[Harp-L] Why is a harmonica called a harp?

["ZAIS Elliot" <ZAIS.Elliot@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm sure there is some interesting history which answers Elizabeth's
question of Thu, 6 Jan 2005 20:59:51 EST Harp-L Digest, Vol 17, Issue
16.  However, it doesn't justify replacing the perfectly good name of
our instrument, the harmonica or mouth organ with the perfectly good
name of another, radically different, instrument, the harp.  Appeals to
"tradition", i.e., we've called it a harp for too long to change, seem
to be rather weak arguments.  Granted, harmonica is a long word at four
syllables.  A snappy one or two syllable name would be nice.  I just
don't think it should be harp.

Elliot J. Zais, PhD, PE
Senior Environmental Engineer
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Northwest Region
2020 SW 4th. Ave., Suite 400
Portland OR 97201-4987
503/229-5292
503/229-6957 FAX