Hi, I see some of you have had contact with Joe Foley. I've played a Fylde bouzouki for 20 years ( I love the sound but the instrument is no longer in tune with itself and is cracked all over). I borrowed a Foley for live gigs and it blew me away. Does anyone have an up-to-date contact for him? I've tried the number above but no one picks up. Cheers!
Dave
Bouzouki Makers
Bouzouki Makers
Hi guys,
I am now thinking of buying another new bouzouki.
As a guitarist, I think I know about guitar makers, but I don’t know so much about bouzouki makers. I have not tried so many bouzoukis as there are not so many bouzouki players around me.
So, I would like to ask bouzouki players what maker you recommend and the reason.
By the way, I currently have a Peterson, and I am quite satisfied with it.
My budget is around USD2,000 and P.W. Crump and Davy Stuart are currently in my mind…
Thank you for your comment!!
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by lowdens
Re: Bouzouki Makers
I'm a newbie to the world of bouzouki so my comments come with no authority, but here they are for what they are worth!
When I decided to buy my zouk I got in touch with Han Speek who runs his own bouzouki enthusiast website.He gave me some useful advice and in the end, following one of his suggestions, I bought a Fylde 'Touchstone'. It has a very pleasing sound to my ear but I admit I didn't compare it with any alternatives.
It could be worhtwhile getting in touch with Han to add his opinion to the avalanche of thoughts your posting will attract!
Good Luck!
Fred.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by Fred Arley
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Having had a number of mandolins over the years I felt it was time to bite the bullet as it were and get a decent one. Having had the opportunity to try a variety of them including a Gibson and Sobel I kept returning to one that was made by Joe Foley in Ireland. This seemed, to me, to have the sweetest sound and are very popular with serious ITM musicians. I ordered one 6 x weeks ago and he warned me it would take about 10 months to build.... can't wait !!!
Now I believe he also builds zooks that are 2nd to none.
He can be contacted on Dublin 01 493 1614
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by weebag
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Hi, I am for Foleys and Crumps.
I think they are very hard to beat.........note- there will be a waiting list.
Check out some of my discussions for more info on them in my history section.
Best of luck, Seanie.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by seaniemcg
Re: Bouzouki Makers
My new bouzouki is a Trillium , made by Robt Abrams in New Hampshire, and I love it. It sounds great. It makes me want to play better. Besides the great sound it is a solidly made piece of art, superb workmanship. I ordered it in April 05 and it was delivered in November 05.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by windybaer
Re: Bouzouki Makers
You can see his work on octavemandolin.com
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by windybaer
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Look up Mike Spicer in Hamilton, Ontario... 905/522-1582
Some of the finest instruments and inlay work around.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by Splendid Isolation
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Joe Foley made me a bouzouki back in 2000. I think I paid 700 punts at the time (I'm sure they are considerably higher now). I can't tell how how happy I am with this aquisition. Do you know the feeling you get when buy something and it turns out to be better than you hoped? Well that's how I feel about my Foley. I was living in Mississippi at the time and was planning a trip back home later in the year. I gave Joe a ring and asked him for a bouzouki and that I would be back in the country in six months. He said 'No problem'. I asked if he needed any money up front. he said 'no, sure you can pay me when you see me'. Six months later I was home and took a trip up to Dublin to see Joe. The transaction was made and I got bouzouki no 514. Beautiful and well made. I asked for nothing really special, just his standard bouzouki yet it had some very nice inlay work and the cedar top had an excellent grain.
Six years on and it is aging nicely, I believe it sounds better now than when I first got it. Of course that happens with a lot of instruments. I've played some other very nice bouzoukis. A friend of mine has a Sobell and it really is a great sounding instrument. Very different from the Foley and for me ,being a guitar player, I found the Foley suited me better. Anyway as you can probably tell, I really like my Foley bouzouki! I know there are many makers in the US who make fine instruments but I have to be honest some of the instruments I have come across, while very nice to look at, do not pack the same punch as the Foley. It is a very robust instrument and great for a working musician. OK i'll stop. Bottom line ..... get a Foley!!
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by mumhain abu
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Initially I wasn't going to add my tuppence worth to what has been said about Joe Foley, but I have known him for about 30 years, even beofre he started making instruments!!
Joe has made 3 instruments for me (2 guitars and a bouzouki) and one for my wife (a mandolin). All of them are in their own way, unique and magical instruments, and we are very proud to own and play them.
As this thread refers to bouzoukis, let's concentrate on Joe's unique contribution in this area. Quite simply, in an era when bouzoukis were very difficult to obtain, he supplied musicians in Ireland and further afield with quality instruments at extremely affordable prices, using very high grade materials. Without Joe and a handful of others, the Irish music revival could have been badly affected.
Over the years he has honed his craft and the "standard" Foley bouzouki has superb craftsmanship, solid design and excellent volume and tone (these obviously vary with the exact design and choice of woods).
Joe is always available to the buyer should any of his instruments develop any problems after purchase, and he will maintain them in the event of a mishap. Indeed some instruments have been returned to him in more than one piece after an "accident" and have been lovingly restored by their maker.
Anyone who knows Joe would describe him as an absolute gentleman, great craic and someone who is extremely knowledgable about his profession.
To me the only reason not to go hand-made for a bouzouki is the time spent waiting for your instrument - some makers supply shops and this means you can try out the finished article - another slight concern if you have ordered an instrument (i.e. what do I do if it doesn't turn out as I expected??).
Also your decision may depend on where you live. Our house is very near Joe's workshop, in fact I can easily walk to it in about 5 minutes, that's how close we are....so if I have the slightest problem with an instrument, it can be sorted very easily.
However I guess most areas have some kind of guitar repairman available who can do any of the trick y stuff.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by lysaghtm
Re: Bouzouki Makers
I have a Crump B-II, and I am crazymad in love with it. I have had and still have a great relationship with Phil, and it's been great to work with him.
I would love to have a Joe Foley also. I've played several of them, each of them different, each perfect for its owner, and all very, very nice.
Davy Stuart's work is really great-looking, but I haven't ever been in the same room with one.
I've played a Trillium, very nice. I've had a couple of Fyldes, very nice, and would be a nice move from your Peterson.
Luthiers just recently stepping up ... Brian Dean in Montreal is making some lovely instruments, as is Daunt Lee in Newfoundland, with his Minstrel company.
Have a look at the Mandolin Cafe (www.mandolincafe.com), where there are lists of builders from all over the world, and in the forums there is a CBOM ("Cittern,Bouzouki,Octave Mandolin) forum there are archived loads of discussions of various makers and instruments.
stv
http://cdbaby.com/Culchies
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by stv culchie
Re: Bouzouki Makers
I have a Crump B-I, and like stv, am very happy with it. Just the right amount of sustain, good balance, great projection and a joy to play. Workmanship and detailing is very nicely done as well.
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by rob zouk
Re: Bouzouki Makers
I have a guitar-shaped bouzouki made by Dave White, based near London, at www.defaoiteguitars.com
It's a gorgeous instrument, and Dave's a great guy - very reasonably priced instruments, good all together package and after-sales (not that you'll need it, great workmanship). He'll build to your spec as well. Mine just keeps getting better - it's only a few months old but already it's really starting to sound awesome. The bass on it is incredible, it's got great volume and tone, and that's been the opinion of people who know as well, not just me starting out on it (I'm fiddler & pianist first up). But it's good enough to have me already going well on it... there's a shortage of bouzouki players in Limerick so I'm going for filling that gap ;)
# Posted on April 21st 2006 by Tize
Re: Bouzouki Makers
My Crump B-3 should be here by month's end. Phil has been great to work with. I can't wait for it to arrive!
If money were no object, I'd probably get a Foley or Sobell (or both!). I've played a Foley and loved it (Donal Clancy's). I've never played a Sobell but have seen/heard Ciaran Curran's and it's a magnificent instrument. I also love the sound of my teacher Zan McLeod's Stephen Owsley Smith octave.
The Nyberg instruments look really cool and so do Andy Tobin's. Paul Doyle and Frank Tate are some other makers you might have a look at.
~ sean
# Posted on April 22nd 2006 by DADGADLad
Re: Bouzouki Makers
I'm currently doing Joe's Website,so there will be an online catalogueto look through the stuff. in the meantime if you are serious about one, I can get you contact deatails if you email me here...
I'd recommend any of his instruments.
I have details for Frank Tate here too.
# Posted on April 24th 2006 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Bouzouki Makers
Hi, I see some of you have had contact with Joe Foley. I've played a Fylde bouzouki for 20 years ( I love the sound but the instrument is no longer in tune with itself and is cracked all over). I borrowed a Foley for live gigs and it blew me away. Does anyone have an up-to-date contact for him? I've tried the number above but no one picks up. Cheers!
Dave
# Posted on May 2nd 2008 by Dave Robb