I first met Dino in November of '96.  I brought an old Alvarez acoustic guitar in for what I thought was a cracked spruce top which would lead to an expensive repair job.  Dino's first words to me as a customer were "I'm stupid, I don't want to take your money needlessly."  Dino assured me the damage to the guitar was nothing more than peeling varnish due to prolong exposure to the sun.  There was no structural damage to the instrument.  I walked away with an adjustment to the neck and a bill far lower than I initially expected.  Dino used the word "stupid" to describe himself in not taking my money, I prefer to use the words honorable and honest.  About a year after my first encounter wit Dino, I had a new pickup installed in a Les Paul Custom by a technician at a major music store in Manhattan.  The job was less than professional.  The pickup buzzed because it was not grounded properly.  Being around the holidays, I was not inclined to take the train back to Manhattan to have them rectify the problem.  Remembering the Luthier who serviced my acoustic guitar, I decided to take the instrument to Dino.  Dino rewired my guitar.  As fate would have it, we started talking about the construction of his musical instruments.  I left the shop with a rewired electric guitar and an order for a custom made bouzouki.  In the two years since my bouzouki has been completed, I have upgraded twice.  Money or extra work has never being an issue with Dino.  His concern is that the customer walks away satisfied.  In addition to building me a bouzouki, Dino has worked extensively on many of my other instruments.  Needless to say, I would not trust my prized possessions to just anyone.  In all my years of buying guitars from National Guitar chains and major music stores I have never experienced this type of total commitment to the customer's satisfaction.  Since that faithful day in December three years ago when I brought my electric guitar in for rewiring, our relationship, which started out as a customer/proprietor, has blossomed in to one of friendship.  Many afternoons have been spent in Dio Dino's engaged in stimulating conversations, or the impromptu "jam session".  Dino offers his customers and friends a unique combination of qualities.  He is a skilled craftsman whose main concern is the satisfaction of his customer;  Dino will not stop until the customer is smiling and completely happy with his purchase.  His integrity is beyond reproach.  My personal experience aside, I have witnessed Dino turn away business on instruments that were brought in for repairs which he deemed unnecessary.  Furthermore, I have seen him guide customers towards the purchase of less expensive instruments even when they were willing to spend more money.  Dino's craft is routed in the traditions of the old world.  Everything is hand made with careful attention to detail.  Dino will not put something up for sale that he is not completely satisfied with.  Whether purchasing a musical instrument from Dino, or having one serviced by him, the customer can expect the best in service and workmanship.  Dino's personal motto is "Quality workmanship goes in, beautiful sounds come out".  I have found this to be true in my dealings with Dino. I am sure you will find the same to be true with yours.

TED DOUROS