Billy,
I have all 4 of the Batish videos. #2 is ok, if you can get it at $10 the better, I think I paid $50 each. Are they worth that much?,,,,, Nah, I think for the info you get on them they'reworth abot $20 new. They are great for someone with no access to a teacher though. Tape #2 pretty much shows you the Bilaval thaat, right hand exercises , chikari exercises and so on. Pretty basic stuff. He also plays a few short pieces. Also shows you how to tune,, and different sitting positions.
I think the changing sitar strings tape was pretty good, its really good for those beginners who are totally stupified about changing the strings. Shows you how to make the loops, clean frets, and ceaning the instrument.
The Tweaking sitar tape shows you how to adjust bridge height, tuning the frets, setting the proper bridge placement and etc,,
It doesnt show you a thing about doing the Jawari though, which I thought kind of sucked! Thats probably the most confusing thing to do for the novice.
All in all were these tapes worth $200? No! I would have learned these tricks eventually. If you can get them at $10 go for it. I'd pay $50 to $100 for a good Jawari instructional video though, I think that would be worth the $$$$$.
it
The problem with doing a jawari video is that visually it is hard to demonstrate, but still I think its a task worth trying, perhaps if you want I can just video tapel myself next time I do jawari and I can just explain it as I am doing it and send it to you. It really is a skill that every seriously instrumentalist should learn.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
This would certainly be interesting! I think every player should be able to do it (at least know the principle). It's hard to find good reapairmen/luthiers.
I would not recommend the Batish videos #1 and #2 unless you are putting the Sitar in your hands for the very first time. He comes across as a really nice guy and is a really good player/teacher. I am glad that the stringing video is good because I have been on the fence about getting it. . .
Thats nice of you to offer a critique of my skills, but personally I don't care what you think, I play music for enjoyment, and not for competition.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
HEY!
Damn it you guys! This tread is for posting information about sitar related stuff that comes up on eBay. Take your bickering to some other thread. Pleeeeez :-)
Hi All: The Ashwin Batish "Tweaking Your Sitar" Video is up on eBay, currently at $5.
Rg - this one will help you out with at least some of your intonation problems. :-)
