Compact format, robust construction, low weight, high quality, good sustain and full round sound - ideal for travelling yogi*nis and kirtan fans with high demands.
The Bhava Lite Standard Edition is a perfect travel harmonium for accompanying mantra singing, chanting, yoga and relaxation. The compact Delhi-style design, with pine wood cabinet and simple stick keys, makes the Bhava Lite SE particularly light, handy and robust. The wood is only slightly dyed and retains a natural appearance with individual grain. Without delicate extras such as octave coupler, folding mechanism, register separation and drone slides. Sound, feel and appearance convey lightness and joy. Well suited for beginners - but also appealing for professionals.
- 32 simple stick keys
- range of two and a half octaves from c to g
- Punjabi style Classic reeds
- 2 horizontal sets of reeds in middle (male) and low (bass) registers
- no slides for register separation or drones
- laterally opening bellows with multiple folds
- removable top plate with sliding opening (Jali)
- chromed solid metal fittings
- padded carrying bag included
- cabinet and interior made of select Himalayan pine (Pinus wallichiana)
- natural colour
Dimensions: width 47 cm, height 24 cm, depth 30 cm. Weight: 5.6 kg (7 kg incl. bag). Each instrument is individually hand-crafted and might differ from our description.
Bhava founder Nic Dillon has been importing harmoniums from Delhi to the USA since 2010 and sells them in his store Old Delhi Music. Nic has worked with various manufacturers, knows the highly specialised craftsmen who work as day laborers for the manufacturers, and is very familiar with the conditions on site. Despite years of effort, however, he has not been able to reliably get the required consistently high quality from the established manufacturers. Therefore, Nic opened his own harmonium manufacturing in Delhi in 2020 and employs some of the best craftsmen there on a permanent basis. Since then, he gets Delhi-style harmoniums of the best quality made there to his own specifications under the brand name Bhava:
* evenly grown and well seasoned wood
* cleanly sprayed and especially durable varnish
* stainless screws and specially manufactured fittings
* extra soft bellows springs for long sustain and smooth fade-out
* high quality reeds for easy response and harmonious sound
* tasteful, noble design
* flawless exterior without scratches, dents or stains
The impressive quality of Bhava Harmoniums has not been matched by any other harmonium maker in the Delhi region. It meets western standards and can only be compared to the quality of Paloma's harmoniums and shrutiboxes. India Instruments has been carrying Bhava Harmoniums since 2022.
Bhava is also a pioneer in social responsibility and strives for certification under a fair trade label. All craftsmen work without time pressure in clean, air-conditioned and well-lit premises. They are permanently employed and receive fair salaries. Permanent employment gives them and their families access to government health, education and retirement benefits. In contrast, day labourer harmonium craftsmen are paid mostly by the piece and thus work permanently under time pressure. They often work in cramped, dark and poorly ventilated rooms, can be replaced at any time, lose their income in case of illness, have no access to state social benefits and are sometimes in debt bondage to their employers.
Ecological issues also play a role for Bhava. The high quality of the tools used and the instruments produced ensures a particularly long service life. All woods are purchased on official, state-controlled markets. Protected woods are not used. Waste in production is avoided as much as possible and recycled as much as possible. Overseas, the instruments are preferably shipped by sea freight.
GENERAL INFORMATION, CARING/TUNING INSTRUCTIONS AND RETURNS
Air temperature and blowing pressure influence the vibration frequency of harmonium reeds. At higher temperature and higher pressure, it decreases; at lower temperature, it increases. The instrument will be tuned at room temperature around 20 degrees Celsius before shipping.
Complaints and returns are, of course, an important topic, but fortunately they are very rare in our experience. By far the most common issue concerns buzzing, rattling, or metallic sounds.
In essence, this is not a defect or damage but a simple fine adjustment that every harmonium owner should be able to handle themselves — comparable to inflating a bicycle tire. Let us know if you need further instructions and we'll be happy to assist!
Of course, a simple case of “not liking” the instrument is a valid reason for withdrawal and return within 14 days of receiving the goods (using the DHL delivery confirmation as reference). In such a case, the buyer must return the harmonium at their own expense. Still, we will assist you with the return shipping. Please contact us to discuss the details before you send the instrument back 🙏🏻
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