Fylde Custom Build Signature Shortscale Arch Top Bouzouki 2018 (approx) - Gloss

This is an excellent condition top of the range Fylde “Signature Shortscale Arch Top Bouzouki”. It is barely 6 years old, has barely been played and has no problems at all. It has minimal fret wear with only 4 or 5 tiny little dings on its surface which constitute only minor cosmetic defects without even having gone through the lacquer. This is a flagship custom instruments and represents the very pinnacle of Fylde‘s output. The signature model carries this description on their website:

“Indian Rosewood 3 piece back and sides, Spruce top, Honduras Mahogany neck, Ebony fingerboard and bridge, gold plated Gotoh tuners, Rosewood bindings with marquetry borders, marquetry purfling lines on front.”

This piece, however, is a custom build and has an extra strong 5 piece laminated neck with a central laminate of walnut between two rosewood laminations, sandwiched between the classic neck choice of Honduras mahogany. The wood quality is superb and the silking (medullary rays) on the spruce soundboard are superb; it is perfectly quarter sawn. It has a 23.5 inch scale length, ideal for fast tune playing or chord progressions and the fretboard is very quick and smooth to play. It has 1.5 inch nut width; very comfortable, even for smaller hands. Although it’s listed as a “bouzouki” the scale length also conforms to the “octave mandolin” definition as well, but it has a much fuller and characteristic bouzouki sound and can be driven like a longer scale length bouzouki without any distortion to the sound as much as it responds beautifully to a softer touch.

It plays like a dream. Sounds beautiful; sonorous and deep, with fantastic note separation and sustain. It is perfectly balanced throughout its tonal range. The Gotoh tuners are as smooth as silk. The instrument also has a fitted under saddle piezo pick up and comes with a standard case.

I’ve had this instrument for two years after buying it in mint condition from the original owner (who had clearly not used it at all). I myself, have barely played it and it has not been gigged or used outside. It has been kept in a smoke free, humidity and temperature controlled environment all of that time. Im a professional musician so I know how to care for instruments.

It’s strung to an octave tuning at moment and the standard tuning is (bass course to high) G/D/A/D, but can be tuned G/D/A/E, or A/D/A/D. With a slight adjustment to the nut and saddle it can also easily accommodate unison courses.

Currently Fylde offer this instrument (without the extras: neck lamination, fitted piezo pickup) for £4300. With all the extras included this package would be nearer £4900 new. I’m asking £3350. Considering the condition and extras this is a very good price for such a splendid instrument. Crucially, I’m not desperate to sell. Serious buyers are welcome to more photos on request and to make offers. The bouzouki will have a fresh set of Newtone custom configured strings and a new and unopened set in the case which shows the gauges for the instrument in octave tuning so you’ll be ready to go. You can of course customise your own gauges to suit your style-something that I would always recommend.

Please note: last I checked Fylde has a 2.5 to 3 year waiting list so if your looking for an unbeatable premium folk instrument from one of the best builders in the world, here is one ready and waiting to go, whether you’re a pro player or a serious amateur, or even a novice who prefers a top level instrument.

I will sell through Reverb but contact me for alternative methods. I prefer physical pickup to posting, and am prepared to travel a reasonable distance to meet halfway. Postage can be arranged at the byers expense (plus insurance). The item has been correctly described and there are no returns. Thanks for reading, please feel free to contact me with any questions or for more photos.

Diolch/thanks