E-shop for the sound of music

At bajaao.com you can choose from over 2,500 products, including musical instruments ranging from the violin to the veena at prices lower than the MRP

Gone are the days when buying an instrument meant hopping from one music store to the other, in a bid to zero in on the best buy. Now, you can just log on to an online music store and choose from a range of branded Indian and western musical instruments, albums, and accessories like stands and sprays.

Proprietor Ashutosh Pande (29), who is a progressive rock and metal guitarist, and member of rock band Khiladi, says, "I worked for a UK-based company where I became familiar with e-commerce. I later launched the site in 2006, and was the first to do so."

Since Ashutosh doesn't have to worry about overhead costs, customers can benefit from lower prices. Payment options are e-payment or pay-on-delivery. You can even avail of the money-back offer if you are not satisfied with your purchase, which is valid for two weeks from the purchase date.

To people skeptical about buying instruments online, Ashutosh says, "Since we are a group of ten musicians who run the site, we buy from recognised brands and apply our knowledge to test each instrument." Interestingly, the bulk of their clientele comes from smaller cities.

The team also helps set up jamming studios for musicians across the city. The latest being B69, an underground music jamming studio, which will feature a performance by singer Kailash Kher, this weekend. - SD

Log on to www.bajaao.com