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Reeds

Black and white illustration of an accordion reed comprised of a piece of leather that prevents air from passing and a strip of metal.

Illustration, 2019

Véronique Morin

Collection of the Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon

Reeds consist of two strips of metal and a piece of leather. The bellows push air through the accordion, causing the reeds to vibrate and produce different sounds. The longer the reed, the deeper the note. To prevent both strips of metal from vibrating at the same time, the piece of leather seals off the one that isn’t being played.