The master luthier and his apprentice

Sixty years later their creations stand next to each other !

Few only know the talented Armenian luthier Petro (Hanikian) Xanikian! At the beginning of his career Petros worked next to the master luthier Onnik Tsakirian from whom he learned the secrets of the Greek traditional Lutherie .

Some years later he opened his own workshop in Nikaia across from the movie theater Pallas. Unfortunately  he passed away early in life leaving behind only a few musical instruments

Petros was well known among master luthiers, for his bouzoukis’ solid construction and powerful sound .

At some point of his career he also supplied the master luthier Zozef Terzivasian. 

Petros (Hanikian) Xanikian may not be included among the most famous Greek master luthiers of bouzouki creation, his name though, will always be remembered and be discussed among hardcore collectors .

A 1960s restored Onnik Tsakirian ( right) and a 1960 unrestored Petros (Hanikian) Xanikian ( left)