Free Reed
Free reeds are thin, flexible strips of metal, often brass, that are secured at one end over or under close-fitting openings in plates that are mounted over a wind-chest. Suction or wind pressure causes the free end of the reed to vibrate in and out of its aperture when its key is depressed to open a valve, or pallet, in the wind-chest. The pitch of each reed is determined by its length, though tuning can be accomplished by thinning or weighting the reed. Examples may include: mouthorgan, accordion, reed organ, etc.
