Harmonium Comparison: Bhava Classic vs. Bhava Mini

Folks frequently ask if I they ought to purchase a Bhava Classic or Bhava Mini harmonium. This is an excellent question, so I am addressing it here!

There are three levels of quality for both of these instruments - Standard, Limited Edition and Concert. To do an apples to apples comparison, below I compare the Standard Edition of each instrument.

WHAT'S THE SAME?

If you click on the "Product Specs" tab for each instrument you'll discover the Bhava Classic and Bhava Mini (Standard Edition) are identical when it comes to color, finish, wood selections, one-piece key construction, reed type, reed banks and reed orientation. 

Neither instrument comes with a coupler or scale changer. Both harmoniums collapse (fold down) and both come with a padded gig bag (carrying case). 

Like all Bhava harmoniums manufactured by Old Delhi Music, each instrument comes with solid wood construction, quality fit and finish, thoughtful engineering and ethical manufacturing. 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

•  The Bhava Mini weighs 16.5 pounds while the Bhava Classic weighs 22 pounds. 
•  The Bhava Mini has 2 stops and 2 drones (C, G), while the Bhava Classic has 2 stops and 4 drones (C, D, G, A).
•  The Bhava Mini is smaller than the Bhava Classic. Mini dimensions (L x W x H) are 19 x 12 x 8 inches. (closed), 19 x 12 x 13.5 inches. (open). Classic dimensions are 23.5 x 12 x 7 inches. (closed) and 23.5 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches. (open). So, the Bhava Classic is 4.5 inches longer (whether open or closed).
•  The Bhava Classic has 42 keys while the Bhava Mini has 32. 
•  The Bhava Classic costs $100 more than the Bhava Mini. 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

After playing/using both instruments the key performance differences I see are: 

•  Sound: the Classic’s sound is even richer, fuller and louder than the Mini. 
•  Sustain: the Classic’s sustain is even longer than the Mini.
•  Number of keys: With 10 extra keys the Classic offers more notes to play on the instrument. 
•  Portability: the Mini is significantly more portable than the Classic which is 5.5 pounds heavier (33% heavier) with significantly larger dimensions. 

MY CONCLUSION

Which one is better for you? It depends. The Classic could be a better fit for you if...

• You play Qawalli music or another style of music where you would benefit from having more range (notes) at the top and bottom of the instrument. For most Western Kirtan leaders the extra keys won’t make a difference. I never use the 5 keys at the bottom and 3 keys at the top of my Mini, which only has 32 keys.
•  You have a loud voice and want a portable harmonium that can be your equal, the Studio will definitely have a bigger sound and  longer sustain.
• You won’t move your harmonium around too much, so a larger/heavier instrument won’t be an issue. Note, if this is the case you might prefer a Bhava Studio which is similar to the Bhava Classic but doesn’t fold down. 
•  Having 4 drones, rather than 2, will impact your playing. For most Western Kirtan leaders this won’t make much, if any, difference. 

If you don’t meet one (or perhaps two or more) of the above criteria I suggest you get the Bhava Mini. You’ll be delighted with the Mini's sound and sustain (click links above for a more detailed analysis), which will make it easier (and more fun) to chant, learn, and share sacred chant with others. Unless you fit the above criteria you may find that the Classic is more instrument than you want/need.

In my opinion, the Mini is the Goldilocks harmonium - not too big, not too small, and very portable (it easily fits into an airplane overhead bin). The Mini has a full and rich sound, with excellent sustain. In most cases it’s enough harmonium for a Western Kirtan Leader. 

Hopefully this blog post helped you narrow down your search. No matter which instrument you purchase be sure to get the FREE Concert (A-440) tuning. This tuning will be much better if you ever want to play with other musicians. 

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? Click here and we will get back to you soon. Or, check out our harmonium guide - Everything You Need to Know to Buy Your Perfect Harmonium. 

LEARN MORE

Want to learn even more about the harmonium? Check out these informative blog posts:

• How to Buy a Harmonium, Not a Headache
• The New & Improved Bhava Harmoniums
• Choosing the Right Harmonium: SUSTAIN
• Harmonium Taste Test
• Harmonium Comparison: Bhava Lite vs. Bhava Mini
• Harmonium Comparison: Bhava Studio vs. Bhava Mini