harmonica structures designed for enhancing harmonica play are disclosed . in one aspect , a reed comb is provided with a common bridge having reeds formed integrally therewith . the reed plate has a plurality of reed slots formed therein and is adapted to receive the reeds of the reed comb into corresponding slots formed in the reed plate . a stepped portion formed in the reed plate is adapted to receive a reed of the reed comb therein to permit substantial encasement of the reed within the reed slot . a key benefit of this arrangement is to resist leakage of air between the reed plate and the flanks of the reed during harmonica play . the reed plate can also include a first stepped portion upon which the roots of the reeds are positioned and a second stepped portion positioned adjacent to the tips of the reeds . other structures are disclosed that include a radiused surface formed on a portion of the reed or on the surface of the reed slot in which the reed is positioned . a substantially wedge - shaped comb having angled top and bottom surfaces can also be provided . the height of the comb and the thickness and structure of the reed plates can also be adjusted to achieve a variety of acoustical objectives . the width of the cells in the comb can also be adjusted to vary cell volume . in addition , substantial axial alignment of the roots of a given pair of reeds can be made to provide different acoustical results for the harmonica . the walls of the cells in the comb can also be tapered to alter acoustical effects . a flexible structural member can also be used in conjunction with the reed plate to enhance harmonica play .