Buying a 6-string – I’ve chosen a model

Musical instruments Purchase
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Good evening everyone,

I read some related posts about buying a bouzouki and eventually decided, based on how much I would like to spend, as well as my past experience buying and selling second-hand instruments (bass guitars and guitars). I decided to go for a new one, since I cannot properly assess a second-hand instrument and certainly would not want to make an expensive mistake… not to mention the disappointment.

I also considered speaking to a dealer/instrument maker who might be willing to accept a trade — for example, an expensive electric guitar in excellent condition for a bouzouki — so that I could have some guarantee that the bouzouki would be sound. Looking through the forum directory, I found Nasos Stamatakis, who might agree to something like that.

I should mention that I am a complete beginner and am interested in pre-war rebetika. So my criteria are good materials and workmanship, and beyond that, wherever it takes me.

So, to cut a long story short, I decided to go for a pre-war Matsikas bouzouki. Here is the link as well. I will of course take a trip to Kallithea to see it, along with the others in the same price range, but I like this one.

I would like to hear your opinions, although a lot has already been said.

Thank you.

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As you say, reams have been written on this subject, and will continue to be written, since there will always be people who want to buy a new instrument.

But back to the matter at hand. At this price point, the Matsikas seems like an “honest” choice. That said, if you go a little higher, there are other, less industrialised makers as well (with their pros and cons).

You’re on the right “path”, though. Go and listen to it, play it, and see whether its sound and feel suit you. After that, everything will seem clearer based on what you’re looking for. You’ll then be able to reconsider your options.

Good luck on the lovely “journey” of choosing :wink:

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if we mean the same thing, a shop in the centre should have closed a long time ago

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Probably, yes. I tried getting in touch a little while ago, but both phone numbers are out of service.

I could put up an advert to exchange a good electric guitar that I have and don’t use, but I’m worried because I can’t reliably check a bouzouki. I’ve been caught out with guitars in the past. Not with basses, though. What can you do… I paid to learn.

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My friend, since I’ve been through the same stage as you and looked at Matsikas bouzoukis and so on, personally I’d suggest that if you’re going to spend €600, it would be better to add another €300 and get a pre-war instrument from a better craftsman, such as Papadamos in Thessaloniki or Petros Zaranis in Athens, with wood and construction that are three times better, and avoid mass-produced instruments. I’m telling you this because I made the same mistake: when I started, I bought a completely tourist-grade bouzouki for €100, and then after two years I bought a €500 one in that category, which after a while was no longer satisfactory either in terms of sound or playability. In the end, I saved up and bought a €1,000 one—in short, the €500 I spent in between was wasted, when I could have bought a good one straight away. Also, if you’re a beginner as you said and you give it up, you’ll be able to sell a good instrument later at a reasonable price, whereas you’d be lucky to get half the price for that €600 one. I’ve got nothing against Matsikas—in fact, I even took my old bouzouki to him for servicing—but since €600 isn’t a small amount, especially for a pre-war instrument, I’d recommend Papadamos in Thessaloniki. I’ve been to his workshop too, and for the price, his instruments are unbeatable: they’re three times better than Matsikas’s, and you’ll have it for life. The same goes for Petros Zaranis. Do as you think best, but don’t rush and end up regretting the money you spent! Also, if you speak to the craftsmen I mentioned, or anyone else of your choice, you may be able to arrange to pay in instalments if money is an issue.

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Thank you very much for your comment. What you’ve written makes perfect sense, and I’ve done the same with other instruments I’ve bought without regretting it for a moment. In fact, spending a bit more gets you a significantly better instrument and ensures a good resale value.

I’ll check out the craftsmen you recommend, and I certainly won’t rush into anything. Thanks again.

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Good evening, I was in the same boat. You’re absolutely right to consider a second-hand one. I ended up going to a luthier and don’t regret it at all. Good luck with your search!

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Matsikas will give you a cheap, reliable instrument in the near-entry-level category (it’s best if it has at least a truss rod), but it won’t give you much of a sound, and certainly not a pre-war one.

Don’t be afraid of used instruments, as long as you find someone to go with you. I assume you’ll start with a teacher, or will someone you know show you the ropes?

Also check out Petros Moustakas in Pangrati, and Stelios Tsilimingas in Ano Liosia if you want to stick to relatively affordable prices while still getting a nice sound and well-maintained instruments.

As for trading in, don’t even think about it—the used-instrument shops here are a painful story… Besides, they probably have a limited selection of bouzoukia.

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Thank you very much for your comment.

I don’t know anyone personally in this particular case, so I’m making my own way. I have some knowledge of music theory, but I’m going to start studying so I can get more into the spirit of the bouzouki. As with other things, I believe there should be a teacher at least in the early stages. So when the time comes, I’ll start learning with someone.

I checked out the instrument makers you mentioned. Lovely work. I like the fact that there are good, dedicated craftspeople around. For now, I can say that Papadamos is at the top of my list. Even so, I’m not in a hurry. I learn something new every day. In any case, with a budget of €1,000–1,300 including VAT, you can find some wonderful bouzoukis. I don’t need anything more.

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Of course, Papadamos too! I think you’re fine with that budget, even for buying a used car from a reputable make. I say reputable because it’s easier to have some confidence in it and get it properly checked. Good luck!

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Has anyone among those who have already spoken tried this pre-war model by Matsikas?

Or are we passing judgement without having an opinion of our own, based on his other student instruments?

You especially, Niko, since you say that

(the bold is mine)

I assume that you have tried 4 or 5 examples of this Matsikas model that did not produce even a good sound (i.e. they were bad instruments), and that this bad sound was not pre-war either, right?

Looking at the website, I can see that the body mould is smaller than usual (for Matsikas), and the scale is shorter than usual (for Matsikas), and it also has a bend; so it is not out of the question that the instrument might evoke a pre-war sound. Besides, “pre-war” sound has a huge range in its own right, as reflected in the recorded repertoire (we’ve been over this before).

So when someone interested in buying an instrument posts one costing ~€600, it is unfair to say, “Yes, but look, for the same amount again you can get one from so-and-so or whatshisname.”

I have no doubt about the members’ good intentions, but here too, my friend rebetagainstthesystem, you are comparing like with unlike and making arbitrary judgements about the quality of the craftsmen.

To turn your reasoning around, ask Zaranis and Papadamos—and any other craftsman—to make you a “pre-war” instrument for €590 (including VAT), and ask Matsikas to make you one for €900 with wood three times better. What do you think will happen?

To offer some genuinely practical help as well: I would suggest avoiding non-professionals and adverts from newly fledged amateurs. If you somehow take the “pre-war” model out of the equation, the options in terms of sound and craftsmen open up enormously! If you insist on it, you will NOT find anything better than Matsikas’s at this price. If you can stretch to €1,200, then you can probably commission one from whoever you like!!

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Definitely go and try it in person, but I’d heard it online too, so give it a listen to get an idea.

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Of course I’ve tried it, my dear Babis. I’ve also recommended Matsikas’s instruments several times; I’ve even chosen a four-string from there. I was going to keep the latter a secret, but I’ve confessed my sin :innocent:!

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I’ve heard various bouzoukis made by luthiers over the last couple of days. I can’t say this particular one sounds bad… in my humble, non-expert opinion.

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But what I hear in the video above doesn’t sound either voiceless or “modern” to me; it has a touch of the tzoura and a “ringing” quality to it… I suppose we have very different frames of reference.

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As soon as we can, we’ll go and try it out in person.

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So, to sum up, based on the research I’ve done and the knowledge I’ve gained so far:

I’ll go with an instrument maker, since I recognise their superior quality, the advantage of a higher resale value, and I can afford to pay a little extra. The amount I’m talking about is roughly a thousand euros (excluding VAT).

I’ll start visiting instrument makers and trying out their bouzoukia, so that I can form my own opinion. This is where Papadamos is at a disadvantage, because he is located far away, and unfortunately I don’t see it being easy to travel to Thessaloniki. Unless I just go by what people say and order one. I don’t know… it’s always better to hold it in your hands first.

Since I’m learning, it would also be a good idea to drop by Matsikas to get a sample.

You’ve already suggested some craftsmen here in Athens, and I’ll continue looking into it a little further. Moustakas in Kaisariani is close to me, and I’m inclined to start there (I live near Syngrou Fix). There are also some well-known ones in Exarchia, so I’ll have a look there too.

Thank you for your time, then, and I’ll keep you informed.

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Give Papadamos a call; he might, for instance, be heading down to Athens for an exhibition.

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I preferred the sound of the matsika. Papadamos’s sounds more like a tzouras to me.

It’s all a matter of personal taste, of course.

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