Musical instruments in Dharmasala

jeamland · Nov 9th, 2005, 19:11

Alreet all, just arrived in Dharmasala and I want to pick a Tabla/ or percussion instrument for my brother (for christmas), do you know any good shops in the area?

mira4bai4 · Nov 10th, 2005, 12:48

Don't know of any in Dharmasala but i understand there is a street full in Amritsar somewhere.

jeamland · Nov 10th, 2005, 17:13

Ahhhh, well I found a place but it was expensive, 2800 for a cheapy! I'm going in Amritsar in a weeks time so I might be able to pick up one then.

Nick-H · Nov 10th, 2005, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeamland

it was expensive, 2800 for a cheapy!

Humph

Thought how much work goes into a set of tabla?

jeamland · Nov 12th, 2005, 22:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Humph

Thought how much work goes into a set of tabla?

Agreed, but I believe there is one person selling Tablas here so he has a monopoly on the market and can charge what he wants. I've spoken to a local man and he told me I can get one of better quality for 1000 - 1500 in Rajasthan. - looks like my brother will be getting his christmas present late this year.

Nick-H · Nov 12th, 2005, 23:20

Thats about GBP35, almost half the price of the Southern classical mridangam, and very very much less than Brits I know pay for African drums the heads of which are a single piece of stretched skin. The tabla head has three layers of skin and the black spot takes days to apply.

If that really is a monopoly price then the guy isn't much of a monopolist!

As to recommendations, the recommender has better be a musician. Whatever the price, you will not know what you are being sold unless you takedvice from someone who does.

jeamland · Nov 15th, 2005, 14:02

Ok I know I'm being a tight arse... but as you mentioned African drums it just so happens my brother is taking lessons on an African drum so perhaps that is a better idea? Where did your friends get their drums from?

Nick-H · Nov 15th, 2005, 15:27

Africa.

Actually my friend imports the wood, finishes the carving, prepares and attaches the skin and sells it for 150 to 250 GBP.

Nov 9th, 2005, 19:11	#1
jeamland Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: UK, Midlands Posts: 41	Musical instruments in Dharmasala Alreet all, just arrived in Dharmasala and I want to pick a Tabla/ or percussion instrument for my brother (for christmas), do you know any good shops in the area?

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Nov 10th, 2005, 12:48	#2
mira4bai4 Lost in Space Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: ND PaharGanj Permanently/Temporarily Posts: 1,197	Don't know of any in Dharmasala but i understand there is a street full in Amritsar somewhere.

Nov 10th, 2005, 17:13	#3
jeamland Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: UK, Midlands Posts: 41	Ahhhh, well I found a place but it was expensive, 2800 for a cheapy! I'm going in Amritsar in a weeks time so I might be able to pick up one then.

Nov 12th, 2005, 23:20	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,432	Thats about GBP35, almost half the price of the Southern classical mridangam, and very very much less than Brits I know pay for African drums the heads of which are a single piece of stretched skin. The tabla head has three layers of skin and the black spot takes days to apply. If that really is a monopoly price then the guy isn't much of a monopolist! As to recommendations, the recommender has better be a musician. Whatever the price, you will not know what you are being sold unless you takedvice from someone who does.

Nov 15th, 2005, 14:02	#7
jeamland Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: UK, Midlands Posts: 41	Ok I know I'm being a tight arse... but as you mentioned African drums it just so happens my brother is taking lessons on an African drum so perhaps that is a better idea? Where did your friends get their drums from?

Nov 15th, 2005, 15:27	#8
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,432	Africa. Actually my friend imports the wood, finishes the carving, prepares and attaches the skin and sells it for 150 to 250 GBP.

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