Abstract: A hands-free harmonica microphone for controlling undesired audio feedback, the microphone comprising: a reflective curved microphone chamber, a harmonica mount, a transducer, associated electronics and a neck brace attachment apparatus for connecting the microphone to commercially available harmonica holders (neck braces). In one embodiment, the harmonica mount is detachably coupled (magnetically or otherwise) to the microphone chamber. In another embodiment, the harmonica mount is integrated to the microphone chamber so that is also possible to mount the harmonica directly onto the microphone chamber.

Abstract: There are styles of music that rely on the amplification of a harmonica by utilizing a microphone and an amplifier. When a harmonica needs to be amplified to a level where an audience can hear, audible feedback typically occurs due to the interaction of the microphone properties with the high amplification level. This audible feedback forces the artist to maintain a lower volume level and therefore a lower projection of sound. There have been attempts to reduce feedback in the past through the use of resistor and capacitor networks, however, these attempts altered the normal sound of the amplifier which in most cases is not a positive consequence and frowned on by musicians. The Squeal Killer is the first feedback reduction device that utilizes a 12at7 vacuum tube and when used with a microphone and amplifier, significantly reduces feedback and allows the musician to obtain higher volume levels.

Abstract: The harmonica according to the invention includes a comb or windchest supporting at least one reed plate on which are mounted sound reeds and a peripheral shell allowing to hold the harmonica, said shell including at least one cover plate. Each of its reed plates is sandwiched between the pressing face concerned of the comb and the corresponding cover plate by pressing means for bringing said cover plate closer to the comb between the mouthpiece face of the instrument and the pressing tabs on the side of the bell of the instrument.

Abstract: A headset has first and second connectors and first and second earphones. A first electrical pathway extends from a first contact point associated with the first connector to a first contact point associated with said second connector, a second electrical pathway extends from a second contact point associated with the first connector to a second contact point associated with the second connector, and a third electrical pathway extends from a third contact point associated with the first connector to a third contact point associated with the second connector. One or both earphones are connected between the first pathway and the third pathway and neither the first earphone nor the second earphone is connected between the first pathway and the second pathway. The first and second earphones may be mounted at fixed angles such that the earphones project rearwardly and outwardly over, in spaced relation to, and approximately parallel to, ears of a user.

Abstract: The harmonica according to the invention includes a comb or windchest supporting at least one reed plate on which are mounted sound reeds and a peripheral shell allowing to hold the harmonica, said shell including at least one cover plate. Each of its reed plates is sandwiched between the pressing face concerned of the comb and the corresponding cover plate by pressing means for bringing said cover plate closer to the comb between the mouthpiece face of the instrument and the pressing tabs on the side of the bell of the instrument.

Abstract: The creation of sounds by musical instruments or sound reproduction systems is not perfect, but acoustic dissonances inherent in the production of sound generators can be corrected. The present method uses open volumes, such as a glass, possibly provided with a cutoff, a fragmentation creating at least one opening. This object placed close to or on a sound generator frees additional sound waves to harmonise with the sound generator by means of mechanical coupling or an air sound link due to the volume of the resonator and its fragmentation. A device made of a material with a Shore hardness of more than 60 makes it possible via its foot fixed to a piano to transmit mechanical sound vibrations. Method and device constitute an effective improvement in the reproduction and creation of sounds.

Abstract: An improved comb for a harmonica including one or more check valves mounted within the comb for improving performance and tonality and simplifying construction. The use of check valves mounted over valve slots has been previously disclosed as a method of increasing the musical range and volume of the instrument. This invention incorporates check valves but locates them within the comb of the harmonica. By placing all the check valves within the comb, construction of the harmonica is greatly simplified, air loss between various components is greatly decreased, and check valves are removed from close proximity with reeds thereby decreasing interference with the reeds, increasing volume and performance, and increasing the resonance of overtones.

Abstract: A harmonica (2) has a body (4) with holes (16) in a front edge thereof through which air can be blown or drawn to vibrate reeds (8, 9) mounted to and under box-like cavities (5) in the body and produce sound; covers (15, 15) create chambers from which sounds exits at the rear (arrow A). At least one microphone (20) is mounted in the rear of the body, facing away from the reeds (8, 9) and in the direction in which the sound travels to amplify the sound.

Abstract: Harmonica structures designed for enhancing harmonica play are disclosed. In one aspect, a reed comb is provided with a common bridge having reeds formed integrally therewith. The reed plate has a plurality of reed slots formed therein and is adapted to receive the reeds of the reed comb into corresponding slots formed in the reed plate. A stepped portion formed in the reed plate is adapted to receive a reed of the reed comb therein to permit substantial encasement of the reed within the reed slot. A key benefit of this arrangement is to resist leakage of air between the reed plate and the flanks of the reed during harmonica play. The reed plate can also include a first stepped portion upon which the roots of the reeds are positioned and a second stepped portion positioned adjacent to the tips of the reeds. Other structures are disclosed that include a radiused surface formed on a portion of the reed or on the surface of the reed slot in which the reed is positioned.

Abstract: Enclosures for a harmonica are disclosed wherein the wall of the enclosure surrounds the harmonica, provides a mouthpiece opening and an outlet opening, and forms at least one resonance chamber. A lip groove, a bulge, a cradle and a diffuser are disclosed forming a saddle-shaped surface which is concave along a front-to-back axis and convex around the ends of the enclosure. A key benefit of this arrangement is the improved control of the sound by the player's hands. Another key benefit of this arrangement is the enhanced tone and increased loudness of the sound produced by the harmonica. Supporting members are disclosed that constrain movement of the harmonica relative to the enclosure. Single-piece and multi-piece enclosures are disclosed.

Abstract: A harmonica comprising an integral design of a single molded body as well as a reed fastening system providing releasable attachment of said reed.

Abstract: The ribbon harp is a mouth-blown musical instrument consisting of a thin ribbon-like textile or polymeric object. When held between the thumbs and blown on by mouth, the ribbon harp vibrates in the audible frequency range and produces a musical note. The player may vary the tension in the ribbon in order to vary the fundamental frequency with which the ribbon harp vibrates, thus producing higher or lower pitches. Various methods may be used to provide lengthwise strength. Dampening properties can be tuned by varying properties in the crosswise direction. Aerodynamic surface treatments are provided so that the ribbon harp commences to vibrate immediately on being blown across. A wrist harness or gauntlet and a thumb cot are described as aids to the player.

Abstract: A new harmonica holding device for holding a plurality of harmonicas on a user. The inventive device includes a neck member having an arcuate portion and a pair of spaced apart elongate arms extending from the arcuate portion. Extending from the terminal end of each arm of the neck members is a rod. Mounted to each one of the rods is a mount member having a center and a plurality of spokes radially extending outwards the from the center. Each of the spokes of each mount member has a clip member which is adapted for holding an end of a harmonica.

Abstract: A harmonica fitted with a shaped hollow resonating horn slidably mounted to the harmonica. The horn is mounted on the outlet side of the harmonica so that air passing through the reed chambers of the harmonica is exhausted through the horn. The horn is of a size to enclose the outlet of one or more reed chambers, and may be slid along a groove on the harmonica to fit about a selected group of adjacent reed chambers, so as to produce an echo of a desired musical chord, when the harmonica is sounded.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a reed-type harmonica includes a sound chamber having a convex central portion and a pair of outer edge portions which are formed for engaging the harmonica metal extensions. A transducer assembly includes a microphone pick-up attached to a flange at one end of the main chamber member. A sound input director element extends from the transducer assembly into the chamber, and includes a tapered portion at the end farther from the microphone pick-up.