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Arabic Oud face with abalone rosette and cocobolo wood

Manolis Ouds

Luthier, Oud Maker.

Handcrafted Ouds where tradition meets acoustic research.

Each instrument is individually built by Manolis Kaniadakis, combining traditional luthiery with modern structural design to achieve clarity, balance and projection.

Manolis Ouds: Welcome
Me holding an Arabic Oud

About

Oud building belongs to the folk arts. The Oud is a Middle Eastern folk instrument, making the guidelines of its construction a lot less strict and absolute than the ones of the European classical instruments. 
 

My interest in the oud began through my love for its sound, expressive possibilities and the unique relationship between player and instrument. Over time, this curiosity led me beyond playing the instrument to studying its construction, acoustics and physical behaviour.

Through years of experimentation and research, I gradually developed my own construction approach, focusing on materials, structural behaviour and acoustic response, with the aim of building instruments that combine traditional aesthetics with modern stability and projection.


​The right Oud for you is the one that moves you.

Manolis Ouds: About
Manolis Ouds: Welcome
Zenne 2025 Cedar

Why handmade instruments are unique

Handmade instruments develop their own character. The subtle imperfections of a luthier’s work give each instrument a unique look, sound and feel. Through many hours of careful craftsmanship, an oud gradually comes to life in the hands of its maker. In this sense, every instrument becomes truly one of a kind, leaving us luthiers with the enduring challenge of constantly pursuing perfection.

Ouds Gallery
 

Lavtas Gallery
 

Video Player

Ross Daly plays Arabic Oud made by Manolis.
03:03
Will plays Turkish Ud made by Manolis
00:40
Zenne Ud - Made and played by Manolis - Uzun İnce Bir Yoldayım
03:02
Arabic Oud made and played by Manolis. Padauk - Walnut bowl with Engelman Spruce Top.
01:59
Ross Daly plays lavta made by Manolis
04:05
Aris Kornelakis plays 5 courses lavta made by Manolis
03:25
Manolis Ouds: Instagram

Ouds Ready to Find Their Player

A limited selection of handmade Ouds, each built with precision and soul.
Crafted to inspire — waiting to resonate with their future player.

Manolis Ouds: Video Player
Manolis Ouds: Contact
Me while making an oud

Contact: 

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

+306944365563

Are you ready to talk?

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