[Lowboy]

Hi Daren,

In addition to my thoughts from a previous post noted below, here are some other attributes and affirmations of your ideas that I would like to see in my dream melodica:

I agree with your thoughts about relatively light weight (compared to a Vibrandoneon), but I would not sacrifice tone for light weight. I do like my instruments to feel professional and well-constructed. I should be able to drop it on cement and know it will still play.

The “. . . response and compact dimensions of the Yamaha, along with its small air chamber.” Absolutely.

“The sound would be more polished, warm and clear than the Yamaha, with a sweet upper register. But all this without losing the ability to play with ease. The reeds would stay in tune and rarely break, and the instrument would be robust and good looking.” I like all of that too.

Ease of maintenance would be great. Must be able to easily replace reed plates and gaskets. Do it right. Use o-rings.

Here are thoughts condensed from my January 18, 2015 post:

1. Sound holes on the back so that volume and timbre can me modulated by moving the melodica towards and away from your chest and stomach.

2. Create some melodicas with a darker, smoother timbre.

3. Similar to the Suzuki Pro37v2 melodion, consider creating a single sound hole at the bottom of the instrument, perhaps with an internal or external trumpet-like bell. Insulate the instrument so that all sound is emitted from the bell or sound hole. Provide a means for holding the instrument at the sound hole and enabling the player to cup and uncup the sound hole with her hand to module volume and timbre.

4. Design reeds or the instrument so that you can bend notes easier. Make them part of replaceable reed plates so that when the player blows out a reed, they can easily replace the reed plate. (Make big money selling replacement reed plates every couple of months to us players that love to play hard and bend notes.)

5. Provide an extra set of channels (or an internal valve) and a button to press that will enable us to draw as well as blow. (Think accordion, harmonica.)

6. Make a “blues” keyboard harmonica.

7. Create channels that will direct some of the air at an angle to the reed to enhance bending, or give us a button that will change the flow of air at the reed to enhance bending.

Regards,

Lowboy