Which bouzouki is the best? Comparison of a Fylde Octavius, a custom Brazilian rosewood Fylde long-scale archtop, a David Oddy mandocello and a David Oddy tenor guitar.
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@cheshirebowman4465Ай бұрын
Excellent video. Quite agree about different types of backs. I play an Ozark 2243e. I'm not the slimmest person so if I hold tight against my body or move it away there is definitely a difference, so this means to me that the back must be vibrating to quite an extent.
@CruelFolk8 күн бұрын
Yes, I'm also aware of the movement of the back with these things. There seems to be a lot of debate among makers about how important the back/body are, but it seems obvious to me that they make a big difference.
@martinwall69011 ай бұрын
Thanks for the fair and rigorous comparison. I am currently looking at buying a bouzouki, probably long scale Irish. My favourite of yours is the first one with octave 3rd and 4th courses. What is more, as common with these instruments, the octave up strings are hit first (nearer to player’s head. On my Kamaka 8-string ukulele this comes as standard and my ‘new’ renaissance 4-course guitar I had custom-string that way. It is clearly written up as a historical option for providing the bell- Ike jangle that I love. However, as you pointed out, your last demo with the Brazilian rosewood back also had that sound! Amazing. The only wild card for me is the fixed bridge on first and floating on last demo. Wonderful instruments those 2 and so well presented thanks again and best wishes. Martin
@CruelFolk10 ай бұрын
Those two Fyldes are very different beasts in practice and I end up using them for completely different things. The different woods and - as you point out - fundamental design, make the Octavius quite gentle and sweet-sounding, while the custom long-scale is really powerfull and big. If you're in the market, you might want to check out Part II as well - should be up soon. :-)
@slowuncle5 ай бұрын
I have a 90s vintage Octavius which I ultimately decided to modify to ditch the octave strings in favor of unison courses. It wasn't punchy enough for the tumultuous sessions I was doing at the time; the guitar bridge seemed to make for a quieter sound. In any event it has aged nicely & gotten louder & sweeter-sounding. I now use it in my home studio for a variety of exotica. Guitar bridge seems to make it friendlier to aggressive processing, with both a mic and (especially) the Highlander pickup.
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Yes, mine is much softer sounding. I kept the octave stringing as it adds a particular complexity to the voice that makes it more suitable for certain songs.
@filmingandfettling10 ай бұрын
Nice video - enjoyed it! Favourite is the last Fylde. I have a MacNeela which is spruce with rosewood back and sides, I find it quite powerful when it needs to be. Just a hobbyist but absolutely love the sound these things produce. Well done!
@CruelFolk8 күн бұрын
Yeah - there's definitely something special about the sound. It's what got me hooked on them despite playing guitar for a lot longer beforehand!
@corncrake7 ай бұрын
I have both a Fylde Longscale bouzouki and a Fylde Octavius, and a Sobell. The Longscale is my favourite, a lovely tone and light action; the Ocvtavius is warmer and deeper, and the Sobell is a very deep, very loud tone, and not as 'forgiving' as the Fylde. I dislike the chord 'thrashing' rhythm-guitar-style that many musicians do on the bouzouki, often allowing open strings to hide a multitude of sins, but for slow picking or tune playing, and Andy-Irvine-style fingering, the Fylde Longscale is great. Good strings, phosphor bronze are my preference, make all the difference.
@celticdadgad7 ай бұрын
I admire Stefan’s craftsmanship & design. However, it’s the Fylde Long scale bouzouki for me if I was to judge by this video. Its sound isn’t as raspy as the Sobel and seems a tad mellower/warmer.
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Definitely with you regarding the strings. I just wish it was easier to get hold of individual Elixir, as I just destory everything else in a couple of playings where as Elixir guitar sets keep their tone for ages.
@pkjmfineart159311 ай бұрын
O yay~! Anything regarding Celtic Bouzouks is welcome! Longscale is my preference, unless you can change my mind 8-). I don't own one just yet. (other side of the world/Land of Oz). Subbed!
@CruelFolk10 ай бұрын
There is a very well-respected maker in Australia -- Nigel Forster set up on his own after being apprentice to Stefan Sobell. www.nkforsterguitars.com/
@pkjmfineart159310 ай бұрын
@@CruelFolk WOW that is some of the best information I have ever been given. Thank you!!!!!!
@gabithemagyar3 ай бұрын
Lovely instruments ! I think the Oddy tenor guitar may sound better (less buzzy) if tuned to the traditional C-G-D-A.
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Yes, I'm still experimenting with the string gauges on the tenor guitar. I may revert to CGDG at some point - I'll see how it goes.
@ceeg02 ай бұрын
Thank you! I am in the market for a luthier-built bouzouki right now and the lack of high quality recordings was making the process infuriating. Interested to hear if you’ve had the chance to play any of Paul Shippey’s.
@Srtw1632 ай бұрын
Helo Do you know any best irish bouzuoki maker Im looking for this i want to buy .if you have then please drop here Social ID links
@ceeg02 ай бұрын
@@Srtw163 He goes through a few in the video. It depends what you want: for a pre built and relatively low cost instrument made in China you could go with Trinity College or similar. Eastman is a level above, and above that I would say it depends on your location, but you may consider from the UK Fylde, Oddy or similar. Again, he goes through many in this video which is why it’s helpful.
@Srtw1632 ай бұрын
Not yet , but yeah can go But do you know the ne of any irish bouzuoki maker ? Maker name so that's could contact with him.
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Are you asking for someone who's actually Irish? The top guy there would probably be Joe Foley, although you might also want to check out Justin Rogers. Another good maker outside Ireland is N. K. Forster.
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Some of these guys, Foley in particular, may not have social IDs, but most of them have web sites that are easy to find.
@JoshuaIsaacAlexander10 ай бұрын
Great comparison
@CruelFolk8 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@bugtoastmusic19278 ай бұрын
Love this video, thank you. I play a Joe Foley instrument, and have had two guitars converted into guizouks. Thanks for those string gauges. Are your lower strings phosphor bronze? Which are your favorites?
@CruelFolk7 ай бұрын
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. Yes, I generally use phosphor bronze. For preference I would use Elixir as I find they last *way* longer than standard strings. However it's been so hard to buy them individually to make up custom sets that I usually end up with whatever is available. Most of the strings in my spares box at the moment are D'Addario and Ernie Ball (Earthwood).
@PerryJones-eo3qt7 ай бұрын
my 1998 Octavious has Sapele back and sides with the cedar top.
@CruelFolk8 күн бұрын
Yes, I'm pretty sure that's what mine is too.
@chriscorr912411 ай бұрын
Thanks for the Video
@CruelFolk8 күн бұрын
I hope it was useful!
@Srtw1632 ай бұрын
Helo Do you know any irish bouzuoki makers Im looking that Where could i find and get irish bouzuoki?? How could i check out i dont know the any ideas , please if you know irish bouzuoki instrument makers or any website , social accounts ID. i will definitely check it out
@CruelFolkАй бұрын
Are you asking for someone who's actually Irish? The top guy there would probably be Joe Foley, although you might also want to check out Justin Rogers. Another good maker outside Ireland is N. K. Forster.
@Srtw163Ай бұрын
Yes I'm Thanks mean lots
@Rinty14510 ай бұрын
Have you ever played a Joe Foley bouzouki and if so what did you think of it?
@CruelFolk10 ай бұрын
No I haven't played one. I was very impressed by the sound that Daoiri Farrell's makes, to the extent that I considered ordering one and spoke to Joe on the phone at some length to discuss it. He seems a really nice guy! In the end I decided to order something else, and it will be unboxed in Part 2...