free reed

/friː riːd/
adjective
  1. Relating to a type of musical instrument that produces sound when air flows past a thin, flexible piece of material (the reed) that vibrates freely, not against another surface.
    • Many free-reed instruments, like the harmonium, were popular in the 19th century.
    • The harmonica is a free-reed instrument that is easy to carry around.
    • Accordions use free-reed technology to create their distinctive sound.