Irish Bouzoukis & Citterns
Custom Irish Bouzoukis & Citterns
Bob Grernandt specializes in creating custom Irish Bouzoukis and Citterns, carefully selecting wood to achieve the perfect tonal quality for each instrument. These are both recent additions to the Mandolin family, which evolved in the 1960s from the Greek Bouzouki and earlier Cittern.These instruments became a popular instrument in Irish folk music.
Gernandt distinguishes his instruments by calling the 8-string models Irish Bouzoukis or Octave Mandolins ( depending on the body and scale length dimensions) and the 10-string models Citterns. Each instrument is hand crafted to deliver a unique and exceptional sound.
Custom Built Irish Bouzoukis
The Irish Bouzouki offers a deeper, more resonant tonal option to the mandolin. For the soundboards of his custom built Irish Bouzoukis, he uses Western Cedar for a darker, more resonant tone. His choice for the Octave Mandolins is Spruce for a brighter, more projecting sound.
Custom Built Citterns
The Cittern offers a rich, full sound, often tuned in open tunings. For Citterns, Gernandt prefers Redwood soundboards for their clear, piano-like tone or Cedar for a warmer, open sound.
If you would like to talk to Luthier Bob Gernandt about building a custom Irish Bouzouki or Cittern to your exact specifications and preferences, call 828-488-1144 or contact us by email here.
