FROM MADURAI TO CHENNAI : JOURNEY OF URU CUSTOM INSTRUMENTS

Hello, I'm Tharun Sekar, an architect, musician, and luthier. I'd like to express my gratitude and take you on a journey through my life, from the vibrant days in Madurai to the serenity of Auroville, and finally to the bustling heart of Chennai. This is also a story of how Uru Custom Instruments came into existence, all while shedding light on the context and significance of my work.

A Musical Spark in Madurai

Back in my middle school days, my life took an unexpected turn when I was introduced to the Crossroads Guitar Festival by a dear friend, Rajasekar. This event featured a myriad of bands, and it was there that I first laid eyes on a Lap Steel guitar. The fascination I felt that day turned into a full-blown obsession to own one. To my disappointment, I couldn't find a Lap Steel guitar anywhere in Madurai, or even online. So, what was my solution? I decided to build one from scratch, learning woodworking techniques from YouTube. The two-month journey of crafting this instrument was nothing short of amazing, and the joy I felt when I finally heard its sound was indescribable.

This initial experience kick-started my journey as an instrument maker. I delved into crafting various instruments, from ukuleles to electric guitars, banjos, and acoustic guitars. Little did I know, this newfound hobby would shape my future in profound ways.

Auroville: Where the Magic Began

During my architectural internship, a chance encounter with Erisa Neogy, a Master Luthier at Auroville's Global Village, would change my life forever. Erisa had over 35 years of experience in crafting guitars, and when I shared my creations with him, he graciously offered to teach me the art of instrument making.

Under Erisa's guidance, I learned the intricate methodology of instrument crafting, the nuances of wood, tone, texture, and the vital relationship between sound and structure. With the wood he provided, I created my first acoustic guitar. This experience transformed my casual hobby into a passionate pursuit.

Rediscovering My Roots

As I continued to craft western instruments, a sense of guilt began to stir within me. I realized I had been overlooking the rich heritage of Indian musical instruments, deeply rooted in my own culture. This realization prompted me to question my focus on western instruments and its purpose.

My love for Indian musical instruments, paired with the profound question of why I had been neglecting my own heritage, led to the birth of Uru Custom Instruments. This instrument workshop is the embodiment of our reconnection with Indian instruments, set within the context of contemporary global sound trends. And it is here that I started working on revitalizing the yazh.

Stay tuned as we explore the journey of Uru Custom Instruments and its significance in bridging the gap between tradition and modernity in the world of music. We invite you to join us on this remarkable adventure where culture and craftsmanship unite to create something truly exceptional.