NK Forster Session King Bouzouki – stripped back, Session-Ready

The Session King Irish bouzouki is the newest addition to the range. I’ve taken the stripped-down look of the Session King and applied it to one of my most popular instruments.

It’s based on the Standard Model bouzouki – a compact Forster design that fits in a banjo case. When I worked with Stefan Sobell, we only built a few smaller-bodied bouzoukis, citterns, and octave mandolins, but they were always excellent. This size offers a more focused, precise sound than the larger-bodied versions. Ideal for session playing.

You can choose a flat top with a fixed bridge (for more sustain and bass), or an arched top with a floating bridge (for a more traditional bouzouki sound).

The base models are built from simple materials with no ornamentation, but you can upgrade the materials and add decoration to suit your taste and budget.

The basic Session King is a fine instrument—and it’s the most affordable bouzouki I make.

P1066034
P1066035
P1066083
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Archtop body
archtop action
flat top body
archtop back
  • Material

    Soundboard – mature seasoned credrela or upgrade to European spruce, Western red cedar, torrefied sitka, torrefied adirondack or redwood.

    Back and sides – khaya mahogany or Queensland silkwood, or upgrade to Indian rosewood, Victorian blackwood, flame jarrah, wenge, ziricote, figured bubinga or many more.
  • Hardware

    Tuners - Chrome Gotoh 510.

    Frets - hand polished Evo gold frets.

    Nut and saddle - hand polished bone.

    Archtop tailpiece - nickel blended stainless steel.
  • Dimensions

    body width: 340mm 13.4″
    body depth: 90mm 3.5″
    scale: 22", 23.5", 24.75″ or 650mm or custom.
    nut: 36mm or custom.
    tuning: GDAE, GDAD, ADAD or similar.