Suggestions for buying your Harmonium
This little article focuses on which harmonium to buy, once you make the decision that you would like to have a harmonium in your home or studio.
Please make sure to read the article until the end to not miss out on the discount code on my recommendation.
STEP 1:
The best way of falling in love with your instrument is trying it out in a store. Hence check if there is a shop in close by that sells harmoniums and where you can try out the ones that call your attention. Or have the person in the shop play it for you if you are completely new to this. Pay attention to the sound and the steadiness of the sound, which gives you a hint of how well the harmonium can retain the air. This literally means if you stop pumping, the sound should continue for a second or so. The longer, the better.
Many students of mine, as I teach harmonium lessons, come from Germany and Mexico. If you live close to Berlin, go visit India Instruments and try them out. If you live in Mexico City, probably you find some harmoniums in stores in the City Center. My experience with students who bought their harmonium without much knowledge there: once we had class and they saw what else exists on the market, they regretted their choice. So maybe keep reading this article!
If there is no physical store close by, let's get to know the brand Bhava, my favorite harmonium brand, which offers exceptional quality and value, and most of your research probably will point you back to this brand.
STEP 2:
Check out Bhava harmoniums here. I have played many brands and kinds -they are by far my first choice.
Bhava Harmonium Co. was established by Nic Dillon, who had been importing harmoniums from Delhi to the USA since 2010, and selling them in his store Old Delhi Music. After years of seeking consistently high quality from established manufacturers, Dillon opened his own harmonium manufacturing in Delhi in 2020, employing skilled craftsmen on a permanent basis.
This means: Quality is guaranteed, you can trace back where your harmonium is produced. In the case of other harmonium brands such as Bina for example, there are many manufacturers all over and the simple sticker of Bina on the instrument doesn't have to comply with a certain standard - which you would be surprised how different the standards can be.
STEP 3:
Which harmonium should I get?
Thank about what you would like to do with it. Is it simply for your studio or home or are you planning to travel with it, take it to different places?
This might give you an idea if a bigger studio harmonium or a folding/travel harmonium is for you.
Pros of each: The slightly bigger studio harmoniums convince with an incredible sustain and rich tonal variety, fill your studio with an excellent sound.
The smaller travel harmoniums are portable, have less keys but sound powerful too.
The important topic that gets less discussion in many talks about harmoniums is the air retention, which is critical. Don't get stuck with thinking about the bellows (which is the folding that you move with the left hand (in general) to pull air into the instrument) and with wether you wish them to open to the top or side. Both is great. Rather get a sound recording of the harmonium you are interested in buying or trust in Bhava who's harmoniums manage to have a great air retention, which means for you: a steady sound when playing, without having to pump like a madly.
If your decision falls on the travel harmonium, I recommend the Bhava Mini 'Kirtan' or Bhava Lite 'Travel' . Which wood you choose is up to your preference.
STEP 4:
At checkout your have the option to choose a specific tuning or equal tuning. Equal tuning works great.
If you enter the discount code jagadambika in the last step at checkout, get a 5% off. Please note, shopping within the US is free, outside of the US you pay shipping and probably import taxes (VAT) which will be payed to UPS delivery service upon delivery/pickup at their store in your neighbourhood.
STEP 5:
What an exciting journey. If you feel like having support, the desire to learn more and explore not only how to play the harmonium but also dive into the world of Bhakti Yoga and Mantra Chanting, I leave a contact form here. Write to me and we see if there is a course with me starting soon that could be of your interest or if 1:1 lessons could move you forward. I work with complete Beginners as well as long time practicioners.
Our Bhakti Family is also open anytime for new members. Check it out here.
Good luck and have fun with your new instrument!
Please make sure to read the article until the end to not miss out on the discount code on my recommendation.
STEP 1:
The best way of falling in love with your instrument is trying it out in a store. Hence check if there is a shop in close by that sells harmoniums and where you can try out the ones that call your attention. Or have the person in the shop play it for you if you are completely new to this. Pay attention to the sound and the steadiness of the sound, which gives you a hint of how well the harmonium can retain the air. This literally means if you stop pumping, the sound should continue for a second or so. The longer, the better.
Many students of mine, as I teach harmonium lessons, come from Germany and Mexico. If you live close to Berlin, go visit India Instruments and try them out. If you live in Mexico City, probably you find some harmoniums in stores in the City Center. My experience with students who bought their harmonium without much knowledge there: once we had class and they saw what else exists on the market, they regretted their choice. So maybe keep reading this article!
If there is no physical store close by, let's get to know the brand Bhava, my favorite harmonium brand, which offers exceptional quality and value, and most of your research probably will point you back to this brand.
STEP 2:
Check out Bhava harmoniums here. I have played many brands and kinds -they are by far my first choice.
Bhava Harmonium Co. was established by Nic Dillon, who had been importing harmoniums from Delhi to the USA since 2010, and selling them in his store Old Delhi Music. After years of seeking consistently high quality from established manufacturers, Dillon opened his own harmonium manufacturing in Delhi in 2020, employing skilled craftsmen on a permanent basis.
This means: Quality is guaranteed, you can trace back where your harmonium is produced. In the case of other harmonium brands such as Bina for example, there are many manufacturers all over and the simple sticker of Bina on the instrument doesn't have to comply with a certain standard - which you would be surprised how different the standards can be.
STEP 3:
Which harmonium should I get?
Thank about what you would like to do with it. Is it simply for your studio or home or are you planning to travel with it, take it to different places?
This might give you an idea if a bigger studio harmonium or a folding/travel harmonium is for you.
Pros of each: The slightly bigger studio harmoniums convince with an incredible sustain and rich tonal variety, fill your studio with an excellent sound.
The smaller travel harmoniums are portable, have less keys but sound powerful too.
The important topic that gets less discussion in many talks about harmoniums is the air retention, which is critical. Don't get stuck with thinking about the bellows (which is the folding that you move with the left hand (in general) to pull air into the instrument) and with wether you wish them to open to the top or side. Both is great. Rather get a sound recording of the harmonium you are interested in buying or trust in Bhava who's harmoniums manage to have a great air retention, which means for you: a steady sound when playing, without having to pump like a madly.
If your decision falls on the travel harmonium, I recommend the Bhava Mini 'Kirtan' or Bhava Lite 'Travel' . Which wood you choose is up to your preference.
STEP 4:
At checkout your have the option to choose a specific tuning or equal tuning. Equal tuning works great.
If you enter the discount code jagadambika in the last step at checkout, get a 5% off. Please note, shopping within the US is free, outside of the US you pay shipping and probably import taxes (VAT) which will be payed to UPS delivery service upon delivery/pickup at their store in your neighbourhood.
STEP 5:
What an exciting journey. If you feel like having support, the desire to learn more and explore not only how to play the harmonium but also dive into the world of Bhakti Yoga and Mantra Chanting, I leave a contact form here. Write to me and we see if there is a course with me starting soon that could be of your interest or if 1:1 lessons could move you forward. I work with complete Beginners as well as long time practicioners.
Our Bhakti Family is also open anytime for new members. Check it out here.
Good luck and have fun with your new instrument!
Jagadambika
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THE BHAKTI FAMILY
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