The three master Greek-Armenian luthiers of 1960s

May 18, 2022

The three master Greek-Armenian luthiers of 1960s

Legends in a row!

During bouzouki's golden era (1950s-1960s), three (3) reputable master luthiers in Athens Greece, will dominate the space of professional bouzouki instruments creation. For the years to come, famous musicians and soloists will play their instruments exceedingly, and their reputation will expand over the boarders of Greece.

All three luthiers were Greek Armenians and had been taught the art of musical instruments making from older generations, keeping influences from Armenia, and Asia Minor.

Their names:

Zozef Terzivasian, Onnik Tsakirian and Petros Hanikian

Onnik Tsakirian (left), Zozef Terzivasian (middle), and Petros Hanikian (right)

Zozef Terzivassian (well known as the "Stradivari of bouzouki makers") is perhaps the most famous Greek bouzouki maker of all times . Well know, for the great sound quality and timbre of his instruments , but also for his unique sound hole shapes, headstock and pick guard decorations and design, Zozef bouzoukia played by the most famous Greek musicians and soloists during the 1940s-1950s-1960s era

Onnik Tsakirian is 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.

Finally, few only know the talented Greek-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