I think original bouzouki (greek) is way better, 'cause irish bouzouki sounds like a guitar, but greek bouzouki, has its own, unique sound. thumbs up if you agree!
@ChucklesPLaughmiste not silly at all! The strings on my 'Zook are light gauge guitar strings - and it is tuned GDAD - not far off a Mando tuning (albeit an octave lower) - but the high D instead of the E can give a fine drone-y effect with chords and accompaniment. GDAE is probably more suited for melody playing .. I can get a bit stuck or tangled on some songs in this tuning, playing melodies ... cheers!
hi pulgargring, i was wondering what is it you exactly look for in a bouzouki? and how is it playing one with a fixed bridge instead of a tailpiece? thanks
@finnbaka Hmmm ... for me ... playability of course, even balanced tone, the ability to punch out sound if needed ... perfect intonation - if you save up and get a custom instrument most of these things are a given ... most luthiers won't sell an instrument that isn't as good as they can make it or close as it can be to perfect ... there's always exceptions I 'spose ... fixed bridge is fine for me - I've never had any different so I'm not the best to comment .. good luck choosing ..:)
@Rinty145 ...yes it might be .. I feel though, that with instruments like this .. it's not so much 'better' - more of a sideways step to something different, at least that's my feeling. I adore Jack's work and my instrument ... yet still try other 'zooks that are gorgeous in different ways .. it's all good ...
@pulgargrind What I find unusual about your bouzouki is that it has the strings pinned in on the bridge like a guitar, rather than braced at the edge.
@dimotsatube Thanks for the kind words ... You know, I think i was simply finger-picking through whatever came to mind - silly really, not to be more prepared. The strummed chordal progression is from a tune I have played with some fiddler friends of mine and I've forgotten! Maybe Drowsy Maggie? Gosh... that's embarrassing ... but the figer-picking is just noodling ... just typical stuff ... cheers..
@boundsie99 - The terminology is somewhat interchangeable, however there is a general standardization whereby the term Cittern is atrributed to the 5-course instrument, and 'Irish Bouzouki' to the 4-course.
Is there any reason to pay so much for a Bouzouki when it sounds so much like a typical 12 string Guitar? Why not use a 12 string Guitar that has more range?
@killergirls For me, the tuning is a big thing. I also play DADGAD guitar, but the whole open chord + high string melodies or open chord + root note alteration thing you can do on 'zooks is just amazing.
@killergirls - well... it's all subjective, really. Personally, I don't think the 'Zooks sound like a 12 Stringer at all... but if they do to you, well ... rock on with a guitar.
For the record, my Bouzouki cost far less than an equivalent 'Brand Name' 12 stringer would. Much, much cheaper ... and I had personal input into the design and specs. - so it's a no-brainer for me. Good luck with your search mate ...
you seem like you play alot. I'm 15. I been playing guitar, piano, and mandolin for a couple years now and have been considering a bouzouki (due that I like to strum chords more than leads and would prefer a larger fretboard than the mandolin.) would it be to much trouble for you to check out this bouzouki that I have been considering?
Is the difference between a Greek and Irish bouzouki merely the body style or typical tuning? They're beautiful instruments. I can play a bit of octave mando but am trying to purchase a bouzouki when I get some income... great vid!
Both! If you're playing octave mandolin, picking up Irish bouzouki should be relatively easy. Many Irish zouks are tuned similar to GDAD (with the high D being a step down from E). The lower courses are usually octave. The Greek bouzouki is tuned CDAF, which is like the higher four strings on guitar, just all down a step. Hope this helps!
Hey, nice video. I have a question about string gauges. I see you play in GDAD tuning. I can't tell if you have octave or unison strings in the lower courses. I actually play the Greek tetraxordo bouzouki, but I like down tuning it to GDGD or GDAD. The problem is, I'm still using standard Greek strings, which are lower gauge than these. I should get heavier gauges but I still want the octaves in the lower two courses. I've heard some Irish players do that. What kind of strings should I get?
Thanks Cicada, I'm probably not the best to answer that question - perhaps a 'Zook Luthier would give you a better idea?
My instrument is Guitar Scale-Length so I use Extra Light Gauge guitar strings, in unison. I have tried the Octave Strings with the lower courses but whilst it was a great sound, it relinquished a fair bit of power when playing with the trio ...
It is very difficult to get a real idea os the sound and specially the dynamics, due to the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) used by the video camera to control the sound.
sorry the sound didn't work for you as you would've liked, edelhaye - I tried hard to get an honest representation of the sound of my 'Zook .. in fact, I used an AKG 414 into the balanced input on the Sony DV Cam ..... there was no compression happening .... the levels weren't anywhere near clip ... I dunno?
1:36 - 2:13
You, sir, have played on of the most inspiring progressions ever sounded by an Irish Bouzouki.
Huge thumbs up from a fellow Irish Bouzouki player! :)
W3R3W00F 1 month ago
I'm in love of the song sampels you're playing. Do they exist to buy? Any names, or similar artists? thanks
Waelwulfas 2 months ago
I think original bouzouki (greek) is way better, 'cause irish bouzouki sounds like a guitar, but greek bouzouki, has its own, unique sound. thumbs up if you agree!
Georgarak 4 months ago
Sill question:
I'm playing the guitar and want to buy an Irish Bouzouki - Can I play it like a guitar ??
MagicMichi11 4 months ago
Great demo. How does the intonation hold up with alternate tunings? Do you ever tune it to something more akin to standard guitar tuning?
TimshelPaganini 5 months ago
Cool stuff... I like how it sounds like an acoustic guitar, but has like the tight-wound string sound like a banjo almost
OdinIsMyGuide 5 months ago
Great :D
gforce1710 5 months ago
I really like that thing - bazooka! You play well too.
Adnamira 6 months ago
What tunes are you playing? Reminds of John Butler. Thanks
Waelwulfas 7 months ago
this might be a silly question, but do you know if the strings are the same as on a mandolin?
ChucklesPLaughmiste 8 months ago
@ChucklesPLaughmiste not silly at all! The strings on my 'Zook are light gauge guitar strings - and it is tuned GDAD - not far off a Mando tuning (albeit an octave lower) - but the high D instead of the E can give a fine drone-y effect with chords and accompaniment. GDAE is probably more suited for melody playing .. I can get a bit stuck or tangled on some songs in this tuning, playing melodies ... cheers!
pulgargrind 8 months ago
Great sound and playing especially the finger picking
TINSANDWICH1 10 months ago
hahaha nice shirt. Nice playing too!
sillymonkey829 10 months ago
I love how you have guinness shirt on ;D
Lewis2O11 1 year ago
@dimotsatube ..just my own ramblings I'm afraid .. garden variety progressions ... a real player would laugh or cringe I think ... lol ..
pulgargrind 1 year ago
hi pulgargring, i was wondering what is it you exactly look for in a bouzouki? and how is it playing one with a fixed bridge instead of a tailpiece? thanks
finnbaka 1 year ago
@finnbaka Hmmm ... for me ... playability of course, even balanced tone, the ability to punch out sound if needed ... perfect intonation - if you save up and get a custom instrument most of these things are a given ... most luthiers won't sell an instrument that isn't as good as they can make it or close as it can be to perfect ... there's always exceptions I 'spose ... fixed bridge is fine for me - I've never had any different so I'm not the best to comment .. good luck choosing ..:)
pulgargrind 1 year ago
Beautiful instrument. It would be interesting to compare it with a well known Irish made one.
Rinty145 1 year ago
@Rinty145 ...yes it might be .. I feel though, that with instruments like this .. it's not so much 'better' - more of a sideways step to something different, at least that's my feeling. I adore Jack's work and my instrument ... yet still try other 'zooks that are gorgeous in different ways .. it's all good ...
pulgargrind 1 year ago
@pulgargrind What I find unusual about your bouzouki is that it has the strings pinned in on the bridge like a guitar, rather than braced at the edge.
Rinty145 3 months ago
GUINNESS.
cogitoergosummmx 1 year ago
@dimotsatube Thanks for the kind words ... You know, I think i was simply finger-picking through whatever came to mind - silly really, not to be more prepared. The strummed chordal progression is from a tune I have played with some fiddler friends of mine and I've forgotten! Maybe Drowsy Maggie? Gosh... that's embarrassing ... but the figer-picking is just noodling ... just typical stuff ... cheers..
pulgargrind 1 year ago
Why is this called a Bouzouki and not a cittern?
boundsie99 1 year ago
@boundsie99 - The terminology is somewhat interchangeable, however there is a general standardization whereby the term Cittern is atrributed to the 5-course instrument, and 'Irish Bouzouki' to the 4-course.
Cheers..
pulgargrind 1 year ago
Sounds sweet - roughly how much are they in Aussie dollars?
boundsie99 1 year ago
@boundsie99 I'd suggest everyone pay a visit to Jacks website for more info on cost and instrument variations ...
Cheers..
pulgargrind 1 year ago
Is there any reason to pay so much for a Bouzouki when it sounds so much like a typical 12 string Guitar? Why not use a 12 string Guitar that has more range?
killergirls 1 year ago
@killergirls For me, the tuning is a big thing. I also play DADGAD guitar, but the whole open chord + high string melodies or open chord + root note alteration thing you can do on 'zooks is just amazing.
JackCarael 1 year ago
@killergirls - well... it's all subjective, really. Personally, I don't think the 'Zooks sound like a 12 Stringer at all... but if they do to you, well ... rock on with a guitar.
For the record, my Bouzouki cost far less than an equivalent 'Brand Name' 12 stringer would. Much, much cheaper ... and I had personal input into the design and specs. - so it's a no-brainer for me. Good luck with your search mate ...
pulgargrind 1 year ago
hahahaha a little blues/pentatonic indulgence on the end of the video, nice ;)
KyussWhitewater 1 year ago
you seem like you play alot. I'm 15. I been playing guitar, piano, and mandolin for a couple years now and have been considering a bouzouki (due that I like to strum chords more than leads and would prefer a larger fretboard than the mandolin.) would it be to much trouble for you to check out this bouzouki that I have been considering?
politicalanomaly 1 year ago
oh my god... I just had to smile when he started playing... such an beautiful sound! I need one of these!!! ahhh *scream* ;)
FinnDorian 1 year ago
Is the difference between a Greek and Irish bouzouki merely the body style or typical tuning? They're beautiful instruments. I can play a bit of octave mando but am trying to purchase a bouzouki when I get some income... great vid!
PhatBrady1017 2 years ago
Both! If you're playing octave mandolin, picking up Irish bouzouki should be relatively easy. Many Irish zouks are tuned similar to GDAD (with the high D being a step down from E). The lower courses are usually octave. The Greek bouzouki is tuned CDAF, which is like the higher four strings on guitar, just all down a step. Hope this helps!
whwstudio 2 years ago
Wait, messed up. Greek bouzouki is CFAD! Apologies.
whwstudio 2 years ago 2
Thanks!
PhatBrady1017 2 years ago
Hey, nice video. I have a question about string gauges. I see you play in GDAD tuning. I can't tell if you have octave or unison strings in the lower courses. I actually play the Greek tetraxordo bouzouki, but I like down tuning it to GDGD or GDAD. The problem is, I'm still using standard Greek strings, which are lower gauge than these. I should get heavier gauges but I still want the octaves in the lower two courses. I've heard some Irish players do that. What kind of strings should I get?
CicadaKillerMan 2 years ago
Thanks Cicada, I'm probably not the best to answer that question - perhaps a 'Zook Luthier would give you a better idea?
My instrument is Guitar Scale-Length so I use Extra Light Gauge guitar strings, in unison. I have tried the Octave Strings with the lower courses but whilst it was a great sound, it relinquished a fair bit of power when playing with the trio ...
Cheers..
pulgargrind 2 years ago
Great stuff Matt. Thanks for this - you've inspired me to get my Fylde Octavius out again.
DougJenner55 2 years ago
whats the difference between octave mando and a bouzouki
Raylj318 2 years ago
well, the mandocello is the same as the bouzouki, but has a wider fingerboard for the heavier string gauges.
octave mando and bouzouki have differnet tuning and other stuff. I think
MandobillyRocker 2 years ago
The octave mandolin has a smaler body and a shorter scale!The octave mando has more punch, the bouzouki is brighter in sound.
bouzoukiman79 2 years ago
Very nice.. chilled out sounds. Great to see. Cheers Bud,... love it !
Jenxxie 2 years ago
It is very difficult to get a real idea os the sound and specially the dynamics, due to the AGC (Automatic Gain Control) used by the video camera to control the sound.
edelahaye 2 years ago
sorry the sound didn't work for you as you would've liked, edelhaye - I tried hard to get an honest representation of the sound of my 'Zook .. in fact, I used an AKG 414 into the balanced input on the Sony DV Cam ..... there was no compression happening .... the levels weren't anywhere near clip ... I dunno?
pulgargrind 2 years ago
The sound appears clearly to be compressed. Maybe some setup up you forgot, I dunno.
edelahaye 2 years ago
Great video. Beautiful instrument. Thanks for posting.
bradwell777 2 years ago
sounds great what tuning are you using
ramonf2006 2 years ago
Cheers mate - it's GDAD.
pulgargrind 2 years ago
You can't beat hand built instruments. That sounded great.
digitalreb 2 years ago