Up for sale is my 8-string Greek bouzouki built in 2000 by the highly-regarded master builder Dimitri Dalagiorgos in Adelaide Australia. For obvious reasons, he named this one-off instrument “The Rose”.I bought this instrument from Dusty Strings in Seattle in 2001, and I must say, it is still the best-sounding and best-playing 8-string Greek bouzouki I have ever come across.The looks, sound and playability of this instrument are all quite remarkable. It has a quick, loud, snappy and clear sound, with a surprising amount of bottom-end response. It is quite ornate and fancy, which is not normally my thing, but the sound and playability just floored me, so I bought it. The action is low and fast, and it is easy to play for hours on end.The top is made of Bearclaw Spruce, but I am not certain of the exact variety. The bowl is made of 60 staves of Indian Rosewood, separated by maple (or holly) stringers. The headstock overlay and inlaid pickguard are also Indian Rosewood. There is extensive abalone shell inlay all over the instrument. The fingerboard and bridge are African Ebony. The neck is Maple. The bridge top and nut are bone.The neck has an adjustable truss rod, as well as two carbon fiber rods on either side of the truss rod. This makes it incredibly stable. The action has not budged one bit in all the time I’ve owned it, and despite many climate changes and a lot of travelling with the instrument, it has never needed a truss rod adjustment. That’s how stable it is. The neck is straight as can be, with under 1mm of relief. The action is quite low, and it plays like a dream. There are no high-spots or buzzing when playing up and down the neck. Despite its low action, when hit hard, this Bouzouki is LOUD!The scale length is 26 3/8” (670 mm). The fingerboard is 1.35” (34 mm) wide at the nut. The string spacing at the bridge is 1 ½” (38 mm). The action at 12th fret is a perfect 3/64” (1.2 mm) on all strings.So, why am I selling it? After playing Greek bouzouki for nearly 30 years, I have decided that it’s just not how I want to express myself these days, so my beloved Dalagiorgos needs to find a new home. I am concentrating on mandolin, guitar and viola for the foreseeable future.To hear a sound clip I recorded of this delightful instrument, please click . I used two microphones set about 18” apart, in front of the instrument. There are no effects. To get the best possible idea of the instrument’s sound and “presence”, I recommend listening with headphones or very good speakers. The recording was done at my desk, and does not do justice to the instrument, but it gives you an idea of the ballpark we are talking about. Please also forgive the playing. I seriously haven’t played in almost three years, and it shows.As for condition, the instrument is basically in mint, like new condition, with no scratches, breaks damage or repair. Though I have had it and played it regularly for almost 16 years, I have taken exceptionally good care of it, and it shows.It comes with a nice, rigid case with a soft, plush lining.TERMS, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Buyer pays selling price plus shipping and insurance. I typically ship with USPS or FedEx, though other arrangements can be made at the buyer's request. No fee is charged for packing or handling. I will gladly ship anywhere in the world, but beware, international shipping charges can be steep, and the buyer is responsible for all duties, taxes, VAT, brokerage and storage fees on their end. Please contact me with any questions.