Tucker XL reviews Gandharva Loka
Christchurch DJ and style ninja, Tucker XL, puts pen to paper and reviews Gandharva Loka.
This is the kind of store malls could only dream of, a place for the mind, soul and even body. Gandharva Loka is a tiny shop on Colombo Street where the mere act of walking in fills you with a sense of serenity. The opportunity for your inner child to run free is on every shelf with everything from kazoos to traditional Maori flutes, and more Congas than you could shake a rump at, to a multitude of world musical instruments. Not only can these wonderful items be made to sound magnificent in the hands of a master, but a tone deaf fatty from the burbs can also get his groove on while staying in tune (God bless the pentatonic scale).
German craftsmanship has me yearning to own a finger piano, and my need for functional conversation pieces has me going WANT THAT ONE on nearly every shelf. Main man at the Store, Vajin Armstrong, has the combination of musician, teacher and passionate promoter of music as a tool for change and expression, added to a real sense of joy about what he is doing. All of this with a clarity of purpose that takes you beyond the usual realm of shopping, you feel compelled to learn and expand your boundaries. Here's a verbatim quote from their mission statement:
At Gandharva Loka we are committed to bringing in great instruments from real instrument makers. In Many countries instrument making is an art form which has been handed down through generations and we see and feel the importance of keeping these traditions alive. We have great relationships with many of these craftsmen and always pay a fair price for all of our instruments.
So now you have the opportunity to fill your soul and help maintain continuity of traditions. This is only the beginning of your journey, if you have long coveted a certain instruments and don't see it on the shelves there is a worldwide ordering service making this a true portal to the world of music.
Oh by the way Gandharva Loka is from the Bengali language and means "The abode of celestial musicians." Thought provoking retail with a true reason for being.
Share the JOY and visit this store. You can't leave without smiling and feeling good.
Peace,
Tucker XL
Christchurch, New Zealand
[Posted: 30/01/2010]
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