Reed in Music
In music, a **reed** refers to a thin piece of material, such as cane or metal, that vibrates to produce sound in certain wind instruments. When a player blows air into the instrument, the reed vibrates, creating sound waves in an enclosed air column or in the open air. Reed instruments include various woodwind instruments like the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone, as well as some types of accordions.
The reed is an essential component of these instruments and is responsible for producing the unique timbre and tone quality associated with each instrument. The material used to make reeds can vary, but cane is a common choice. Cane reeds are typically made by cutting the cane to the proper length, splitting it into four parts, and then shaving it to the desired thickness.
It's worth noting that reeds can also be found in other types of instruments, such as the harmonica, where they vibrate in an air opening to produce sound.
Reeds are crucial to the sound production of wind instruments and play a significant role in shaping the overall musical expression and character of the instrument.
A thin piece of cane, plastic, or metal used as the principal vibrating source many instruments. A single reed vibrating against the mouthpiece of the instrument would be found in the clarinet and saxophone families. Double reeds vibrate against each other and are found in the oboe and bassoon families. A free vibrating reed (that doesn't vibrate against anything) can be found in the harmonium, harmonica, and accordion. Metal reeds are typically only found in the pipe organ, harmonium, harmonica, concertina, bandoneon, and accordion.
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