The Melodica still remains a rather unique musical instrument. It
is the only contemporary instrument that is wind blown and yet
has piano-like keys.
The modern melodica was invented in the 1950's by the music
company Hohner, although other forms of the instrument have
been around as early as the 19th century in Italy. Hohner breifly
attempted to produce an electric melodica but production was
stopped due to design problems and cost. Today several
companies make melodicas, with Hohner still one of the largest
producers.
A melodica is a free-reed instrument that is played by blowing air
through a mouthpiece on the side of the instrument or through an
air tube. A keyboard on top allows notes to be played by opening
a hole for air to flow over the reeds and thus producing notes. Most
melodicas have a keyboard that is 2 or 3 octaves long, although
there are one octave range melodicas available.
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