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MMD > Archives > December 1999 > 1999.12.06 > 09Prev  Next


Barrel Organ from Harmonica Reed Plates
By Mike Knudsen

John Kleinbauer is missing a couple of notes from his harmonica.
He says:

> The notes I do have are: C, D, E, G, B, Middle C, D, E, G, A, B,
> C, D, E, G, A, and C.

Actually, I think the top octaves F is also there.  Given that, John
has the standard 10-hole harmonica (Hohner's "Marine Band" model).
Yes, the bottom octave omits the F and A, the top octave the B.  The
bottom octave "wastes" a redundant G.  The purpose was to give a G
chord in the bottom octave when inhaling, rather than an F major or D
minor chord.

One possible solution is to buy a second harmonica in the key of D,
which would fill in the low A and high D, but not the F.  The F is a
problem, since I believe that "mouth harps" are made only in the sharp
keys (G, D) and C, but not flat keys like F and Bb.

So, use the D harp as the basis for your organ (now pitched up in D).
For its "F" and "A", use the G and B reeds from your C instrument.

You will have to saw the reed plates apart and piece them together
in your organ, which may be too awkward to do, if your design assumes
a good solid pair of top and bottom reed plates that hold themselves
together.  But perhaps you can think of something.  Best wishes and
good luck!

Mike Knudsen


(Message sent Tue 7 Dec 1999, 03:14:59 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Barrel, Harmonica, Organ, Plates, Reed

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