How the Harmonetta makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the Harmonetta belongs to the free reeds and interruptive aerophones: air is periodically interrupted by a vibrating reed or blade – the accordion, harmonica, sheng and bullroarer.
More broadly it is one of the aerophones (wind instruments), where sound comes from vibrating air.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The Hohner Harmonetta is a mouth-blown free-reed instrument which was introduced by Hohner in the 1950s. It has an approximately 3-octave range, from C3 to B5.
Other free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Accordion
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Harmonica
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Pump organ
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Siren
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Bandoneon
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Sheng
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Concertina
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Melodica
Free reeds and interruptive aerophones
Frequently asked questions
What does the Harmonetta sound like?
As one of the free reeds and interruptive aerophones, its sound comes from the way air is periodically interrupted by a vibrating reed or blade.
What type of instrument is the Harmonetta?
It is classified as free reeds and interruptive aerophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 412.13).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1585602 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Harmonetta – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by ShirtofHope – CC BY-SA 3.0