Experimental results when playing chromatically on a diatonic harmonica

One can play chromatically on a diatonic harmonica by using different playi ng modes: normal playing, bends and overnotes (overblows and overdraws). Fo r each playing mode, the reed motions were measured with strain gauges and the inner pressures were recorded at the same time with a differential pres sure transducer. The reed motions were shown to be sinusoidal. The control of active reed motion(s) on the evolutions of the inner pressure was underl ined. The internal mechanisms occurring during playing were systematically analyzed. Modelling of the reeds operation was derived and explanations for the harmonic content of the sound is given.