Shashank Verma is an extraordinary mask guitarist and one-man band from India, celebrated for his fusion of fingerstyle, percussive, and experimental music. Performing with a unique array of self-crafted instruments that blend guitar with 6-8 additional elements, his mesmerising shows span 25-40 minutes of pure instrumental innovation. Shashank has captivated audiences worldwide, with performances in India, USA, and France, and is endorsed by leading names in the industry including Ortega Guitars, Fishman Pickups, Kosmosky Workshop, G7th Capos, Pickaso Bow, and TC Electronics.
Let’s talk to Shashank and ask him why he chose to add the Schlagwerk SamJam as part of his setup.
Q. What sparked your interest in integrating the SamJam – The Guitar Snare into your setup?
Shashank: Well, I play 8-10 instruments at a time and my guitar is full of unique things, so SamJam will always make a place on my guitar as it is designed for guitarists. It’s a unique snare sound and I always want something new, so when I saw it I just wanted to add it to my setup.
Q. How has SamJam transformed your guitar’s role in your music?
Shashank: Yes for sure. As I am an experimental guitarist my music is about guitar, so adding a perfect snare sound to my setup is just a beautiful experiment.
Q. The SnareBuzzControl magnet is designed to customize the snare sound. How have you adjusted this feature to suit your playing style?
Shashank: Yes I tried to adjust and use the magnet thing but for me, the open sound is just amazing which suits my playing.
Q. Has the SamJam sparked any new approaches or techniques in your guitar playing?
Shashank: Yes it gives me a bit more freedom to use the body plus when I put this on my guitar instead of getting some random sounds it gives me a tuned snare sound so it’s a good add-on.
Q. Considering the adhesive material made from natural raw materials, how easy was it for you to install the SamJam on your guitar? Did you find the removal process straightforward as well?
Shashank: Yes the adhesive thing is doing good work. I have tried to change the positions a couple of times and it has worked well. It’s easy to install, just stick it wherever you want. So again a good job from Schlagwerk!
Q. What aspects of the SamJam’s design and build quality impressed you the most? How do these premium components contribute to the sound and durability of the product?
Shashank: I have just started using it so I cannot answer about the durability. However, for now, I completely like the tone, design, and the easy to place anywhere features of SamJam.
Q. For musicians considering the SamJam, what advice would you give based on your experience with the product?
Shashank: If you are a guitarist who is tired of just playing chords and wants to experiment with add-ons you should try the SamJam.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you envision incorporating the SamJam into your future compositions or collaborations? What new possibilities does it open up for your music?
Shashank: Well you will always see SamJam in different places on my guitar. My new compositions will always have the snare sound added on and maybe in the coming months there will be a lot of new releases in which I’ll be using SamJam.
