Yeah, I totally agree. So many bouzoukis are JUNK, plain n simple. Why they don't have truss rods is a totally mystery to me; my own bouzouki's neck needs a lot of work before it will be playable again.

I wonder if the bouzoukis that show up on eBay are bad tourist souvenirs bulk-rated from the gift kiosks in Athens straight to Larceny in the Mourning (sorry, I really don't like their prices OR their customer 'service').

My only problem with trying to substitute an Irish bouzouki or long-scale octave mando for a bouzouki is that the first two (with flat backs, better design, construction, and balanced, higher quality woods) will probably have a richer, warmer, deeper tone than the characteristically cheap, jangly sound of an authentic Greek bouzouki ... and, if THAT'S the sound you want, that's the sound that you want.

Good luck. How about a road trip? Hit every pawnshop from in Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and Toledo ... something decent is bound to turn up ...

I currently own a TC Octave Mandolin and can pick out some tunes on it, but as Geoff said I would like to have the Greek Zouk sound. Thanks for all the info though. I have some real good conections in Turkey and can get my hands on some great Baglmas, Oud, and Cumbus from Istanbul. It has just blown my mind that it is so hard to find a Greek Zouk at any price on the net much less I good one. OH well guess I will just keep digging!
Thanks again,
Chris

that's because you are talking about the "fake" bouzouki ;) that with the 4 double strings..

If you want the real mediterranean sound you might want to go for a 3 (double) string bouzouki with the DAD tuning. Much better for playing rempetika etc although the 4 string bouzouki might be easier to learn for someone with a guitar background

This might sound painfully silly, but last time I was at "greek fest" that was put on my a local greek orthodox chruch there were more zouks being passed about than bottles of ouzo. Maybe check out if there is an event such as this in your area and chat up some one playing and see if they have a reliable source for playable instruments - or tips on how to easily make a less than playable one less of headache.
I've also heard from a number of people, that besides the difference in sound, a well set up Greek Bouzouki can be exceptionally fast to play.

Yeah, Matsikas makes the best budget buzukia. Let's just say they have the best value for money out there. A bit thin on the sound but very playable with the strings close to the fretboard, easy to tune and they stay in tune too (not sure if the above are true for the really cheap models but the mid-range priced instruments of matsikas are very decent) It is either that or 1500 euro for a great hand made bouzouki by one of the masters.