The only thing more amazing than chanting, is leading Kirtan. Whether you want to start a home practice, add Kirtan to yoga classes, or lead a band in your community, you will need a great harmonium.
The first question new Kirtan Leaders almost always ask me is: “How do I get a harmonium?”
Trying to learn to lead Kirtan on a bad/broken harmonium is like trying to learn to ride a bike with two flat tires – so frustrating!
Let’s avoid that. My intention is to help folks get a great harmonium so they can dive into this amazing practice. Years of experience have taught me there are 3 options for purchasing a harmonium.
1. The “guaranteed happiness” option:
- Purchase a brand new harmonium from a reputable dealer. This is the smart way to go… and I can’t stress this enough! My favorite instrument on the market right now is the Bhava Mini. It looks great, is exceptionally portable, has a big/rich sound for such a small instrument, can be tuned to A-440 (highly recommended!) and will arrive via free shipping within the continental US. I can’t recommend this instrument highly enough. I play a Bhava Mini on the road and in the recording studio.
2. The “fingers crossed, hopefully it works out” options:
- Borrow or rent a good harmonium from someone you trust.
- Buy direct from India and line up a great harmonium repair person to make the inevitable fixes that will be required. Big caveat – great harmonium repair persons are few and far between, and can be quite expensive. I have paid as much as the price of a new harmonium for an overhaul. Click HERE for a useful video demonstrating the downside of buying direct from India.
3. The “guaranteed headache” options:
- Buy a used harmonium online sight unseen.
- Buy direct from India with no access to a great harmonium repair person (see above video).
Do yourself a big favor – avoid the headache options. A great harmonium sounds fantastic the moment you take it out of the box. A great harmonium will facilitate your learning and offer years of enjoyment. And, if for some reason you decide to sell your instrument, a great harmonium will retain its value.
I hope this post helps you purchase a top-notch harmonium that supports you in the bringing Kirtan into your home and sharing sacred chant with others.