The Harmonic Telegraph: Many Notes, One Wire, a Telephone The harmonic telegraph promised many messages on one wire, each on its own musical pitch. This guide explains the tuned reeds - and how Bell and Gray, chasing them, walked out with the telephone instead. Quick facts Principle frequency selects Tuned part steel reeds Backers wanted more msgs per wire Rivals Bell and Gray True heir carrier telephony The reeds failed as a business and triumphed as a principle: slicing one circuit into frequency channels became the economics of the whole telephone century. Every broadband connection since is the harmonic telegraph in faster clothes. Free tool and guides: Morse Code Works Morse Code Works - free Morse code tools and guides. Reference chart