This is an online meeting place for players and builders of the Irish bouzouki. Focus will be on 4 course (8 string) Irish bouzoukis, but not exclusively. Players of 3, 5 or even 6 course instruments are welcome, with the proviso that there already is a "cittern" list for those who are so oriented.

The story of how the Greek bouzouki was introduced to Ireland, then changed to become the "Irish" bouzouki, integrated into Irish traditional music, spread to the US and Canada, the rest of Europe and around the globe, is a fascinating one.

Because of the historical relationship between the Irish and the Greek bouzoukis (as well as the Arabic buzuq and Turkish saz and their relatives), discussion along these lines is welcome.

This week's guest luthier is Herb Taylor. In the photo is an instrument Herb built for the ZoukFest Raffle:

http://www.herbtaylor.com/
http://zoukfest.com/raffle/