Hora Irish Bouzouki Review: Build Quality and Value

Hora has been making the Irish bouzouki for years, and it’s one of our best-selling string instruments, with well over a hundred sold across its four versions. Here’s an honest look at what you’re getting.

Build and Materials

Every Hora Irish bouzouki uses a solid spruce top and a solid, flat maple back, with a maple neck. The Standard (M1089) has an acacia fretboard, while the Concert (M1090) uses rosewood. Solid wood construction, rather than plywood, is a meaningful difference at this price point, since it generally means better resonance and a sound that develops further as the instrument ages.

Standard vs. Concert

The Standard (M1089) has a 66 cm scale and a smaller body, while the Concert (M1090) steps up to a 66.5 cm scale with a larger body for more projection. Both are available acoustic or with a built-in Artec FSE3 pickup (EQ). See our full Irish Bouzouki range for specifications and prices.

What We Like

• Solid wood construction throughout, not plywood, even on the entry-level Standard model.
• Tuned and ready to play out of the box, in GDAD or GDAE.
• EQ versions that add a usable built-in pickup without changing the acoustic tone unplugged.

Things to Know Before You Buy

• A soft case is sold separately, not included in the price.
• Shipping from Romania takes time, and for U.S. orders, customs duties are added to the shipping fee at checkout.
• If you want to plug in for live performance, choose an EQ version rather than adding a separate pickup later.

Who It’s a Good Fit For

The Standard model suits players who want a traditional Irish bouzouki for sessions and everyday playing, at a lower price than the Concert. The Concert is worth the extra cost if you specifically want more volume and projection, for example for stage use or recording.

Our Verdict

For the price, Hora’s Irish bouzoukis offer genuine solid-wood construction and traditional tuning options, backed by a 12-month guarantee and a 30-day return policy. They’re a solid choice whether you’re buying your first bouzouki or adding a second instrument to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions