The bouzouki tells the story of the history and culture of Greece in a way that nothing else can. From the hash dens of the 20s and 30s to the nightclubs of today, the bouzouki has been an icon of modern Greek life. With awe, I have listened to the bouzouki greats, and loved the music they made. Playing old records, or even hearing a great band live, I would always be transported when the bouzouki player began a song with his solo. I never thought that I could be one of those people... until I met Dino Bersis.

I'd seen a store in Astoria - Dio Dino's - with the most beautiful bouzoukia hanging in the window. Walking by one day, I decided to go in and check it out. It was a bit intimidating, at least until Dino welcomed and started talking with me. The love he has for his art and the warmth of his person instantly shone through. He brought me back into his workshop, showed me how he made the instruments, and shared with me his love for the music. By the end of my visit, I walked out with an amazing new bouzouki in my hands! Dino also set me up with the most incredible and patient of all teachers, George Vlesmas, and gave me the encouragement I needed to think that I actually could play the bouzouki.

I am now just starting down the road of a lifelong love of playing this remarkable instrument. With the support of Dino and George, and many many hours of practice, I hope one day to be good enough to express the feeling that I have inside through the bouzouki.

Dio Dino's Custom Handcrafted Musical Instruments
22-08 Crescent Street,
Astoria, NY 11105
Tel: (718) 777-1373 or (800) 570-3446
Fax: (718) 777-1644
email :info@diodinos.com

Designed by John Pazarzis (email: jpazarzis@technologist.com) and George Fotakis  (Last Edited:  10/21/00)