About us
Our Story
Samouelian Musical Instruments is the oldest music store in central Athens, located at 36 Ifaistou Street in Monastiraki.
Our family business has been operating continuously at the same address since 1928, when it was founded by Hovhannes (Ioannis) Samuelian. Since then, our love for music and our dedication to the art of making and providing musical instruments have remained at the heart of what we do.
Ioannis Samouelian I
Our family business has been operating continuously since 1928 at the same address, when it was founded by Hovanes (Ioannis) Samouelian. Born in Asia Minor and a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and the destruction of Smyrna, he brought with him the distinctive musical culture of the Greeks and Armenians of Asia Minor. He himself laid the foundations of our family business.
Samouel Samouelian I
In the 1950s, his son, Samouel Samouelian I, took over the business and established our bouzouki workshop. Through his work, the company supplied musical instruments to important Greek musicians, as well as to film productions — particularly the legendary Finos Film productions of the 1960s and 1970s. Even today, one can still spot the name “SAMOUELIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS” in films from that era.
Ioannis Samouelian II
Since 1983, Ioannis Samouelian II has been in charge of the family business, continuing with dedication the tradition and history of the shop.
His musical journey began at the age of seven, with the guitar as his main instrument. He later obtained a degree in classical guitar from the Hellenic Conservatory, where he subsequently taught as a professor. At the same time, he pursued studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, further enriching his musical knowledge and experience.
Beyond classical guitar, he has extensive knowledge of a wide range of string instruments, both classical and traditional folk instruments. During his service in the Air Force, he also played the flute, broadening his engagement with music across different fields.
Under his leadership, and with absolute dedication to music and quality, the shop evolved into a modern point of reference for musicians and musical instrument enthusiasts, while always preserving the character and tradition of the Samouelian family.
Samouel II & Sarkis Samouelian
Today, the business continues its journey under the fourth generation of the Samouelian family, led by Samouel II and Sarkis Samouelian. With studies in Finance and Information Technology respectively, but having grown up surrounded by music and musical instruments, they chose to continue and further develop the long-standing history of the family business.
Both are actively involved in instrument making and repairs, with the aim of providing the best possible service to the thousands of musicians and visitors who place their trust in us every day.
Our music store is a second home for us, as we grew up with countless memories at 36 Ifaistou Street in Monastiraki. Musical instruments are an inseparable part of our identity, and our constant goal remains the preservation of quality, consistency, and a deep love for music.