Check out the best spots in the city to pick your first guitar and accessories; learn and master the trade
English guitar player Guthrie Govan will play at Sitara Studios in Mumbai on September 16. Pic/AFP
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When Iron Maiden set themselves free during the spring of 2007 in Bengaluru, Indians were left fascinated. Fans and enthusiasts bought tickets two months prior to the gig, the airport in the Garden City hadn't seen heavier traffic. It was new then; but today, India is one of the premier destinations for international acts.
By and by, the populace embraced original music, understood the blues touch of E7th and the sugary effect of a C sharp minor chord. For the last decade, Metallica to Megadeth — all legendary bands have touched down in India.
Ashishâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Bhargava, director of Bhargava's Musik, plays a note on the new Merida guitar manufactured in China. Pics/Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya
Though the current noise is about Coldplay's debut gig in India (rumoured to be around November in Mumbai), it is also essential to note that guitar legend Guthrie Govan will play a set (with his band The Aristocrats) at Dadar's Sitara Studio on September 16.
The guitar is an instrument easily liked and craved. Even in a band, guitar players often steal the thunder and are often the reason behind the twinkle in a woman's eye. So, who is Govan and why isn't the world talking about him?
Signature Topaz series on display outside IMD gate
He is an instructor, a musician who collaborated with celebrated artistes, including Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Hans Zimmer — the German composer and the man behind the soundtrack of The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean (series), Gladiator, The Dark Knight Trilogy and more. Several youngsters wanted to become guitar players after witnessing the Maiden concert and a few may have succeeded too. Before Govan creates the same impact, we thought we will help you pick your first guitar from the right store.
Beginner's guide
The most interesting spots stay hidden, away from public glare. There is one such place near Lilavatibai Podar High School in Santacruz (West) called Institute of Music Discipline (IMD) — it is the perfect shop to buy your warm-up guitar. Why? It is not branded and the rates are affordable. "Kids who want to start off, they can go for the Signature series guitars available. The price range starts at Rs 4,000.
A Fender or an Ibanez could be well over the roof for many," says Sandeep Bhanushali, the manager of the store. Signature is a brand from Kolkata. "I ask the person to send it to me by train, I collect in bulk and sell it for the kids," he says. However, IMD is not one of the glamorous music stores flaunting an array of chic instruments. The prime focus of the place is to teach music. "People come here to learn, it is fine if they want to buy it from us but we do not force them. They can bring their own instrument and learn too," says Bhanushali.
The guitars have a basic plug-in and a tuner needs to be bought separately. The varieties include Topaz Blade (R4,500) — the one with designs on the body — and Topaz Cream (R4,000). Guitar classes are conduced five-days a week with a minimum fee of R7,000 for three months, inclusive of 24 sessions. "This is the basic module which also comprises Western Classical Music. The students will be taught to read sheets," assures Bhanushali. So, who are the teachers? "Guitar is taught by the owner, Satya Chauhan. We have external teachers for other instruments," he adds.
For the intermediate level
"GB&A is a good brand both for starters and the mid-level players," says Ashish Bhargava, director of Bhargavas Musik. The 20-year-old music store, known for their reception, is home to handy guitars with a promising tone. "Even if one starts with GB&A, he or she can continue for at least good five years with it. I would recommend the mid-sized cut-away guitar (easy to carry along) for the age group starting from nine. For the 11-year-olds and beyond, there is dreadnought size (with better sound projection)," he adds.
The mid-size wood is available at R6,950 and the latter at R 7,550, inclusive of the accessories — picks, a padded cover, imported strings and a year's warranty for servicing.
Where to buy your six-string
Institute of Music Discipline, IMD, Opposite Seasons Store, Stationâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Road, off SVâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Road, Santacruzâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088(W).
Call 9833065604
Bhargava's Musik, 4-5, Imperial Plaza, 30th Road, off Linking Road, Bandra. (W) Call 26411842
Furtados Music India Pvt Ltd 201, Town Centre II, Andheri-Kurla Road, Marol, Andheri (E).Andheri (E) Call 42875050
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