Irish Bouzouki - Jack Spira

Here's a quick demo of my lovely Jack Spira Irish Bouzouki.
Made in Australia back in '98. Tasmanian Blackwood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top. Ebony 'board, Mulga neck.
Loaded with an A.G.A pick-up system. Guitar scale-length.
I'm afraid I'm not much of a Bouzouki player but this demo gives those of you interested in Jack's workmanship an idea of how his Bouzouki can sound. Jack is an amazing builder and will work with you to create the right instrument for you. I would strongly recommend you have a chat to him, and/or visit him at www.jackspiraguitars.com .I know he will go out of his way to build you an amazing instrument.
A little embarrassed when I realised I had the 'ol Guinness shirt on - but what the hey, it's a fine drop and in keeping with the theme I guess!!
Cheers...

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jack Spira
• Irish Bouzouki
• Zook
• Australian
• Luthier

[ChucklesPLaughmiste]

this might be a silly question, but do you know if the strings are the same as on a mandolin?

[pulgargrind]

@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!

[finnbaka]

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

[pulgargrind]

@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]

Beautiful instrument. It would be interesting to compare it with a well known Irish made one.

[pulgargrind]

@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 ...

[W3R3W00F]

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! :)

[Waelwulfas]

I'm in love of the song sampels you're playing. Do they exist to buy? Any names, or similar artists? thanks

[Rinty145]

@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.

[Georgarak]

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!

[MagicMichi11]

Sill question:

I'm playing the guitar and want to buy an Irish Bouzouki - Can I play it like a guitar ??

[TimshelPaganini]

Great demo. How does the intonation hold up with alternate tunings? Do you ever tune it to something more akin to standard guitar tuning?

[OdinIsMyGuide]

Cool stuff... I like how it sounds like an acoustic guitar, but has like the tight-wound string sound like a banjo almost

[gforce1710]

Great :D

[Adnamira]

I really like that thing - bazooka! You play well too.

[Waelwulfas]

What tunes are you playing? Reminds of John Butler. Thanks