Physics of a melodica

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mmicallef
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Joined: Sat Sep 03, 2011 8:01 pm

Physics of a melodica

Post by mmicallef » Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:02 am

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has a bit of an in depth knowledge about music physics and the melodica, and could perhaps explain what the primary and secondary vibrator in a melodica are.

From some research I made, it appears that melodicas use free-reeds, and I think that in such cases the reeds themselves are the primary vibrator.

But what about the secondary vibrator? For instance, in a traditional wood wind instrument, the air column inside the instrument is the primary vibrator while the reed is the secondary vibrator. Or, in a brass instrument, the air column is the primary vibrator while the lips of the player are the secondary vibrator.

I would appreciate if anyone knows or has any indications.

Thanks!

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