Harmonium, Double Reed, Flat Type

This is a very simple, portable, Harmonium. No stops, no drones just a keyboard, two banks of reeds and the bellows. This style of harmonium, with the front bellows under the keyboard, are sometimes called Dulcetina. Harmoniums are not tuned to the western scale; each reed is usually tuned to the other reeds in the instrument. Great for taking to classes, or for small gatherings, or practice and for meditation. The Harmoniums are not meant to be played in concert like a mini organ. This is instrument was introduced to India by the British. It has been embraced and is now a truly Indian instrument used as accompaniment in devotional songs. The reeds in the harmonium are tuned to sound well together, not necessarily with other instruments. As such they are not in concert pitch and are not meat to be. As with many Indian instruments the key for the music is selected to best suite the vocals, or to set a mood. Traditionally, Harmoniums are usually higher pitched if compared to the Western Scale. Harmonium tuning does not reflect the Western Scale and is not meant to.