Three Levels of Quality with the New & Improved Bhava Harmoniums

It's a magnificent time to be in the market for a new harmonium! Several years back Old Delhi Music completely overhauled their Bhava Harmonium line, offering instruments that support your spiritual journey rather than becoming that meditation-testing device collecting dust in the corner.

This blog post accompanies the above video interview with harmonium maker and Old Delhi Music founder Nic Dillon discussing these improved instruments—think of it as the "director's commentary" for your harmonium shopping adventure! 

The Fantastic Four: Bhava Models to Choose From

1. Bhava Lite

• Super lightweight and portable (your shoulders will write you thank-you notes)
• Does not fold down (fewer moving parts means fewer existential crises mid-chant)
• Rich tone and good sustain (because nobody enjoys frantically pumping like they're inflating a runaway hot air balloon)
• 32 keys (more than enough unless you're secretly planning a Carnegie Hall piano concerto)

2. Bhava Mini

• Slightly larger than the Lite, but still highly portable (like upgrading from a compact car to a crossover—still fits in tight spaces)
• Folds down for easy transport (yoga for your harmonium!)
• Robust tone and excellent sustain (the "Goldilocks" sound—just right!)
• 32 keys (the sweet spot for Western Kirtan)
• Easily fits into an airplane overhead bin (avoid those awkward "Is that a small person in your case?" conversations)

3. Bhava Classic

• Larger 42-key harmonium (for when your musical expression needs room to roam)
• Folds down for transportation (surprisingly nimble for its distinguished stature)
• Great tone and extra-long sustain (less pumping, more Divine connection)
• Still fits in an airplane overhead bin (though your arms might remember the journey)

4. Bhava Studio

• 42-key non-collapsible harmonium (the harmonium that proudly claims its space)
• Perfect for stationary use (home, recording studio, yoga studio—your musical throne)
• Rich tone and incredibly long sustain (like having a miniature pipe organ at your fingertips)
• Ideal when portability isn't a primary concern (already has its favorite spot in your home)

Good, Better, Best: Three Quality Levels That Won't Let You Down 

Unlike "junker" harmoniums that turn simple chanting into an Olympic sport of frustration, each Bhava model comes in three quality tiers. Think of them as good, better and best!

1. Standard Edition

• Pine wood construction (sustainable and honest—the harmonium equivalent of a genuine smile)
• Chrome hardware components (bright and resilient, like your practice on good days)
• Smooth, durable matte finish (because your instrument shouldn't be more high-maintenance than you are)
• Great entry point for quality (no need to sell a kidney for your spiritual journey)

2. Limited Edition

• Solid cedar construction with a mahogany finish - so beautiful!
• Satin brass hardware (adds warmth like candlelight in your sacred space)
• Beautiful wooden intake (because even breathing parts deserve to be gorgeous)
• Warm tone and distinctive appearance (like adding a cashmere sweater to your sound)
• Enhanced resonance and build quality (your neighbors might start joining your chants)

3. Concert Edition

• Solid teak construction (the harmonium equivalent of a fine wine—ages beautifully)
• Antique brass hardware (vintage elegance that whispers "I'm serious about this journey")
• Dovetail joints (no nails needed—held together with craftsmanship and intention)
• Greater wood resonance (sound that seems to emerge from the heart of the instrument)
• Heirloom quality craftsmanship (your grandchildren might be fighting over this one)

Sound Clips For the Bhava Harmoniums

1. Bhava Lite "Travel" Harmonium - sound comparison between Standard, Limited & Concert editions. Click HERE for sound clip. 
2. Bhava Studio Harmonium - sound comparison between Standard, Limited & Concert editions. Click HERE for sound clip. 
3. Bhava Classic Harmonium - sound comparison between Standard, Limited & Concert editions. Click HERE for sound clip. 
4. Bhava Mini Harmonium - sound comparison between Standard, Limited & Concert editions. Click HERE for sound clip. 

Tuning: 

• Concert Pitch (A-440) - No extra charge ✓ RECOMMENDED (plays well with others)
• Cosmic Pitch (A-432) - Service fees apply (not recommended if you ever want to play with other musicians)

All Harmoniums Include:

• Padded gig bag (carrying case) (because even sacred instruments deserve a cozy traveling home)

The Heart-to-Heart Recommendation 

 For most Kirtan leaders, a Bhava Mini tuned to A-440 in any quality level works beautifully. It provides the perfect balance of sound quality, portability, and value without the frustrations that make lower-quality instruments feel like they're actively working against your spiritual evolution.

For personalized guidance that feels like talking to a friend who really gets it, reach out to Nic at Old Delhi Music. He'll help you find the perfect harmonium for your unique needs—no spiritual jargon or pressure, just honest advice from someone who loves these instruments as much as you'll love playing yours.

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:

• Harmonium Showdown: Bhava Studio vs. Bhava Mini
• Harmonium Showdown: Bhava Lite vs. Bhava Mini
• Harmonium Showdown: Bhava Classic vs. Bhava Mini