Triple (3) Reed Harmoniums
Three reed harmoniums, with a bass, male and female reed set for a fuller solo voice. From Bina, Monoj K Sardar and our own workshop.
Three reed harmoniums, with a bass, male and female reed set for a fuller solo voice. From Bina, Monoj K Sardar and our own workshop.
The third reed adds a female set above the bass and male reeds, filling out the tone considerably. This is the configuration for solo playing, or for accompanying a group where a two reed instrument would be lost.
It costs weight. A three reed harmonium is noticeably heavier than a two reed of the same size, which matters if the instrument travels.
Most three reed instruments come with a coupler and nine stops, which gives real control over how much of that fullness you use at any moment.
Tuned to A440 in our workshop, with all three reed sets voiced and every key played through, then checked again on the day it ships.
More reeds means more to go out of tune eventually, though the interval is still years rather than months.
Fuller, not better. Three reeds suit solo playing and larger groups. Two reeds are clearer, lighter and better for travel and accompaniment.
Noticeably, though the exact figure depends on the body. Weights are listed on each product page.
Stops control which reed sets sound. With three reeds, more stops give you finer control over the tone. Most players settle on two or three favourite combinations.