Hands Free Chromatic

Hands Free Chromatic (1)

• A lightweight plastic mouthpiece 1 has air holes 4 equal in number and spacing to one row of reed chambers 7, 8. The mouthpiece 1 is held loosely captive against the face of the comb 14 by two screws 3, 3A inserted through vertical slots 2, 2A in the mouthpiece 1. When the upper ends of the slots 2, 2A touch the screw 3 shafts, then the air holes 4 are positioned to conduct the player's breath to the lower row of chambers 8 and conversely for the lower slot 2, 2A ends and the upper chambers 7. Using lips, tongue, and side-to-side mouth position, the player directs his breath through a single air hole 4 of the mouthpiece. Then by nodding his head and thus raising or lowering his mouth a small distance, he urges the mouthpiece 1 over either the upper or lower row of reed chambers 7, 8. In this way, vertical mouth motion in the invention performs the same function as motion of the finger-actuated slide valve does in the conventional chromatic harmonica. Finally, by blowing or drawing his breath, he causes a single reed 9, 10, 11, 12 to sound. The mouthpiece 1 is held loosely captive by the screws 2, 2A against the comb 14. When the player moves the mouthpiece 1 between the two playing positions, the pressure of his mouth decreases and a generous clearance between mouthpiece 1 and comb 14 allows easy and friction-free movement. When a note is being sounded, the pressure of his mouth increases, forcing the mouthpiece into contact with the comb 14 and allowing negligible air leakage. This happens without conscious effort on the part of the player. The removal of screws 3, 3A allows the mouthpiece 1 to quickly and easily come free for cleaning and lubrication. 

Q7-HR4-Mini_resized