Free-reed instruments

Instrument Classification

Classifying free-reed instruments by construction, keyboard and note arrangement.

Free-reed instruments of this kind essentially consist of three parts:

– the bass side, played with the left hand,
– the treble side, played with the right hand, and
– the bellows, which connect the two sides and supply the air.

There are countless types of free-reed instruments. It is therefore not unusual if you cannot find an exact match for your instrument, its keyboard layout or its shape. We nevertheless hope that this guide provides a useful overview and helps when discussing the instrument with a specialist.

Select whether the buttons or keys of your instrument face forwards or are positioned on the sides.

Buttons or keys facing forwards

Keys facing forwards

Buttons on the sides

Buttons on the sides