Why I believe a paul & co harmonium is the best choice
I've spent a lot of time tests different instruments, but honestly, nothing very matches the sense of a paul & co harmonium . If you've been hanging around the kirtan scene or scuba diving into Indian classical music for any kind of length of time, you've probably noticed people whispering about these instruments such as they're some kind of holy grail. And the truth is usually, they type of are. There's something about the particular way they're built in Kolkata that will sets them apart from the mass-produced stuff you discover online.
It isn't just regarding title or the prestige, though that definitely plays a part. It's about the sound. When a person first take a seat behind one, you see the weight immediately. These types of aren't flimsy small boxes. A true paul & co harmonium has this particular hefty, solid existence that tells a person it's designed to survive for decades, not just a few years of light practice.
What makes the sound so different?
The first thing many people notice whenever they pump the bellows of a paul & co harmonium may be the sustain. It's legendary. A person can give the bellows a couple of gentle squeezes, let go, plus the note simply hangs there in the air permanently. It's almost such as the instrument is breathing with you. This particular happens because the internal woodwork is incredibly tight, and they use high-quality leather for that regulators and bellows.
The tone itself is generally defined as "creamy" or even "mellow. " A few harmoniums can end up being really shrill—they kind of pierce your own ears in a manner that gets annoying after 20 minutes. Using a Paul & Co, the reeds are usually voiced so flawlessly that the sound stays warm even in the higher octaves. Whether you're top a loud, energetic chant or just playing some gentle chords for deep breathing, it just matches the mood.
The craftsmanship arriving out of Kolkata
You have got to understand that will these instruments are usually handmade in the small workshop within Kolkata. It's not really a giant factory with assembly lines and robots. It's a team of highly skilled artisans who have been performing this for generations. When you look closely at a paul & co harmonium , you can see the little details that inform a tale. The way the teak wooden is polished, the particular precision of the particular keybed, and the responsiveness of the stops—it's all done simply by hand.
They usually use seasoned teak wood, which is definitely a big-deal. Teak is definitely great because it doesn't warp easily when the weather adjustments. If you live somewhere with higher humidity or really dry winters, you know how much associated with a nightmare that may be for wooden devices. While no harmonium is completely immune system to the elements, these types of ones hold their own tune better compared to most since the wood is actually stable.
Choosing in between scale-changers and normal models
If you're looking in order to buy a paul & co harmonium , you'll probably possess to decide in case you need a scale-changer or a standard fixed model. This is how points get a little more individual (and a little more expensive).
A scale-changer is like the Ferrari of harmoniums. It has a mechanism that enables you shift the entire keyboard upward or down so you can play in different keys using the same finger designs. It's incredibly convenient if you're associated a singer who else needs to alter keys, but a person only know the fingerings for Bhairavi in one position. Paul & Co is famous with regard to having among the easiest scale-changing mechanisms in the world. This doesn't jam or feel clunky such as a few of the cheaper variations available.
On the other hand, the non-scale-changer models are lighter and simpler. To become honest, unless a person actually need that key-shifting feature, a regular 2-line or 3-line paul & co harmonium is usually more than good enough for most individuals. Plus, they're simpler to carry about to yoga galleries or friends' homes.
The significance of the reeds
We can't talk about these types of instruments without mentioning the reeds. Many of the top-tier paul & co harmonium versions include "Palitana" reeds. In case you aren't the gear nerd, just realize that Palitana reeds are basically the gold standard. They're made from a specific type of metal and they are hand-filed to get the ideal pitch.
The way in which these reeds interact with the air chamber in a Paul & Co box is definitely where the wonder happens. You get this rich, multi-layered sound that feels "thick. " When a person take out multiple halts to engage different banks of reeds—like a male and feminine set—the harmony is usually just gorgeous. This doesn't seem like two separate notes; this sounds like a single massive, resonant tone of voice.
Is it worth the purchase?
I'll be real with you—a paul & co harmonium isn't cheap. You're going to pay a premium compared in order to a generic brand name you might find on a good export site. But here's the one thing: a person get what a person pay money for. I've noticed a lot of people buy the "budget" harmonium just to have the particular keys start sticking or maybe the bellows begin leaking air right after 6 months. Then they will end up investing more money trying to repair it than they would possess spent on a good one to start with.
Think of it as a long-term investment. For care of it, a Paul & Co will actually hold its worth. Actually, they frequently get better with age as the particular wood settles and the reeds "break in. " It's the kind associated with instrument you may pass right down to someone else later on.
A few things to watch out for
Since these are so popular, a person do need to be careful about where you purchase them. Because the particular name is therefore well-known, you will find from time to time "knock-offs" or musical instruments that claims to end up being made by Paul & Co yet aren't quite the real deal. Always try in order to purchase from a reputable dealer who actually knows how to group and ship these things.
Shipping is the scary part. Sending great wooden container filled up with delicate brass reeds halfway across the world is a recipe for devastation if it isn't done right. Create sure whoever you're buying from makes use of plenty of padding and maybe even a wooden kennel. Once it occurs, don't be amazed if it requires a tiny bit of tuning. Even the particular best paul & co harmonium can get just a little grumpy after sitting in a chilly cargo plane regarding three days.
Keeping your harmonium happy
As soon as you finally get hold of one, you'll wish to treat it right. Don't leave this inside a hot car, of course don't keep it right next to a rad in the wintertime. The largest killer associated with harmoniums is extreme dryness, which can make the wood crack. Using the small humidifier within the room throughout the winter weeks can save you a great deal of heartbreak.
Also, try in order to play it frequently! These instruments including to be used. This keeps the dirt out of the particular reeds and retains it in the particular bellows supple. Plus, why wouldn't you want to perform it? The whole point of owning a paul & co harmonium is to appreciate that incredible sound as much as possible.
Final thoughts on the encounter
All in all, music is about exactly how an instrument can make you feel. Whenever I play a paul & co harmonium , I feel more connected to what I'm doing. The keys have a certain "bounce" to them that will makes fast paragraphs easy, and the bellows respond to the slightest touch. It's an instrument that will doesn't get within your way.
If you're seriously interested in your practice, regardless of whether it's for kirtan, bhajans, or simply personal meditation, a person really can't proceed wrong here. It might take a little whilst to save on with one, and a person might have to wait regarding a shipment in order to come in through India, but the particular moment you play that first blend, you'll know exactly why everyone raves about them. It's not just the box of reeds; it's a piece of art.