Free-Reed Instruments

A free-reed is a device in which a reed, free at one end and fixed at the other, is located within a slot very slightly larger than the reed. Free-reeds are usually made of metal, are very durable, and hold pitch very accurately. In fact, one of their uses is as a pitch reference in the so-called "pitch-pipe."

Free-reed instruments include:

• The harmonica
• The accordion
• The Melodeon
• The harmonium, often called a "reed organ" and used for performing organ music when a pipe organ would be too large or expensive.