‘Think music, think Furtados’ would be an apt description of the music house of “Furtados”, headquartered in Mumbai, India. Established in 1865, with a heritage of 145 years, Furtados has been deeply associated with the development of music culture in India – whether it be hosting the Trinity Guildhall examinations, importing the biggest and the best brands of musical instruments or providing a variety of gear to musicians across the country. In the past few years, it has taken pioneering steps in developing a modern and internationally comparable retail network across the country.
From print music to digital equipment, having a complete spectrum of musical instruments in the Western and Indian categories, Furtados today retails every major brand of musical instrument. It has evolved into a one-stop shop for any music-oriented person, be it the student, the tutor or the virtuoso.
In its ever changing personality, Furtados has progressively widened its range and scope of services, and today holds a record number of international dealerships for top-of-the-line brands in music. Instruments are imported from all across the globe including the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, France, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Music books are imported from virtually every major music publisher. It is also the exclusive distributor for Steinway & Sons range of pianos in India.
Furtados has over the last two decades established a nationwide distribution network covering every part of the country and currently distributes to over 350 dealers across the country. It is a regular participant in the PALM exhibition held every year at Mumbai and showcases the latest products available internationally.
Furtados has in the last few years expanded its footprint across the country. State of the art showrooms showcasing a variety of musical instruments are now present in Gurgaon, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Mangalore and Nagaland. Furtados has also expanded its presence in Mumbai and Goa with another three stores. Furtados will continue to grow its presence in newer markets and has built a strong organisational retail structure to support its ever expanding network.
At the core of Furtados’ business motto is ‘Trusted Service’. In customer surveys conducted in major cities, three factors characterized Furtados – Quality, Reliability and Trust. In its 145 years of existence, Furtados has left a trail of not just satisfied but delighted customers. Its management is a fine blend of youth and experience, with drive and enthusiasm. Not only does it make available world-class products at affordable prices but also proactively invests in the development of musical knowledge through teacher-training workshops, master classes, clinics, demonstrations and exhibitions, and the sponsoring of local talent and artistes.
The organisation also conducts itself as a responsible business enterprise with a social consciousness. In this effort, Furtados invests in community development and supports several organisations and groups across the country, including school and college events and festivals, musical activity in religious organisations, charitable organisations and social upliftment projects involving a musical element.
Furtados has always been at the forefront of promoting music and musicians across the country. However, many talented artists and bands are undiscovered in the absence of finding the right platform to showcase their music. Furtados Records seeks to bridge that gap. Its endeavor is to showcase budding of music talent in this country through music compilations, which will embrace all genres of music.
The first compilation from Furtados Records, features young, talented bands from Mumbai and Delhi – an eclectic mix of rock and heavy metal compositions.
Furtados has of late introduced a magazine devoted to music development – PLAY. This magazine aims at covering various happenings in the world of music across India. This magazine is sought after by beginners, teachers and professionals.