How did reed organs differ from pipe organs?

Reed organs and pipe organs differ primarily in their sound production mechanisms and construction.

• Sound Production: A reed organ typically uses free reeds—thin, flexible metal strips that vibrate through a slot when wind pressure or suction is applied. In contrast, a pipe organ produces sound through pipes, which may be flue pipes (similar to a whistle) or reed pipes (which use beating reeds that vibrate against a frame).123
• Construction and Complexity: Pipe organs are among the most complex and expensive musical instruments, requiring sophisticated craftsmanship. Reed organs are significantly simpler, smaller, and cheaper to construct, often utilizing foot-pumped bellows.41
• Resonators: Unlike pipe organs, which use pipes as resonators to modify and stabilize tone, most reed organs do not require resonators; their tone is determined by the characteristics of the reed itself.1
• Usage: Due to their portability and lower cost, reed organs became popular domestic instruments in the 19th century, often serving as substitutes for pipe organs in smaller or less affluent churches.14