Handcrafted Inlays, Made One Detail at a Time
Every inlay is designed and handcrafted to give an instrument or object its own identity.
Nikos specializes in custom inlays for guitars, bouzoukis and other stringed instruments. He also creates bespoke inlays for furniture, presentation pieces, decorative objects and other custom projects where detailed inlay work is required.
Each design is developed to suit the shape, material, purpose and character of the piece it will become part of.
Every element is cut, shaped and fitted by hand. No two designs are exactly the same.
Whether the concept is traditional, contemporary, highly detailed or understated, the aim is to create an inlay that feels considered, balanced and naturally integrated into the finished piece.
Created for Musicians, Luthiers and Custom Makers
Custom inlays are available for individual musicians, collectors, luthiers, furniture makers, craftspeople and anyone developing a bespoke object.
An individual musician may commission an inlay and provide it to the luthier building or restoring their instrument. Luthiers can also work directly with Nikos to create custom decorative elements for a specific build.
For projects beyond musical instruments, Nikos can work with the client or maker to develop an inlay that complements the object’s materials, proportions and intended use.
Projects may include:
• Fingerboard and headstock inlays
• Rosettes and decorative instrument motifs
• Names, initials and personal symbols
• Traditional Greek designs
• Furniture and cabinetry details
• Presentation boxes and keepsake pieces
• Decorative panels and bespoke objects
• Fully custom concepts
About Nikos
Nikos Paisios was born in 1973 in Malesina, Greece, approximately 130 kilometres north of Athens.
His interest in working with wood began at an early age. At 12, he attempted to build his first instrument, a baglama, without assistance.
At 13, he began studying bouzouki with renowned composer and bouzouki player Giorgos Manisalis. He later continued his musical education with Themis Papavasiliou and studied classical guitar and harmony at the Odeon of Maestro Kosta Klava.
Nikos began working professionally as a musician at 16. At 25, he established his own bouzouki school and continued teaching alongside his work as a musician and maker.
Since 2012, he has worked full-time in instrument making, creating bouzoukis, guitars, tzouras, mandolins and related instruments.
His approach is grounded in traditional craftsmanship. Inlays, purflings, bindings, rosettes and decorative elements are cut and completed by hand rather than produced by machinery.
That same discipline, patience and attention to detail now carries across every custom inlay he creates, whether for a musical instrument or another bespoke object.