melodeon

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melodeon

musical instrument

Also known as: American organ, melodium, reed organ

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Article History

Also spelled:: Melodium

Also called:: Reed Organ, or American Organ

Related Topics:: keyboard instrument; aerophone; orchestrina di camera; reed organ

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melodeon, keyboard instrument sounded by the vibration of free reeds by wind. It is an American development of the harmonium, from which it differs in two principal respects. Its foot-operated bellows draw the air in past the reeds by suction, rather than forcing it out by pressure; and the characteristic size and form of the reeds and resonators result in a more even dynamic level throughout the compass. It was slower to respond than the harmonium but sounded more organlike and had a softer tone.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.