Hand Crafted Irish Bouzoukis
Irish Bouzoukis are large relatives of the Mandolin family. They evolved from the 1960s and 1970s Irish folk music revival, when someone began using a Greek Bouzouki as a background rhythm instrument. This sound quickly became very desirable, and so local Luthiers fused the Greek Bouzouki with the earlier Cittern and came up with a new instrument, the "Irish Bouzouki".
Confusion about this unique stringed instrument doesn't stop there. Depending on whom you ask, Irish Bouzoukis can also be called Octave Mandolins or Citterns. To simplify matters, Gernandt refers to his 8-string (4-course) instruments as Irish Bouzoukis, and the 10-string (5-course) instruments Citterns. Each custom built instrument has a very distinct sound.
Bob Gernandt prefers to use Western Cedar for the soundboards of his hand crafted Bouzoukis, because it provides a darker, warmer, more primitive sound to the instrument. Spruce can be substituted, giving a brighter tone with a bit more projection.
The following specification list shows Standard Models. A 20-3/4" scale length is also available, as well as a deep-body Bouzouki.
Overall Length |
Overall Width |
Body Depth |
Body Length |
Nut Width |
Width at Body Joint |
Scale Length |
35 1/4" |
13 1/2" |
3 1/8" |
15 1/2" |
1 3/8" |
1 5/8" |
23 1/2" |
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Standard Tunings: GDAE (Octave Below Mandolin), GDAD, ADAD.
If you would like to talk to Luthier Bob Gernandt about building a custom Irish Bouzouki to your exact specifications and preferences, call 828-488-1144 or contact us by email here.
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