How to Buy a Harmonium, Not a Headache
The harmonium is the perfect spiritual companion for your chanting journey—creating a sound that wraps around your voice like a warm embrace from a choir of angels. This beloved instrument has been THE sacred sound machine for devotional chanting traditions for centuries.
However, here comes a crucial warning: most harmoniums on the market are low-quality "junkers" that will frustrate your learning and test your commitment to non-violent communication.
Why Quality Matters (A Parable of Patience)
A poor-quality harmonium is like showing up for yoga class wearing jeans and a winter coat—technically possible but frustratingly counterproductive. With a "junker," you'll waste precious energy wrestling with sticky keys and asthmatic bellows instead of opening your heart through chant.
Think of it this way: your harmonium should be the wind beneath your spiritual wings, not the anchor dragging you down to the depths of musical despair.
The Six Sacred "Don'ts" of Harmonium Shopping
- Never buy direct from India - Unless you enjoy surprise repair projects and have a direct line to a harmonium healer (your instrument will likely arrive needing repairs and tuning after its trans-continental journey). Click HERE for a video that shows the downsides of ordering direct from India.
- Avoid used instruments - They typically come in dire need of repair, and harmonium repair persons are few and far between
- Don't buy non-portable models - Unless your harmonium has earned its own dedicated meditation space, you need something that moves with you through life's journey
- Avoid extremely small models - They might look cute, but often lack the sustain needed for proper chanting (quality harmoniums should sustain a 2-note chord for 4-7 seconds without additional pumping)
- Skip scale changers - Unless you're diving into the depths of Indian Classical Music, this feature is the harmonium equivalent of that kitchen gadget you bought and never use
- Don't prioritize price over quality - Saving money initially often leads to spending more on both repairs and therapy sessions later (spiritual frustration has a price tag, too!). Unfortunately sometimes people have to abandon their initial harmonium and purchase a second one
The Goldilocks Solution: Finding Your "Just Right" Harmonium
Old Delhi Music's Bhava harmoniums emerge from the crowded marketplace as consistently excellent instruments for Western Kirtan and chanting. The Bhava Mini (my personal trusted companion for 10 years of musical adventures) offers:
- Rich, resonant sound and long sustain despite its compact size (like finding a meditation teacher with both depth and accessibility)
- High portability at just 16 pounds (your shoulders will write you thank-you notes)
- Fits in airplane overhead compartments without diplomatic negotiations
- Professional quality used by many touring and recording Kirtan musicians (if it's good enough for them...)
The Path to Harmonium Bliss: Keys to a Good Purchase
- Buy new through a reputable dealer who guarantees their work (peace of mind is part of the package)
- Choose a size that fits your life's journey (not just your current space)
- Ensure it's tuned to A-440 to harmonize with other musicians (unless you enjoy being that person who's always mysteriously "off")
A quality harmonium sounds beautiful from day one, makes learning feel like an invitation rather than a challenge, offers years of devotional joy, and maintains its value if your path eventually leads elsewhere.
For those exploring additional options, the Bhava family includes the Classic (larger, 3.5 octaves for those wanting more range), the Lite (more portable for the spiritual nomad), and the Studio (best if it has a permanent temple to call home)—all excellent choices from Old Delhi Music that will support your practice rather than test your patience.
May your harmonium search lead you to an instrument as devoted to your spiritual practice as you are!
Promo Code
Have questions or comments? Interested in receiving information about exclusive offers and a promo code that will give you a discount on your harmonium purchase at Old Delhi Music? Email [email protected], or check out our harmonium guide - Everything You Need to Know to Buy Your Perfect Harmonium.
Learn More
Want to learn more about the harmonium? Check out these informative comparison blog posts:
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Author
Mike Cohen
KLI Founder
Mike Cohen, MA is founder of Kirtan Leader Institute. Since 2010 he has trained and apprenticed thousands of Kirtan Leaders across the globe, from total beginners to dozens he has guided to create/release Kirtan albums, play at festivals and tour nationally.
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