S O'P - is this Shruti Box Pine Wood the same as the one you lost? And can it play more than one note at a time? Looking forward to hearing Rachel's new machine.

Pip - glad to hear you found what you were looking for. I think the Bontempi is probably the closest thing to the little reed-organ that my aunt and uncle had. I was really disappointed when they replaced it with an electronic version.

We just had John Kelly (Harmonium Hero on Mudcat) at Fleetwood Folk Club. Among other instruments he had a portable Victorian harmonium, lovely mellow sound, even full two-handed chords not overpowering his fairly light voice, and an Indian harmonium (not the first time there's been two in the room!), a bit more limited because you have to use one hand for the bellows - something like this, maybe not so elaborate - Harmonium Professional 4 reed .

If, like me, you find getting away from the white keys (key of C) a challenge, the ability to transpose at will might be attractive - HARMONIUM Scale Changer Special . (Can any of the electronic keyboards do this?)

Ross