Bhava large Limited Edition G2
The Shrutibox Bhava Large Limited Edition G2 is an elegant box with a particularly balanced, warm, full tone and large frame. The red cedar wood construction, brass fittings, silk matt finish and very fine workmanship give the instrument a particularly exquisite character.
The large frame and very large bellows allow the air supply to be regulated very precisely. Double folds in both bellows give it even greater air volume than the large shruti boxes by Monoj Kumar Sardar. This makes it possible to maintain a constant sound with ease, even when up to four notes are played simultaneously. In addition, the volume can be varied particularly widely and finely – from evenly delicate and quiet to persistently loud. The enlarged resonance chamber also ensures a slightly fuller overall sound. The rotating wooden feet are also noteworthy – they give the instrument a particularly stable footing. Despite its larger dimensions and heavier weight, the Shrutibox Large Limited Edition from Bhava is still easy to transport. Only if you have a lot of other things to carry and are travelling on foot or by public transport can its size and weight become impractical.
Link Video Bhava Large Limited Edition G2 on Youtube.
- 13 chromatically tuned notes from G to g (G2 to G3)
- Frame, side wings and feet made of red cedar wood
- Internal construction made of pine wood
- Wooden tone valves
- Lower tone valves light, upper tone valves dark
- Silk matt lacquered surfaces
- Cardboard bellows with leather seals
- Double-folded bellows on both sides
- Air supply bellows with return spring
- Handle, fittings, locking hooks and screws made of polished brass
- Includes sturdy synthetic carrying case with shoulder strap
Bhava founder Nic Dillon has been importing harmoniums from Delhi to the USA since 2010 and sells them in his store Old Delhi Music. Nic has worked with various manufacturers, knows the highly specialised craftsmen who work as day laborers for the manufacturers, and is very familiar with the conditions on site. Despite years of effort, however, he has not been able to reliably get the required consistently high quality from the established manufacturers. Therefore, Nic opened his own harmonium manufacturing in Delhi in 2021 and employs some of the best craftsmen there on a permanent basis. Since then, he gets Delhi-style harmoniums of the best quality made there to his own specifications under the brand name Bhava:
* evenly grown and well seasoned wood
* cleanly sprayed and especially durable varnish
* stainless screws and specially manufactured fittings
* extra soft bellows springs for long sustain and smooth fade-out
* high quality reeds for easy response and harmonious sound
* tasteful, noble design
* flawless exterior without scratches, dents or stains
The impressive quality of Bhava Harmoniums has not been matched by any other harmonium maker in the Delhi region. It meets western standards and can only be compared to the quality of Paloma's harmoniums and shrutiboxes. India Instruments has been carrying Bhava Harmoniums since 2022.
Bhava is also a pioneer in social responsibility and strives for certification under a fair trade label. All craftsmen work without time pressure in clean, air-conditioned and well-lit premises. They are permanently employed and receive fair salaries. Permanent employment gives them and their families access to government health, education and retirement benefits. In contrast, day labourer harmonium craftsmen are paid mostly by the piece and thus work permanently under time pressure. They often work in cramped, dark and poorly ventilated rooms, can be replaced at any time, lose their income in case of illness, have no access to state social benefits and are sometimes in debt bondage to their employers.
Ecological issues also play a role for Bhava. The high quality of the tools used and the instruments produced ensures a particularly long service life. All woods are purchased on official, state-controlled markets. Protected woods are not used. Waste in production is avoided as much as possible and recycled as much as possible. Overseas, the instruments are preferably shipped by sea freight.
This shruti box model has 13 chromatic tones from G to g (G2 to G3 in scientific terms). Each of the twelve semitones occurs at least once in this range. To achieve a full sound, an additional fifth or fourth can be played above or below each tone, offering a wide range of possibilities for keys and harmonies.
This shruti box is tuned to the Western concert pitch of A at 440 hertz using equal temperament. Room temperature and blowing pressure influence the actual pitch. For this reason, the shruti box may sometimes sound slightly higher or lower. The difference is usually so slight that even trained ears will not notice it.
We are happy to fulfil special requests for tuning (e.g. 432 hertz) on request for an additional charge.
Dimensions: Width 42 cm x Depth 8 cm x Height 34 cm
Weight: 4 kg
Each instrument is a handmade, unique piece that may differ slightly from the specifications provided here.