 Hohner melodica | |
| Keyboard instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Wind; free reed aerophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 412.132 (Free-reed aerophone) |
| Developed | 1950s |
| Playing range | |
| Usually 2 or 3 octaves | |
| Related instruments | |
| accordion, harmonica, pump organ, yu | |
The melodica is a handheld free-reed instrument similar to a pump organ or harmonica. It features a musical keyboard on top, and is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. The keyboard usually covers two or three octaves. Melodicas are small, lightweight, and portable, and many are designed for children to play. They are popular in music education programs, especially in Asia. The modern form of the instrument was invented by Hohner in the late 1950s,[1] though similar instruments have been known in Italy since the 19th century.[2]
- ^ Missin P (2004). "A Brief History of Mouth-Blown Free Reed Instruments: Melodica Family". Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ "Vibrandoneon". Duskyrecords.nl. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2013-07-03.