Well here goes. This is my very first post as a Mandolin Cafe Member so go easy on me!! I've being playing mandolin type instruments for nearly 40 years. Started off on a busted heap of you know what from Germany but I didnt know any different then so I thought it was fantastic!! Played tenor Banjo in an Irish Trad Band in the 80s called Fionnuisce and managed to get to see many continental countries of Europe free of charge as a result!!!
Had to give up the banjo because of muscular problems in my right hand, more than likely caused by bad technique and took up the bouzouki, mainly accompaniment.
Went through about 3 greek bouzoukis which all started to fall apart because of the heavy strings I was using and eventually progressed on to my first Joe Foley. What a difference!! it was fantastic. Have had 5 different Foleys over the years. I tend to buy and sell instruments a lot so these bouzoukis came and went except for one I had Joe build in 1996. This one aint goin nowhere. Its a fantastic instrument with plenty of volume, sustain and really cuts through in a session. stays in tune immaculately all the way down the fretboard. Joe's a great guy, very humble and approachable and will build you anything you want within reason. and his prices are very reasonalble also considering the workmanship. Highly Highly recommended.
Anyway, I've had a ton of bouzoukis over the years, Foleys, Abnett, Fylde, Farmilloe, Crump etc etc. my main reason for posting this post is to mention Andy Tobin, a Luthier from the UK. I did a search on the forum and didnt come up with many results for Andy which I found very surprising. I have 2 of Andy's Bouzoukis, a large and a small body. The large body is probably the best bouzouki I have ever played. Manus Lunny, Benji Kirkpatrick and many others particularly it seems around Spain ( Asturias) play them as well.
If you're in the market for a new bouzouki you could do worse than consider a Tobin. A really nice guy, a pleasure to deal with and prices really reasonable for what you get. Prices are on his website. I dont know Andy personally but have spoken to him on the phone once or twice. He sends you photos of your instrument at the various stages of construction which is a nice touch. Almost like getting an ultrasound of your baby as it develops!!!
Hope I didnt go on too much. looking forward to being part of the forum and as soon as I figure it out I'll post a few photos of the bouzoukis I own. By the way I hate the word Zouk!!!!
John ( AKA Reinhardt)
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