our history
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Since 1932
Our story began in 1932 at St. Mary’s Industrial Mart on Broadway, Kochi, where our family laid the foundation for a legacy in master instrument manufacturing.
For generations, our elders didn’t merely sell instruments — they crafted them. Their work became the voice and backbone of countless local legends, cultural icons, and rising artists. This was where skill met soul, and where our heritage was born.
The International Chapter: This legacy was elevated by I.J. Cleetus, who spent over 36 years refining his craft globally, including 15 years with Yamaha in Dubai. As founder of Strings and Keys, he worked with iconic musicians like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Lionel Richie, bringing international recognition to our heritage.
The Vision for 88 Grande: Today, 88 Grande in Kakkanad stands as the culmination of this nearly century-long journey.
It is the continuation of a 90-year-old dream, evolved and reimagined for a new generation of artists.
Here, world-class instrument care, music education, creative spaces, and artistic passion come together — bringing our global experience back to our roots, and forward into the future.