How to find a good Bansuri while in India?

[edrichard1]

Hello All,

I am new to this site and think it's a great one! My good friend is going to his home in India and will have a few days stop over in New Delhi. I asked him to bring me back a Bansuri so that his sprite will "come out in my presence" while I play. Now, I know almost nothing about the Bansuri except that a well tuned one sounds beautiful. My question is - is it wishful thinking on my part that a "fair" sounding Bansuri can be found in the New Delhi area for $60.00 USD (I don't know how that equate to Rupees)? Could he find one of the longer 25" - 30" Bass Bansuri of good quality for that price? What should he look for? Thanks for your input.

[edrichard]

Hi again,
(this is edrichard1, I wasn't signed in when I tried to first post) - I guess I should tell my friend not to get a Bansuri from a street vendor since the flute will not be in tune....What is the next step up in terms of purchasing a Bansuri of quality without spending too much money? Should I go for a shorter, higher pitched one of better quality? Thanks.

[manu]

Hi

You should get a good bansuri for the price that you have mentioned. The only thing is that one should know is where to look. The street flutes are out of the question. There are some music shops in Delhi where you can get playable flutes but the best way would be if you buy a flute from a good flute maker directly but there are very few good flute makers.

I stay in Delhi and i know a couple of people here. I can send you their contact details on email.

Whether to go for a longer bass flute or a smaller one is a matter of personal preference as to what kind of sound you like and what type of music you want to play on the flute.

Have a look at Ram Ashish ji's profile on the following page. He also resides in Delhi and is an established flute maker.
http://www.knowyourraga.com/artisans/ramashish/

And here's a page that talks about different bansuri sizes
http://www.knowyourraga.com/bansuri/selection.php

Hope this helps.

[edrichard]

Yes, please send me some local contacts and or email addresses so that I can direct my friend Bimal to them while he is in New Delhi. I did look at the videos of Mr. Ram Ashish making a Bansuri and was very impressed (thank you so much for this resource!) with his craft - but I would have never thought that $60.00 would get me a Bansuri from him? Is that really possible? I will send him an email to see.

I would like the lower, more mellow tones of the longer (Bass) Bansuri - I'm just wondering if a price of $60.00 - $70.00 will aquire one of good quality (which is more important than the lenght to me). Can you advise what I should expect my friend Bimal to pay locally for a Bansuri from maybe about 25" - 30" of good quality? Thank you very much.
(By the way, I've told Bimal that he has to take many pictures of his trip home for me - it would be great to have a picture of you and Bimal if that could be possible to arrange) : ) peace
Earl

[edrichard]

I am finding out where my friend will be staying while in Delhi so that he can see if he can travel to Mr. Ashish..please let me know how to contact Mr. Ashish. Also, while I am inclined to the deeper notes in music, I will consider the G flute as you have recommended if you think it will be easier for me to learn. I can always get a deeper toned flute later (maybe when I come to India to visit). Thanks.

[edrichard]

Hi Manu,
I just talked to my friend and he reminded me that he does not yet know where he'll be staying (his contact will meet him at the airport). He will let me know when he does. In the meantime, please let us know what part of Delhi is Mr Ashish is at and how to make the purchase. Thank you. Earl

[manu]

Ram Ashish lives in Noida which is a suburb of Delhi and is say 30 minutes drive from south delhi.