Musical Renditions

“My father Govind Bhargava,began with the clear idea of promoting not only the musical instruments but also letting people come in and actually try them out before buying it. Since back then it was a concept that was not heard of,it took off very quickly as people had hands on experience while trying out the instruments,” says Bhargava. Run by Bhargava and his elder brother Brijesh,the store that had simple beginnings in the Pratha Samaj area of Mumbai has now moved to their current location in Bandra.

Speaking more about the store Bhargava who joined his father in 1996 says,“Initially it was really tough to import the foreign instruments owing to the fact that there were no proper channels for importing them. And even though the market then was a niche one for those expensive instruments we made sure that if the customer chose to order it we would get it for them.”

The store now deals with foreign brands like Gordon Guitars,Orange Amps,Premier Drums,Zildjian etc. In addition to that they also have their own brand called GBA instruments. “The name actually stems from the initials of my father,my brother and my name. We not only design the instruments but also ensure that the same are built to international standards with the same quality and specifications of the wood and other materials that are used internationally,” he adds.

A Nehru,the brand manager for their brand GBA instruments feels that it is only through giving an impetus to such local retailers that the niche market for the artistes using these instruments can be elaborated and expanded. In the city to promote the store at the Baajaa Gaajaa Music Festival,Bhargava feels that festivals like these go a long way in promoting the vast potential talent that musicians across the nation have. “Even though efforts like these are far and few it is only through helping these artistes by providing them the musical gear free of cost that the musical scenario of these alternative music outfits will improve,” he says on a concluding note.