Marylebone’s Chiltern Street is the central London outpost of the original Southall shop that was opened over 25 years ago by Harjit Singh Shah. His original intention was to apply high-class Western technology to Indian instruments while maintaining traditional standards, and those impressed with the success of this enterprise have included Jimmy Page, Talvin Singh, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain and David Gray. As well as stocking tablas, dhols, harmoniums, tanpuris and sitars, the shop offers a repair service and a host of accessories, instrument bags, music and books. Prices are surprisingly inexpensive compared to most Western musician instruments.
Branch 124 The Broadway, Southall, Middx, UB1 1QF (8574 2686)