The 1960s mystery bouzouki

And two well-known families with master craftsmanship who solved the mystery  !

Few months ago, when a beautiful, unlabeled, four course bouzouki with superb craftsmanship on the fret-board, detailed and heavy use of mother of pearl decoration on pick-guard & capping strips, and with an old style (three course dimensions) ebony bowl, "fell into my hands", an intense research finding the unknown luthier, started.

By the first look I already had my "suspicions" regarding the mystery luthier,  but after communicating with master Greek luthiers, bouzouki forums, and families of the old luthiers (Karolos and Aram Tsakirian), it was obvious that this bouzouki was a construction by the master luthier Onnik Tsakirian 

From the famous luthier Karolos Tsakirian and son of Onnik we collected the following information : (http://tsakirianbouzouki.com/about-us/) 

Onnik Tsakirian (1931 – 1983)

Onnik who married in 1950 decided to open his own workshop. At the beginning he worked at his home then he opened a shop in Korydallos and in 1960 he opened the shop at the center of Athens at 3 Aristotelous street. Onnik Tsakirian was considered one of the best luthiers of his time. The legendary bouzouki player, Manolis Chiotis was playing Onnik’s instruments. The famous black bouzouki that Chiotis is playing in some of the Greek films of that time (1960′s) is made by Onnik Tsakirian. 

Manolis Chiotis with Onnik Tsakirian 

In November of 1970, for family reasons, Onnik immigrates to the USA.In the beginning, he went to Los Angeles, where he was hired as a specialist by ‘Fender Guitar Company’. The time he spent in Fender was a great experience for him but, he was also rewarded with the Green Card which gave him the right to live and work in the United States. 

Onnik wanted to have his own shop so, he moved in 1973, after he received the Green Card, in New York City. In Astoria he made his new workshop.

A few years later, his son Karolos joined him, who went to NYC to study and work in the family workshop. Eventually, Karolos became a luthier himself and continued the family tradition.

 The shop in Athens was ran by Onnik’s wife, with special technician Gregory Kolusoglu who stayed at the workshop until 1990. Onnik Tsakirian died at a very young at the age of 52.

The identification regarding the year which the musical instrument was made came from another famous family with master craftsmanship and tradition on making custom musical instruments cases. 

When the bouzouki instrument reached my destination, was kept inside a custom, high -quality, Anastasios Smyroglou bouzouki case.  

After communicating  with the sons of Mr Smyroglou who are still constructing and selling top of the line custom musical instrument cases (Company ASMIR https://www.facebook.com/asmir1922/) , was verified that the custom bouzouki case was created  in the early years of 1960s possibly on 1962-1964

Fifty five (55) years later, proving the master craftsmanship of the luthier Tsakirian,  the instrument needs mostly cosmetic restoration, and frets replacement.

 The master luthier and friend Chris G. Pantazelos who works at the Spartan Instruments shop (http://spartaninstruments.com/) , and has proven experience, knowledge, and respect on restoration of historical instruments at this caliber, will bring back to "perfect" condition this little treasure. 

Stay tuned !