Chords sound out of tune higher up the neck
- Usually
- The floating bridge has moved out of position, often after a string change.
- What we do
- Placing the bridge and setting the intonation.
Irish bouzouki
The Irish bouzouki has four pairs of strings, usually tuned GDAD or GDAE, and often a floating bridge held in place only by string tension. Pairs of strings and a bridge that can move make the setup more delicate.
Common problems
What players notice most, what is usually behind it, and how we sort it out.
The two strings of a pair don't sound together
- Usually
- Old or mismatched strings, or nut slots that don't hold both strings evenly.
- What we do
- Restringing and nut slot work.
Strings feel high and hard to press
- Usually
- Bridge too tall, too much neck relief, or a high nut.
- What we do
- A setup: bridge height, relief and nut.
Buzz on some notes
- Usually
- Uneven frets, too little relief or a low bridge.
- What we do
- A setup, with fret work if needed.
The bridge leans towards the fingerboard
- Usually
- Each retune pulls the top of the bridge forward a little.
- What we do
- Straightening and placing the bridge, and showing you how to keep it upright.
Tuners stiff or slipping
- Usually
- Worn or dry gears.
- What we do
- Lubrication, or new tuners.
Parts we look at
Tuners
Eight of them, one per string, so smooth gears make tuning much easier.
Floating bridge
Held by string tension; its position sets the intonation and its height the action.
Nut
Paired slots must hold both strings of each course at the same height.
Frets
Even frets keep doubled strings clean and free of buzz.
Truss rod
Many modern bouzoukis have one to adjust the neck relief.
Looking after it
- Change strings one pair at a time so the bridge doesn't move.
- After tuning up, check the bridge is still upright.
- Keep it in its case, away from heaters and windows.
- A setup after the first string change helps it settle.
Something feels off?
Send us a photo and tell us what you notice. We'll tell you what it probably is and what it would cost.
