Hands-free chromatic harmonica

Abstract

Vertical mouthpiece motion replaces the traditional chromatic harmonica's slide valve function and eliminates the valve as a source of air leakage, friction, and sticking. Because the player's mouth pushes a movable mouthpiece between an upper and a lower position with respect to the attached chromatic harmonica, the use of the player's hands is unnecessary. In the upper position, the row of air holes conducts the player's breath through an upper row of reed chambers. In the lower position, the same air holes conduct the player's breath through a lower row of reed chambers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.