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Estiven
cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 06, 2003 08:05 p.m.

Hi,
I have been taking sitar classes for the past few months. So. . I have been lugging around my huge, bulky, heavy, wooden case with me to and from class. For some time now I have been looking for a fiberglass case because I heard they are lighter, slimmer, and better to use for air travel. Is there such a thing as a good quality cheap fiberglass sitar case? I have seen an $84 (US dollars) case at
http://www.houseofraga.com/strings.html
does anyone know if this is a good case? or where else I can find one?
Thanks a lot,
Steve
pb
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 06, 2003 09:31 p.m.

Hi,
I have been thinking about going to see that store. He has some cases, but they are not the $84 ones, but $179 ones, which is still a good price (I think that is CAN$ too). He is pretty scan on information when I spoke to him and wrote to him. Basically he wants me to come down to look. Strange though, since he could sell quite a few of them if he had some decent pictures and a proper price. That is why I just don't trust him. Next time I'm in toronto, I drop by for curiosity.

Pb
Billy
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 08, 2003 10:53 a.m.

pb (Sep 06, 2003 09:31 p.m.):
Strange though, since he could sell quite a few of them if he had some decent pictures and a proper price. That is why I just don't trust him. Next time I'm in toronto, I drop by for curiosity.
Pb

It could be he just doesn't understand marketing, especially Internet Marketing. He may actually have all this stuff at good prices, but doesn't know how to sell it.

I hope you do get a chance to visit these people. If he actually carries everything he's posted on his website, he would be quite a resource.

Namaste',
Billy Enigmar Godfrey
Jeff
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 08, 2003 04:32 p.m.

I see HouseOfRaga has a Surbahar for sale, under $700. Does anyone know what make they carry? I figure it must be RKS. Has anyone bought from there before? how was the quality? For that price I wonder if its worth it.
Jeffrey R King
pb
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 08, 2003 09:37 p.m.

Maybe he is not sure how to show case his stuff on the web as you say Billy. I'm sure he would sell a lot if he was set up with detailed pics extra info and up to date pricing. I have friends in toronto, so I will find an excuse to visit. Maybe I'll go to see Ravi Shankar a second time in TO :-) and drop by.

Pb
Jeff
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 09, 2003 12:25 a.m.

Estiven,
Are you the guy who e-mailed me few days ago from "The Mode" asking about a sitar case? And did you call me about a half year ago asking about a sitar I had for sale in the Tradin' Times paper? You said you were from Russia or Kurdistan or somewhere and now you live in Philly.
If so e-mail me if you want, I'm only about 30 minutes from you. Maybe we can hook up.
Jeffrey R King
Jan
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 16, 2003 12:40 p.m.

I have been on that site before and after reading what you guys had to say, i decided to contact http://www.houseofraga.com/ I took some time to get a respons from them but then today it came an answer. The case is 84$ they sendt me a picture and it looks really good. It has 2 combination locks and looks solid. They are going to send me the measurements of the case a little later today. The only cons as i can see is that the transportation to Europe is more expensive then the case itself : (
i cant attatch pictures here, but for 84$ this looks really like a very, very good deal. . .

Jan
pb
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 16, 2003 01:59 p.m.

Hey Jan,
it looks like you got better service than I did from him. He told me the case was 179$! If you could email me a picture of the case it would be great. My email addr is in my profile.
thanks
Pb
Remco
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 16, 2003 02:38 p.m.

He Jan,
When you have more info, please let me know how much you paid for the case including shipping. I'm searching the net for a case as well, but sofar this seems to be the best deal. All the others were around $300,- + shipping.

Peace,

Remco
Estiven
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 16, 2003 03:40 p.m.

pb (Sep 16, 2003 01:59 p.m.):
Hey Jan,
If you could email me a picture of the case it would be great. My email addr is in my profile.
thanks
Pb

Hi Jan,
If it isnt too much trouble, could you e-mail me a pic as well?
I would appreiciate it greatly!
thanks,
Steve
Jeff
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 16, 2003 07:34 p.m.

Estiven!?,,,,,
You will not give me the courtesy
of answering my question?:-)
Jeffrey R King
Russ
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 17, 2003 12:02 p.m.

Just a word of caution. Just took a look at that site. Based on instrument descriptions (which has errors) and on the catalog numbers used for the instruments, all these come from Mid East Manufacturing. That outfit is infamous for mass-production with highly variable quality (Sorry Sitarsrule, but that's just the way it is; some are good, most suck). If the case is anything like the instruments, I would certainly make sure this company has an acceptable return policy if you don't like it. The owner already sounds a little "slippery" with his prices! But, maybe they are OK. If you go that route, let us know, as others of us are also looking for a good, affordable case.
K.K.
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 17, 2003 01:45 p.m.

Hi All:
The owner emailed me some photos of this case around a year ago. It looks like it was made by the same people who made the case for my tanpura - same hardware, the two straps, etc. [b[IF[/b] it's the same manufacturer - the shell is not as thick as the more expensive ones, so I wouldn't drive a car over it. The padding and velvet lining is just OK. There's no trim on the edges of the top & bottom halves of the case so theres bare fiberglass showing.
This case would be great for around town because it's lighter than the more expensive glass ones, BUT, I wouldn't fly it. I think it would puncture much easier than the expensive cases and, under the stress, could flex enough to damage your instrument. I think in this case (no punn intended) you get a little more than you pay for. I mean come on, for $84, what do you expect. . . .Anyway?
Russ
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 17, 2003 02:40 p.m.

True enough. I would put an inexpensive (relative term) sitar in a case like that. But my Mangla lives in a nicely padded, tough case. I paid a good bit more, but I'm never afraid of damaging the sitar or traveling with it.
Jan
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 21, 2003 12:36 p.m.

Hey Pb!

What is your email adress, please update your profile.
i want to send you the photo. .

Jan
Beenkarji
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 21, 2003 10:45 p.m.

House of Raga must be offering some pretty bad cases. To be honest a standard sitar fiberglass case will set you back about $65, and then you can expect it will at least me $100 once you add shipping, even if you order tons of them. So they either are loosing money or just not being upfront. I think they get their instruments from Bina Musical Stores (not Delhi Musical Stores, who also go by Bina, they are actually a very good company) which guarentees you will get crap, my honest and sincere opinion, how do I know this, there is a store in Minneapolis called Khazana that sells instruments by Bina. Another horrible dealer to watch out for is a man by the name of Clar Monaco, he owns the site sitaremporium.com. I currently am helping out at the store he quit at, and believe me he has no idea what the heck quality is, he seemed to think Rikhi Ram was the only good maker, and apparently had a bit of relationship with Ajay Sharma too. There are a lot of small scale operations popping up that I worry about, but only a few are sincere and will offer you a good instrument. I think maybe we all should just start a new thread of warnings and precautions, this way we can learn from each others mistakes.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
estiven
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 22, 2003 12:00 a.m.

Thank you Jan for the picture!!

Jeff,
Sorry I havent responded to you, but I wanted to find out the name of my teacher (it's a long story). maybe you've heard of him. I think his name is Mudra Mehta Manisha (it is embarassing I don't know his name, I don't know how to ask him now since I've been taking classes with him for a while now.) No, I'm not russian, and I don't live in Philly. Also, I am a bit paranoic about meeting people off the internet. (nothing personal, but you never know). Sorry again,

Steve
Jeff
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Sep 22, 2003 12:40 p.m.

Hey Steve,
No I never heard of your teacher. As far as his name goes, just ask him, no big deal. If you are in the Jersey area, I know another good teacher, Jame Pokorney. He lives in Elkis Park, PA. Just outside of Philadelphia. If you want his e-mail let me know. What is your teachers e-mail? I'd like to try him out if he is close by to me. Is he taking more students? Is he in south jersey?
Jeffrey R King
Estiven
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.

Wow, it has been a while since my last post [computer wasnt working ( for a few weeks)]. .
Anyway, hi all,

I realize this is a really old thread and all, but, Jan, did you ever actually buy the case? If not, how come?

P.S.-what ever happened to Jeff and beenkarji?

thanks,
Steve
Jeff
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 01, 2004 03:20 p.m.

Estiven (Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.):

P.S.-what ever happened to Jeff and beenkarji?

thanks,
Steve

Last I heard,
"Ted Kunti Beanturd" went to India to show us all how its' done.

As for me, I've been listening to a lot of "Robbie Basho" while rubbing body oils all over my bald head.

Hows it with you? (-:
Bad Ustad
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 01, 2004 04:08 p.m.

A fiberglass case for $84.00??? If it sounds too good to be true - IT IS! Don't think with your wallet Dude. You couldn't get a good quality fiberglass case for that amount even if you were buying direct from the manufacturer in India. Save up your rupees and get your case from a reputable dealer.
Jan
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 01, 2004 04:19 p.m.

Estiven (Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.): I realize this is a really old thread and all, but, Jan, did you ever actually buy the case? If not, how come?

I did not get the case, i ran ut of money and luck i guess. They offered me to send the case directly from India to keep my costs at a minimum. Still my empty wallet was speaking for it self so it was a no go. But in Canada no one knew anything about my financial situation, so when my teacher was a little interested in a new case i asked if they would recomend the case for a 30+ years old RKS. I guess i offended them in some way, i got no reply and that was the last i heard from them.
Looks like my luck are back, my ship came in and my teacher moved to Norway. The fiberglass dream has once again started to haunt me.
http://www.indianmusicalinstruments.com/strings.htm
this case is 95 US$ and it has wheels as well : )

jan
pb
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 02, 2004 10:24 a.m.

Hey Jan,
I went to toronto to buy a case too, but he had none left! So, I bought a set of tabla. .

That case looks pretty good, a hell of a lot better than my rexine special! I don't know about the wheels though. I could see them scratching up the car or breaking off. besides I wouldn't want to roll my sitar :-) Too much vibration.

Pb


Jan (Feb 01, 2004 04:19 p.m.):
Estiven (Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.): I realize this is a really old thread and all, but, Jan, did you ever actually buy the case? If not, how come?

I did not get the case, i ran ut of money and luck i guess. They offered me to send the case directly from India to keep my costs at a minimum. Still my empty wallet was speaking for it self so it was a no go. But in Canada no one knew anything about my financial situation, so when my teacher was a little interested in a new case i asked if they would recomend the case for a 30+ years old RKS. I guess i offended them in some way, i got no reply and that was the last i heard from them.
Looks like my luck are back, my ship came in and my teacher moved to Norway. The fiberglass dream has once again started to haunt me.
http://www.indianmusicalinstruments.com/strings.htm
this case is 95 US$ and it has wheels as well : )

jan
Sitarsrule
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 03, 2004 11:36 p.m.

Russ (Sep 17, 2003 12:02 p.m.):
Just a word of caution. Just took a look at that site. Based on instrument descriptions (which has errors) and on the catalog numbers used for the instruments, all these come from Mid East Manufacturing. That outfit is infamous for mass-production with highly variable quality (Sorry Sitarsrule, but that's just the way it is; some are good, most suck). If the case is anything like the instruments, I would certainly make sure this company has an acceptable return policy if you don't like it. The owner already sounds a little "slippery" with his prices! But, maybe they are OK. If you go that route, let us know, as others of us are also looking for a good, affordable case.
Its ok with me, I got an ok Sitar from the, but After I picked up a 40 yr old Makhan LAL Roy & Sons off Tony K back in 1993, I found out what a real Sitar is suppose to sound & play like, but the mid-east instrument Intoduced me to Sitar was all. I hope that I haven't given you the Idea that I think they're great, but anyway I hope alls well with you all Play on. . . . . . . . . . . .Peace
K.K.
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 04, 2004 01:10 p.m.

Hi All: I emailed www.indianmusicalinstruments.com and they came back with a quote of $293 for shipping the case to Calif. They didn't specify if that was just the shipping cost or if it included the price of the case.


Jan (Feb 01, 2004 04:19 p.m.):
Estiven (Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.): I realize this is a really old thread and all, but, Jan, did you ever actually buy the case? If not, how come?

Looks like my luck are back, my ship came in and my teacher moved to Norway. The fiberglass dream has once again started to haunt me.
http://www.indianmusicalinstruments.com/strings.htm
this case is 95 US$ and it has wheels as well : )

jan
pb
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 04, 2004 03:26 p.m.

Hey Sitarsrule,
did you buy your sitar from houseofraga.com or from mideast? He says he is not buying from them, but he does say "others" are (who definately are not). When I was there, he didn't have anything nice, except for a few old used ones in the back room.

Pb


Sitarsrule (Feb 03, 2004 11:36 p.m.):
Russ (Sep 17, 2003 12:02 p.m.):
Just a word of caution. Just took a look at that site. Based on instrument descriptions (which has errors) and on the catalog numbers used for the instruments, all these come from Mid East Manufacturing. That outfit is infamous for mass-production with highly variable quality (Sorry Sitarsrule, but that's just the way it is; some are good, most suck). If the case is anything like the instruments, I would certainly make sure this company has an acceptable return policy if you don't like it. The owner already sounds a little "slippery" with his prices! But, maybe they are OK. If you go that route, let us know, as others of us are also looking for a good, affordable case.
Its ok with me, I got an ok Sitar from the, but After I picked up a 40 yr old Makhan LAL Roy & Sons off Tony K back in 1993, I found out what a real Sitar is suppose to sound & play like, but the mid-east instrument Intoduced me to Sitar was all. I hope that I haven't given you the Idea that I think they're great, but anyway I hope alls well with you all Play on. . . . . . . . . . . .Peace
jan
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 05, 2004 11:37 a.m.

K.K. (Feb 04, 2004 01:10 p.m.):
Hi All: I emailed www.indianmusicalinstruments.com and they came back with a quote of $293 for shipping the case to Calif. They didn't specify if that was just the shipping cost or if it included the price of the case.


Jan (Feb 01, 2004 04:19 p.m.):
Estiven (Feb 01, 2004 12:07 p.m.): I realize this is a really old thread and all, but, Jan, did you ever actually buy the case? If not, how come?

Looks like my luck are back, my ship came in and my teacher moved to Norway. The fiberglass dream has once again started to haunt me.
http://www.indianmusicalinstruments.com/strings.htm
this case is 95 US$ and it has wheels as well : )

jan


The price i got was just the case, not any shipping involved in that price. They wanted me to supply shipping info so that they would be able to give me the price with shipping included. Anyway, i found out that i would like to spend my money on something else. I payed 290US for sitar teaching over the internet. And that is a better investment.

Jan
estiven
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 09, 2004 06:27 p.m.

Hey all,

I guess it was the safest desicion not to go for the mystery fibre board case, I guess I was just being highly optimistic. But I must say though, that I have been very satisfied with the info I got on this thread, so thank you all!

PS- Hey Jeff, ya gotta keep the scalp well oiled, especially during these harsh New Jerseian winters, . Recently though, I have been kind of unfaithful to IMC with this producer and composer named SUBA, he was serbian, but composed brazilian songs. . anyway, nowadays Im happily diligent with my sitar.
Matt
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 09, 2004 07:38 p.m.

Way off topic, but Suba is great, Estiven - I love the Sao Paulo Confessions CD.
Jan
Re:cheap, good quality-fiberglass sitar case?? Feb 10, 2004 01:06 p.m.

http://www.indianmusicalinstruments.com/sitarfibrecase.htm

I did not see there pictures before, perhaps they updated the site.
Looks like a really nice case, hmmm�


Jan
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