What's Up With My Harmonium?! Maintenance Guide for Preventing the Blues and Finding Bliss

As far as handmade instruments go, harmoniums are incredibly low maintenance (no string tuning required—hallelujah!). That said, since they're crafted from wood and metal, these sacred sound generators are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature and humidity like a meditation teacher is to loud noises during silent retreat.

A brand new harmonium might experience minor shifts during its first six months that cause sticky keys, buzzy reeds, or other quirks. Think of it as your instrument's adjustment period—like how you needed time to find your rhythm in your first yoga class. These issues may resolve themselves—or not. In my experience, they surface more frequently during winter in drier states like Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California, where the dryness combined with winter heating systems create the humidity equivalent of the Sahara Desert.

If you live in these regions, I strongly suggest using a humidifier in your harmonium's room (think of it as creating a spa day for your instrument, every day). You would be wise to put a hygrometer on the instrument so you can tell exactly what level of humidity it is experiencing.

Conversely, in extremely humid locations like Hawaii, consider using a dehumidifier (your harmonium doesn't need to feel like it's sitting in a steam room).

Is This Guide For You?

This sacred troubleshooting journey is perfect if:

• You bought a harmonium that sounds more like a distressed cat than a devotional instrument
• Your quality harmonium is experiencing climate-related mood swings
• Your older harmonium needs some TLC to recapture its melodious youth
• You're wondering if your current harmonium should retire to a peaceful life as a decorative item
• You simply want the satisfaction of a blissfully functioning instrument (and who doesn't?)

Harmonium Bliss: The Dream

Every week I receive emails asking, "Where can I buy a great harmonium?"

I LOVE this question—it ranks right up there with "Who's up for a trip to Hawaii?" or "Anyone want a free ticket to the Krishna Das event?" This question signals that another soul has fallen in love with Kirtan so deeply they're ready to invite a harmonium into their home as a permanent spiritual companion.

For guidance on finding your perfect match, I direct people to my blogs: "How to Buy a Harmonium, Not a Headache" and "Harmonium Taste Test."

In most cases, I recommend the Bhava Mini  harmonium by Old Delhi Music—the "Goldilocks" option that delivers consistent harmonium bliss.

Harmonium Blues: The Reality Check

Unfortunately, I regularly hear from folks with heart-wrenching questions like, "I bought a harmonium and it sounds like it's having an existential crisis. Can you help?"

These spiritual seekers purchased or inherited a harmonium without expert guidance, and now their instrument is giving them the blues instead of supporting their bliss. It's like showing up for a silent retreat and discovering you're actually at a heavy metal festival.

Common Harmonium Ailments and Their Remedies

If your harmonium is behaving strangely, here's what might be happening:

• Buzzy reeds: When your harmonium sounds more like a bumblebee meditation than a sacred chant (see Video #1)
• Sticky keys: Keys that require the strength of a weight lifter to press down (see Video #2)
• A reed stuck "on": That one persistent note that continues playing like that person who doesn't know when to stop talking in sharing circle (See Video #3)
• Silent reeds: Notes that have taken a vow of silence when you least expect it (See Video #4)
• Broken coupler: The "appendix" of the harmonium; not particularly useful and frequently problematic (See Video #5)
• Leaking between chambers: The harmonium equivalent of gossip spreading through a yoga studio (See Video #6)
• Stripped screw holes: When your harmonium starts losing its structural integrity (See Video #7)
• Bellows making clicking noises: When your peaceful pumping sounds more like typing on an old keyboard (See Video #8)
• Out-of-tune notes: When certain notes sound like they're from an alternate musical universe
• Inadequate sustain: A good harmonium should hold a 2-note chord for 4-7 seconds; less means you'll be pumping like you're trying to inflate a rush-order hot air balloon (See Video #9)

The Harmonium Sustain Test

How does your harmonium measure up? Try this simple four-step "sustain test":

1. Ensure the side hooks are secured (like fastening your seatbelt before a spiritual journey)
2. Play Middle C and Middle G on your keyboard (the harmonium equivalent of mountain pose)
3. While holding these notes, pump vigorously three or four times
4. Continue holding the notes, stop pumping, and count the seconds of sustain

For reference, a Bhava Mini typically sustains for 4-7 seconds (the sweet spot). Expect slightly less from smaller instruments like the Bhava Lite and more from larger ones like the Bhava Classic or Studio. Click here to dive deeper into the mysteries of sustain.

Finding Your Path Forward

If your harmonium has issues, here are your options (from easiest to most involved):

1. Work around the problem: Simply adapt (the spiritual equivalent of "this is fine")
2. Repair it yourself: Channel your inner instrument healer
3. Find a harmonium repair specialist: Seek out a guru of harmonium wellness
4. Replace your instrument: Sometimes a fresh start is the most compassionate choice

Remember: a low-quality harmonium—even in perfect working condition—is still a low-quality harmonium. It's like the 1988 Ford Escort I drove in my early twenties; even at its best, it was no Mercedes. No amount of maintenance can transform it into something it's not designed to be.

That said, you may have a good or even great instrument that simply needs some tender loving care. If this is the case, email [email protected], and I'll help connect you with a harmonium healer in your area. One caveat: good harmonium repair persons are rare, and there may not be one in your neck of the woods.

The Heart of the Matter

Whether you're seeking harmonium bliss or trying to overcome harmonium blues, I hope these resources help you find a great instrument that supports your practice rather than testing your patience. After all, your harmonium should open your heart, not have you practicing the virtue of frustration tolerance.

May your keys be responsive, your reeds vibrant, and your bellows leak-free as you chant your heart open!

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:

• Choosing the Right Harmonium: All About That Sound
• Harmonium Taste Test