NK Forster Guitars C

Finish appears to be nitro and is perfect throughout. The body style is bigger than an OM but perhaps a bit smaller than a true jumbo. It is very comfortable to hold and play for extended periods; I played it nearly non-stop for 6 hours yesterday at a local venue, and I never got tired. Tuners are gold Gotoh, and the case is a Calton (nice). The Scale is 25.5 (648mm). I am amazed that this guitar, while set up for light gauge strings, can be easily tuned down to CGCFCD and sound as bright as if it had mediums on it. Superb for open tunings. Fourteen frets to the body and a zero fret. Neck is low profile and as fast and comfortable as any I've played. Top is EuroSpruce and Nigel's guitars have that Sobell-like semi-arched top and back. Body is East Indian Rosewood, and this Forster compares favorable in every respect to my Sobell Model 1. My Forster is a bit deeper than my Sobell and exhibits a rich, full bass.

I play primarily in open tunings, mostly what is called 'Celtic,' mostly the arrangements of Martin Simpson. This guitars excels in all aspects of sound....sustain, overtones, depth, resonance. I have a Sobell Model 1 to compare it to, and while having it's own unique voice, it is equally delightful to play and listen to. Loud, ringing trebles and ample bass response. As good as it gets.

I purchased my Forster C used. The action is fine for my style of playing. Strings are low enough for all my sliding, hammer ons, and pull offs, but high enough to drop it way down and never worry about fret buzz. It's just about perfect. The saddle is split into two pieces, and the bridge is canted a bit, being lower on the bass side. Nigel know's what he is doing, and this guitar is quite versitile. In regular tuning, when I play blues on it, it sounds just a nice.

I've only had it a month, but it appears to be solidly build, while being light enough to really ring and sustain. I played at a local vinyard yesterday, 6 hours straight (except for coffee) and it was great. I play seated.

Used, no warranty. I have emailed and corresponded with the builder, Nigel Forster, and he immediately answers all my questions and returns every email. Very helpful and nice fellow.

I've been playing for more than 40 years. I've owned dozens of guitars over that time. The Forster C is better in tone and playability than every guitar I have encountered, and compares favorably to my Sobell Model 1. I would buy one again without a second thought. I love everything about the guitar. What I like most is the incredible sound. For my fingerstyle style of playing and the open tunings I play in, that guitar is phenomenal. I only wish I had another in Madagascar Rosewood. Playability would be my second favorite feature. The superb tone with the wonderful playability make the guitar as good as it gets.