Professional Handmade 4-String Bouzouki | Bear-claw Spruce Top

The Bouzouki is the most famous out of the "Bouzouki family" members. It is the largest out of the three main sizes (the other two being Tzouras and the Baglamas). The original Bouzouki is the 3-string (or 6-string). It has three pairs of strings and it is tuned D-A-D. It became prominent in early 20th-century Greece, mainly due to the Greek immigrants who fled Minor Asia in the 1920s. It is especially used in rebetiko music — the “urban blues” of the working-class neighborhoods and prison communities. In the 1950s, Manolis Hiotis created the 4-string(or 8-string) Bouzouki. Hiotis was a virtuoso musician who wanted to modernize the bouzouki to fit Western harmony and jazz influences. He added a fourth course of strings, tuning them like a guitar: C–F–A–D (low to high) making very easy for any guitarist to familiarize with the instrument.Samouelian Instruments are crafted with dedication, tradition, and attention to detail. Each instrument is carefully built by skilled artisans, combining traditional luthiery techniques with high-quality materials to ensure excellent sound, playability, and durability. With a legacy rooted in 1928, the Samouelian name represents passion for music and commitment to supporting musicians at every level. These handmade instruments are designed to deliver rich tonal character, reliable performance, and a unique feel that only true craftsmanship can offer.