So, I have decided to pull the trigger and join the waiting list for a Lawrence Nyberg Bouzouki.
At this point I am thinking
Top: Carved
Top Wood: Engelmann
Scale Length: 24"
Sound Port
Headway Pick-up
I am currently torn about the wood for the back and sides. I have spent way more time than I should listening to the sound clips on his site, a few he sent me, and a few that cafe members have posted. But, I also know these pieces of wood play a very large part in the overall sound of the instrument.
At this point, it is between Rosewood, Koa, Maple, and Australian Blackwood. Yes this is a huge range in woods, but there are things I like about each.
Rosewood seems to be the traditional choice and it is by far my favorite combination with Engelmann of the samples I have heard from Nyberg instruments. That being said, there are not bouzouki samples of any of these other combinations that I have heard at this point.
I like the Maple as it is has a very clear / pure tone. It also pairs well with larger bodied instruments (but I have not really seen this in a bouzouki). I also like that it "muffles" some of the ringing sound and boom of the bass. I personally love my mandolin with Engelmann top and Sugar Maple back, but for a bouzouki I am not sure, as it may be too bright.
I like the sound of the Koa instruments I have heard, but think it may have too much texture to the tone for me. I also really like the color of Koa.
Australian Blackwood has the looks of Koa, but more of the sound of Rosewood, from what I have read, and I tend to appreciate the Rosewood tone more than Koa. So, I am thinking this may be the right choice, but I have not actually experienced this tone wood in any way, and am now looking for advice.
Any thoughts on this?
Has anyone played any of these combinations in a bouzouki format?
As an accompaniment instrument for a celtic group, what pairing would you choose?
Thanks
