giggsy
My old man just got word that he might be taking a job in India, and my first thought was... I wonder what deals on guitars he can get for me when he's there? I didn't have that thought when the in-laws moved to Nigeria mind you.
So, anyone know what the market is like there?
singemonkey
There are all the cheapy arch-top acoustics - which can have a really good sound if they get set up right. Since they're so cheap its worth trying. Apart from that I saw a video on youtube of a really amazing guitar player playing a luthier-made guitar that looked and sounded excellent. I'll try find it again. Probably not available throughout the country though. Probably bought in Bombay. But I'll check.
Arjun Menon visits family there occasionally and may have more to add.
singemonkey
This guy's got a great approach to playing Indian classical music on guitar. He obviously doesn't live in India but he says that the guitar is Indian made and is called a D'alberto.
arjunmenon
Hey Giggsy,
Good gear is cheaper in SA. Bhargava's Musik in Bombay is a really nice guitar store (think Parker, Suhr, Vigier etc) and they also have killer guitar clinics.
They had Guthrie Govan at the end of May and Larry Coryell before that (and this happens every month).
India does manufacture a lot of cheapie knock-offs that aren't too bad if set up properly.
They are also good guitars to mod.
Other than that, the good deals are quite rare. You'd probably have to go there yourself to take a look around and find bargains.
One of my experiences was finding a 2002 Ibanez Rg20 somethings (Jap made, 24 frets, mahogany with flame maple veneer in emerald green, piezo) for US$ 1250 in a small musci store in Tehran, Iran.
Good luck.
giggsy
Thanks Singemonley and Arjun - much appreciated!
Arjun - are there any hassles bringing guitars back? My fathers going to be based in Mumbai and I might get him to bring back a guitar at a time - he's flying business class and I may just ask him to take it on board with him?
arjunmenon
You're welcome Giggsy.
As far as i know, your dad shouldn't have a problem bringing in the axes as long as he says he's got nothing to declare.
Otherwise, he could end up paying 14% VAT. Airport security though with a guitar can be a tiring exercise
