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double reed

musical instrument part

Quick Summary

A double reed is a component of certain musical instruments, specifically woodwinds like the oboe family. It consists of two thin reeds, typically made of cane, bound together with a small gap between them. When air passes through this gap, the reeds vibrate against each other, producing sound. This vibration then sets up a sound wave in an air column within the instrument. Double reeds are considered an older form of reed instrument, with early versions being tubes of cane pinched flat.12

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