Q 01/05

By what other name is the harmonica commonly known?

A) Melodica

B) Jew's harp

C) Mouth organ

D) Ocarina

Answer · why

C) Mouth organ

It is also called a French harp, and in blues circles a 'harp' or 'Mississippi saxophone'.

Q 02/05

How is the harmonica classified?

A) As a lip-vibrated brass

B) As a free reed aerophone

C) As a double reed woodwind

D) As a plucked idiophone

Answer · why

B) As a free reed aerophone

Its relatives include the accordion, the melodica and the ancient Chinese sheng.

Q 03/05

How many holes does the standard blues harp have?

A) Twelve

B) Six

C) Ten

D) Sixteen

Answer · why

C) Ten

The diatonic Richter-tuned instrument has ten air passages and twenty reeds, one blow and one draw per hole.

Q 04/05

How many reeds does a standard ten-hole diatonic harmonica contain?

A) Thirty

B) Twenty

C) Ten

D) Forty

Answer · why

B) Twenty

Each chamber holds a blow reed and a draw reed, playable separately without needing valves.

Q 05/05

What is a harmonica reed typically made of?

A) Brass

B) Cane

C) Silver

D) Nylon

Answer · why

A) Brass

Stainless steel and bronze are also used; the flat spring is fixed at one end over a slot and vibrates to block and unblock the airway.

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