chriswareham Posted September 20, 2015 Posted September 20, 2015 Any other harmonium fans on here? I got this simple model for £30: [attachment=201116:harmonium1_small.jpg] [attachment=201117:harmonium2_small.jpg] Googling doesn't turn up any information on likely age or manufacturer, but I'd guess it was a low priced model for something like a school as it has no stops, little decoration and some undecipherable graffiti scratched on to the lid that reminds me of old school desks. Most harmoniums are much bigger and more ornate than this one, with multiple stops to produce different timbres. They're quite unfashionable and can often be had for free as long as you collect, but they sound fantastic - they were intended as alternatives to a pipe organ, but produce much more haunting, choir like tones almost like a string synthesiser! Quote
discreet Posted September 20, 2015 Posted September 20, 2015 (edited) Yes, there's a lot of harmonium turns up in classic psychedelic and acid rock. Probably not that surprising actually, given the sound. Good score! Edited September 20, 2015 by discreet Quote
alyctes Posted September 20, 2015 Posted September 20, 2015 My aunt used to play one in chapel services in Wales. Quote
Kirky Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 The Low Anthem use a field harmonium to great effect. Have a listen to To The Ghosts Who Write History Books. Quote
KevB Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 Neil Young's used harmonium on some of his stuff through the years too. Quote
Beer of the Bass Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 Is yours at concert pitch? A friend has had a couple and none of them have been quite in tune with the outside world. They're fun instruments though - it's hard not to trot out my (rather feeble) attempt at an Ivor Cutler impersonation when sitting at one... Quote
4-string-thing Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 (edited) I'd love one but sadly don't have the space.... I do have a 1950's Magnus chord organ though, which sounds a bit like a harmonium. And yes, it is hard not to do an Ivor Cutler impression.... Edited September 21, 2015 by 4-string-thing Quote
discreet Posted September 21, 2015 Posted September 21, 2015 [quote name='Beer of the Bass' timestamp='1442831504' post='2869729'] A friend has had a couple and none of them have been quite in tune with the outside world. [/quote] Just like the people who play them. Wahey! Boom-tish! Quote
cybertect Posted September 22, 2015 Posted September 22, 2015 [quote name='lonestar' timestamp='1442848829' post='2869969'] Ivor Cutler [/quote] +1 Quote
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