Pupleheart 3 Reed Dulcetina

This lovely three Palitana brass reeded (Bass Female Male) dulcitina harmonium is made from South American purpleheart hardwood. Baba, whom we affectionally called him, was an brilliant third generation craftsman from Delhi that specialized in making dulcitinas. 

Dulcitinas style harmoniums are a challenge to engineer and construct. The flow of air thru the harmonium body gives it it’s unique design, slim profile and portability. The craft necessary to correctly manage air pressure for a balanced two reeded dulcitina is complicated. 

This dulcitina has three sets of reeds, the females being the third. It is most difficult to have the bass, male and female reeds blend together in a well-constructed dulcitina. Even though Baba was truly a brilliant craftsman, it could take two and three attempts to get the dynamic flow of air and sound correct. 

India is renowned for its wood into wood inlay craft, marquetry, and this dulcitina has a sweet depiction of Krishna and Radha on a swing inlaid into the back bellow panel. The front pump bellow and side panels of this dulcitina is adorned with hand carved floral patterns. 

Instead of the normal metal plates that protect the bump bellow from wear and tear, we use inlaid African ebony wood triangles for strength and beauty. The white keys a soft pearlized nylon, the black keys purpleheart wood.