Music shopping in Asia
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Millat Music Palace
One well-stocked music shop is Millat Music Palace, which sells dhols (traditional large Punjabi drums) and dholkis (smaller drums crafted from wood and goatskins), tablas (twin drums), harmoniums (the most expensive are made in Germany), sitars (the more-expensive ones have fine bone inlay work).
As well as some violins and string guitars (the most expensive are Yamaha instruments).
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Argasun
Traditional musical instruments make perfect gifts for friends who are musically inclined. The morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) is particularly nice as a piece of decorative art (and Mongolians consider it good luck to have one in the home). Argasun, is a morin khuur workshop near Aeroflot. Morin khuur range from around Tug100,000 to T450,000.
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Hall Rd Music Shops
Another top spot to find CDs and DVDs (although with fewer English-language choices than Fortress Stadium) is on Hall Rd, off The Mall, which has scores of music outlets. Rafi Plaza is a good place to start. CDs and DVDs are at least Rs10 to Rs20 cheaper than those at Fortress Stadium, but only if you bargain hard, as foreigners are invariably quoted higher prices.
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HMV
This Aladdin’s cave of music not only has Hong Kong’s largest choice of CDs, DVDs and cassettes but also a great range of music-related literature. There are branches in Causeway Bay (2504 3669; 1st fl, Style House, Park Lane Hotel, cnr Gloucester Rd & Great George St) and Tsim Sha Tsui (2302 0122; 2nd fl, HK Pacific Centre, 28 Hankow Rd).
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Ho Guom Audio
The allure of Vietnamese pop music is generally lost on Western ears, but the more traditional music sold in this fine shop is downright soothing. Nothing evokes the sophisticated side of Vietnamese culture like exotic dan bau, ca tru or ca hue recordings. Helpful staff will let you listen before buying.
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Straits Records
Probably the only alternative music store in Singapore, Straits stocks alternative, hip-hop, hardcore and reggae CDs, as well as some old vinyl LPs, T-shirts and books. Opening hours tend to be erratic, so don’t be surprised to find it shut when the sign on the door suggests it’s open.
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F
Disk Union
The stairwell at Disk Union is papered with posters of old glam and punk bands. The place is known by local audiophiles as Tokyo’s best-used CD and vinyl store. Six storeys carry a variety of musical styles. There’s a shop in the Jimbōchō area as well.
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South Extension Market Parts I & II
This high-class market is comprised of two enclaves, on opposite sides of the road, each selling designer clothing, jewellery, shoes, handbags and sportswear. Bg's is strictly chick territory, with a glittering treasure trove of costume jewellery and flashy hairclips.
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Hong Kong Records
This local outfit has a good selection of Cantonese and international sounds, including traditional Chinese, jazz, classical and contemporary music. There’s also a good range of DVDs and VCDs of both Chinese films and Western movies with Chinese subtitles.
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Spiral Records
Located just inside the entrance of the Spiral building, Spiral Records is both a vendor and an experimental label. The listening stations feature avant-garde tunes both new and old. The staff spins records while you browse.
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Manhattan Records
Rifle through the records in Manhattan for hip-hop and a look at the flyers for local club schedules. There's also a cluster of record shops down the alleys on either side of the Manhattan building, so shop around a bit.
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Recofan
With several branches around town, this arm of Recofan stocks a wide variety of music, including folk, soul, J-pop and reggae. Between this store and the Mandarake shop in the basement, you could lose several hours.
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Tom Lee Music Company
Tom Lee, who has almost 20 branches across the territory, is Mr Music in Hong Kong and the man to see if you're looking for Western musical instruments, including guitars, flutes, recorders and the odd mouth organ.
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Egshiglen Magnai National Musical Instrument Shop
Musical instruments including yattag (zithers) and two-stringed Chinese fiddles are available at the Egshiglen Magnai National Musical Instrument Shop, on the east side of the Museum of Natural History.
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Synnara Record
A large selection of CDs and DVDs of all genres is available here, and you can listen to the latest sounds before buying. There is another branch in Sinchon. Take subway Line 2 to Sinchon, Exit 2.
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Langay Bazaar
Close to the Lahore Fort, Langay Bazaar is the area to find musical instruments. Competition between shops is high, so it's worth looking around and bargaining hard to bag the best deal.
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Mondal & Sons
For sitars (from Rs4000) or violins (from Rs2000) visit Mondal & Sons. Family run since the 1850s, the Mondals count Yehudi Menuhin among their satisfied customers.
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New Gramophone House
Look out for this place situated on Chandni Chowk, opposite Moti Cinema. It’s a 1st-floor wonderland of vintage Bollywood records (Rs50 to Rs200) and even older gramophones.
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Yuehaixuan Musical Instrument Store
Friendly shop specialising in traditional Chinese instruments, such as the zither-like guzheng. It stocks many esoteric instruments from Tibet and Mongolia too.
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Purple Record
An always-interesting selection of all music genres can be browsed in this independent CD and LP store. It appeals to local students and anyone with good musical taste.
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Planet M
Planet M is an overspilling cornucopia of well-priced music. Spread out over two well-arranged floors, it offers English-language (1st floor) and Indian music (2nd.)
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Record Forum
The owner of this tiny shed of a CD store has so far survived the advent of free downloads thanks to his impeccable taste, which covers a wide spectrum of music.
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Indian Classical Music Centre
As well as Indian music CDs, the Indian Classical Music Centre sells sitars, tabla, bells – everything the aspiring Sergeant Pepper requires.
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Mythos
All the Siwan label music (mainly European folk rock) can be found here as well as rock, world and progressive music. If the Strawbs are your bag, drop by.
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LM Furtado & Co
The best place in Mumbai for musical instruments – sitars, tablas, accordions and local and imported guitars. It also has a branch on Lokmanya Tilak Rd.
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