Hit the right musical note

Tanpura, taasha, dholak, tabla, flute, harmonium, guitar, violin, casio – all these start playing in your mind and it all sounds rather musical when you enter this market. Having an impressive instrument goes a long way in becoming an established
musician.

Wondering where to get them all without much effort? This remarkable market of musical instruments is a musician’s paradise. With some shops dating back several decades, the market on the busy Netaji Subhash Marg has served numerous musicians. From traditional hand-played ones to the latest electronic alternatives, generations of musical instruments exist here. While some shopkeepers are instrumentalists themselves, others are serving those in the making purely out of their dedication to the art.

A specialist in rare musical instruments, Biba Music Emporium is a three-decade-old shop. Carrying forward the legacy of a musician family, the owner’s son, Ricky Singh, is a tabla player and his brother a Sitarist. They also manufacture instruments at their factory in Kolkata – the hub of Indian musical instruments.

“There has been a drastic cultural exchange over the years. Western people want Indian instruments but Indians are moving towards Western ones. Sale of traditional instruments like harmonium has shifted to guitars,” says Ricky. Their collection boasts of famous international brands – the Italian trademark Focut and Germany’s Walker – which are the “hot-selling models.” An aarti machine is a uniquely designed instrument in itself, used during temple worships. “This is our own design; one of a kind. It is being used even in Badrinath Temple (in Uttarakand),” he informs.

The instruments come with a one year warranty and repairing services are also offered. New electronic classical tabla and tanpura – that gives desired tune at the press of a button – have replaced the old instruments to a great extent. Folding harmoniums offer better mobility to professionals who travel to places.

“The younger generation is moving towards western instruments like guitar. But those who practice vocals still rely on harmonium to a great extent,” says Avnish Chopra, owner at Chopra Musical Gallery.

The international brands are imported and supplied to retailers through local distributors. “The craze for guitar began around 1993. Price of the Indian guitars ranges between Rs 2000-3500. But the international ones like Yama, Fender and Polo etc. start at Rs 3500 and go up to 50,000,” explains Shan, a guitar  tutor and owner of Shan Musical Instruments.

From learners to experts, people have a lot to explore. “I am beginning to learn guitar and thought of buying one to practice at home. My brother suggested this market as lots of options are available here, at reasonable prices,” says Aagam Gupta, who had come all the way from Noida.

With a wide-ranging collection and promising services, the historic musical instrument market at Netaji Subhash Marg is worth a visit.