Selmerzouki - a bouzouki but with the Selmer Body shape!
These two instruments (both tuned C, F, A, D) were made for Ben Mandelson of "3 moustaphas 3". The acoustic model has both a magnetic pickup and a Bigtone transducer in the bridge.
I made this model after hearing some of Oscar Aleman's recordings using a resonator guitar. I took it to the Samois festival where players came from all over the campsite with the enquiry "What the **** is that? I can hear it 100 yards away!" It has the Selmer body size and shape so it feels familiar. The body is in Imbuia with a laminated front for strength. It has been dubbed "The Selmernator"!
Over the years I have made all the mandolin family with the exception of Mando Bass. Particularly popular have been the long necked models - Irish Bouzouki, Octave Mandola and their variations. I have also made some 5 course instruments for customers in the Middle East.