Reed organ

A reed organ is an organ that generates its sounds using free metal reeds, similar to an accordion. Smaller, cheaper and more portable than pipe organs, these were widely used in smaller churches and in private homes, but their volume and tonal range was extremely limited, and they were generally limited to one or two manuals, pedalboards being extremely rare.

Related Topics:
Organ - Reeds - Accordion - Pipe organ

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A small reed organ with a manual or pedal operated pressure bellows worked by the player is called a harmonium. The harmonium is unique among organs in that expression can be added to the music by the way the player operates the blower, pedalling faster in louder passages for example.

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Harmoniums were chiefly of European construction and operate of air pressure. Reed organs and melodions were mostly of American manufacture and operate on vacuum.

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The reed organ was popular in the late 19th century, replacing the melodeon. It was used as a practice instrument by organists, most notably Franck, who composed several collections of works specifically for it, taking advantage of the expressive capacity of varying the bellows pressure using the feet. It was also common in the rural U.S., where it was a popular source of home entertainment. It was cheaper than a piano, the tuning was more stable, it was lighter, and it withstood the bumpy shipment by rail better. They were also used in many pioneer churches in the U.S., where the reed organ was used for accompaniment of congregational singing instead of an organ.

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Advances in piano manufacturing technology in the early 1900s made pianos more affordable, causing reed organs to fall out of favor.

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A handful of instruments continued to be made until about 1950, some with innovations such as electric blowers. Many reed organs were shipped overseas to support missionary efforts, though they remain common (though disused) in both private and ecclesiastical ownership. Portable foot-pumped reed organs remained in use in the U.S. armed forces until the end of World War II, where they were used by chaplains to lead worship services aboard ships and in remote locations.

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Reed organs have been largely replaced by electronic organs, but there remain a number of enthusiasts. The finer instruments have a unique tone, and the cabinets of those intended for churches and affluent homes were often excellent pieces of furniture. Several million reed organs and melodians were made in the U.S. between the 1850s and the 1920s.

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