Harmonica vs Gleckenspiel

Summary

---

Smash Boom Best: "Harmonica vs. Glockenspiel"

Podcast: Smash Boom Best (Brains On Universe)
Episode Air Date: December 11, 2025
Host: Molly Bloom
Debaters: Merk Nguyen (Team Glockenspiel), Aron Woldeslassi (Team Harmonica)
Judge: Vishal (Calgary, Alberta)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Smash Boom Best brings a musical face-off: the tiny but mighty Harmonica squares off against the bright and beautiful Glockenspiel. Host Molly Bloom sets up the debate, promising a blend of humor, cool facts, passionate arguments, and friendly banter as the two quirky instruments duke it out for the title of smash boom best. The show encourages kids and families to learn about debate, have fun with facts, and see both the fun and substance in arguing different sides.

---

Key Discussion Points & Arguments

1. Declaration of Greatness

Team Harmonica – Aron Woldeslassi ([04:30])

• Portability: The harmonica is a "small reed instrument" that's easy to take anywhere. Aron dramatizes its usefulness through a timeout skit:
  • “I was put in time out for burping at my sister, and now I can play this.” (06:09)
• Versatility: Highlighted major genres (soul, rock, pop), mimics train sounds, and its many nicknames (“mouth organ,” “French harp,” “tin sandwich”).
• History: Descended from the ‘vowel organ’ invented in the 1700s, meant to imitate human speech.
• Cultural Reach: The harmonica was the first instrument played in space (Christmas Day, 1965).
• Accessibility: “Truly, the harmonica packs big fun in a little package.”

Team Glockenspiel – Merk Nguyen ([11:40])

• Word Play & Whimsy: Introduces the glockenspiel by referencing fun German words, declaring "glockenspiel" the best word of all.
• Sound & Simplicity: Easy to learn, accessible for kids, “a very forgiving instrument that gives kids confidence...”
  • “I didn’t really know what I was doing, but it still sounded good.” (14:11)
• Nostalgia & Emotion: Shares a personal story about reconnecting with the glockenspiel as an adult and how “it felt so good being reunited with my first musical love.”
• Star Power: Celebrates appearances in pop (Feist), rock (Bruce Springsteen), and classical music (Mozart’s "The Magic Flute").
• Distinct Sound: Instantly recognizable, brings “magical whimsy and charm” to any song.

---

2. Rebuttals

• Merk on Harmonica: Glockenspiels can also be small and portable, glockenspiel bars are like “24 metal candy bars.” Expresses confusion about the skit’s spaghetti fart jokes. ([10:06])
• Aron on Glockenspiel: Argues harmonicas have more nicknames (and thus more love), were even played in space versus glockenspiele, and notes Bruce Springsteen plays both instruments. ([17:10])

---

3. Micro Round: The Fact-Off ([22:33])

• Glockenspiel: Percussion family member that produces melody—rare for percussion. Home to famous tourist attractions (Munich’s town hall clock). Instantly recognizable sound.
• Harmonica: Beloved in Wild West lore (played by Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp). World record for 24-hour nonstop play. Ancient origins: descended from the 1100 BCE Chinese sheng.

Notable exchange:

• Merk: “I can't think of a single harmonica that's a tourist attraction. But glockenspiels…” ([23:34])
• Aron: “That’s really interesting, Marc… longest anyone has ever played the harmonica… 24 hours in a day.” ([24:04])
• Merk, querying: “So, like, going to the bathroom during those 24 hours…?” ([24:28])

---

4. Sneak Attack: Sloganeering ([27:23])

• Hosted by Molly as a fun, improvised challenge where contestants come up with slogans/jingles for their instruments:
  • Harmonica: “Harmonicas. Don’t forget to pack a tin sandwich.” ([27:54])
  • Glockenspiel: “Lock in to the glockenspiel no matter how you feel.” ([28:09])
  • Aron, playing harmonica: “The harmonica is a mouth organ. Be a donor.” ([28:37])
  • Merk, after a brief pause: “You can pallet with your mallets with the glockenspiel.” ([29:11])

---

5. Final Six ([29:51])

• Each debater must capture their argument in just six words:
  • Glockenspiel: “Multiplicitous metallic musical. Mm mm. Glockenspiel.” (Merk, [30:08])
  • Harmonica: “Guys, harmonicas will blow you away.” (Aron, [30:22])

Judge Vishal notes this last round is what finally swayed him in a very close debate.

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Aron Woldeslassi: “Call me the Big Bad Wolf because I’m about to blow you away.” ([01:38])
• Molly Bloom: “Is that the sound of magic? The sound of delight, Of a wish coming true? Yes, and yes and yes.” ([13:00])
• Merk Nguyen: “Even if you mess up, like, it still sounds pretty. But like the harmonica, you could blow too loud and someone would be like, ow, my ears.” ([18:52])
• Aron: “Yeah, I like metal bars. I think, you know, we should put the glockenspiel behind some metal bars because it’s criminal how bad it is.” ([17:55])
• Vishal (Judge): “It was tied until the final six. No. It was back and forth until final six.” ([31:02])
• Merk (to Aron): “You brought so many facts… It's like it’s a really cool instrument. And again, my grandpa played that… it just makes me happy thinking of people bringing life to this instrument.” ([31:12])
• Aron (to Merk): “You made this instrument not just sound incredible, but feel incredible just to learn everything about it.” ([31:31])

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------|------------| | Opening & Introductions | 00:07–04:07| | Declaration of Greatness – Harmonica | 04:13–09:33 | | Declaration of Greatness – Glockenspiel | 11:40–16:20 | | Rebuttals & Banter | 09:56–11:20, 16:57–18:16 | | Micro Round: Fact-Off | 22:33–26:27 | | Sneak Attack: Sloganeering | 27:23–29:17 | | Final Six | 29:51–30:28 | | Winner Announced | 30:46–31:02 | | Congratulatory Reflections | 31:06–31:52 |

---

Outcome

Winner: Glockenspiel

• Judge Vishal awarded the final, deciding point to Glockenspiel during the six-word summary, after an evenly matched debate.
• Decision rationale: “It was tied until the final six… as close as close can be.” ([31:02])

---

End Segment & Shout-Outs

• Both debaters celebrate mutual respect and share personal connections to their instruments.
• Shout-outs given: Aron to his mom, Merk to elementary music teachers, Vishal to parents and band teacher.

---

Overall Tone & Appeal

• The episode is zippy, clever, and family-friendly with plenty of puns (including “chime to do this” [04:00]), banter, and fast-paced facts.
• The show embraces debate as fun, silly, and educational, modeling constructive arguing and critical listening for families and kids.

---

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the episode or want to relive the highlights, this debate was a tightly contested celebration of two underappreciated musical instruments. With creative arguments, zany slogans, personal connections, and a delightfully decisive judge, "Harmonica vs. Glockenspiel" delivers both laughs and learning—whether you’re team bluesy pocket powerhouse or team shimmering symphonic sparkle.

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

Lemonade.

[Merk Nguyen]

Brains on Universe.

[Molly Bloom]

Have you heard the news? Smash Boom Best is now independent. We're so excited to be back with an epic new season. And it's all thanks to our Smarty Pass members. They're the big hearted helpers who power us by [e-mail] you can be one of them. Your support helps pay our debaters and sound designers so we can keep making the fun and fact filled shows your family loves. Plus you get ad free versions of all of our shows. Bonus stuff and access to virtual hangs with me, Molly Again, that's smartypass.org thank you, thank you, thank you. Now on with the show.

[Merk Nguyen]

From the brains behind Brains on. It's Smash Boom Best, the show for.

[Vishal]

People with big opinions.

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, I'm Molly Bloom and this is Smash Boom Best, the show where we take two things, smash them together, and ask you to decide which one is best. Today it's a musical meltdown as we pit harmonious harmonicas against glorious glockenspiels. Two amazing instruments, only one winner. Who will it be? Let's meet our debaters first. They can be soothing or rockin'. Give it up for the glockenspiel and voice actor Merk Nguyen.

[Merk Nguyen]

Hey.

Yeah, sorry, I just rode into my Glockmobile, so.

[Molly Bloom]

And he's a comedian who blows a mean mouth harp. For Team Harmonica, it's Aron Woldeslassi.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Call me the Big Bad wolf because I'm about to blow you away.

[Molly Bloom]

And the conductor for this symphonic smackdown is our judge, Vishal from Calgary, Alberta. And he loves Dungeons and Dragons, Sonic the Hedgehog, his mom's curried potatoes, and he wants to be a lawyer someday. Hi, Vishal. Hello. So, Vishal, you are the second judge we've had this season who loves Dungeons and Dragons. I'm wondering, what do you love about it?

[Vishal]

It's just really fun that we can do whatever we want. There's no rules.

[Molly Bloom]

So what is your character's name?

[Vishal]

So at the moment I have a character named Tobjorn. Ought to be. He is a bard and that is a pun on Shakespeare.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. You know we love puns here at Smashboom. Best, what is your character's sort of like main quality?

[Vishal]

So he's really good at playing his instrument, but he has stage fright.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh. What instrument does he play?

[Vishal]

He plays the fiddle.

[Molly Bloom]

Interesting. Okay. Very appropriate for today's debate. Do you play any musical instruments?

[Vishal]

I play the piano and I'm also percussion in my school band.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, very cool. Have you played the Glockenspiel Yes. Have you played the harmonica?

[Vishal]

I tried it once.

[Merk Nguyen]

Mmm.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay. Okay. So what would you like to pass on to our debaters today from all your debating experience?

[Vishal]

Puns are pretty great for debates because, well, not only can it be a good argument, but it can also make the other person laugh. And if you're funny, you're also more convincing.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, excellent. Excellent advice. Will Vishal side with Aron and the harmonica or Merc and the Glockenspiel? We're about to find out. But first, here are the rules. Every debate consists of four. The declaration of greatness, the micro round, the sneak attack, and the final six. After each round, our judge Vishal will award points for the team that impresses him the most. But he'll keep his decisions top secret until the end of the debate. Listeners, we want you to judge too. Mark down your points as you listen. At the end of the show, head to our website, smashboom.org and vote for whichever team you think won. Okay, Autorown. Merc and Vishal, are you ready?

[Merk Nguyen]

It's chime to do this.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I'm ready to rock and roll and play the blues. Any genre, really.

[Vishal]

Very ready.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. Then it's time for the declaration of greatness.

In this round, our debaters will present a well crafted, immersive argument in favor of their side. Then they'll each have 30 seconds to rebut their opponent's statements. We flipped a coin and Aron, you're up first. Tell us why harmonicas are music to your ears.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Harmonicas are cool for many reasons, but a big one is that they're small, so you can bring one with you anywhere, as little Greg found out when he got into trouble.

[Merk Nguyen]

Ah, jeez, I can't believe I got put in timeout.

[Zach]

You and me both. Howdy there, partner. I'm Zach. Welcome to Timeout. Over there we've got Steve, who plays the mouth organ.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Hiya.

[Zach]

And Tanya, who likes to play the French harp.

[Molly Bloom]

Hello.

[Zach]

And I play the tin sandwich.

[Vishal]

Mouth organ, French harp, tin sandwich. What are those wild sounding instruments?

[Molly Bloom]

Wow.

[Zach]

They're all harmonicas, buddy boy. Harmonicas have tons of names and come in tons of styles. It's the perfect instrument to play while you're stuck in time out. Heck, I was putting time out for fartin on my friend's spaghetti, and now I can already play this.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I was putting time out for burping at my sister, and now I can play this.

[Merk Nguyen]

I was put in time out for insider trading. Now I can play this.

Wow, you guys sound Incredible.

[Zach]

Here, I have a spare. Give it a go.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Getting in trouble is bad, but getting a harmonica is definitely good. If you haven't seen or played one yourself. The harmonica is a small reed instrument with little holes on the side. You blow or inhale through those holes to make music. Harmonicas kind of look like a metal candy bar, and they sound just as sweet. Plus, they fit any type of music, like this soul song by Stevie Wonder.

Or this rock song by Bob Dylan.

Or this pop song by Pitbull.

And they do sound effects too. Like, for example, is that a train or a tin sandwich?

Sounds like a train but fits in your pocket. It makes sense that the harmonica is good at impersonations. One of its early relatives was something called a vowel organ. It was invented in the late 1700s by a Dutch physician and physicist. He hoped one day people could use it to impersonate human speech.

[Molly Bloom]

Ladies and gentlemen, behold my new invention, the mechanical voice box.

[Merk Nguyen]

This will allow people who can't talk to speak again.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

This thing sounds amazing. We should play it at parties.

[Merk Nguyen]

Actually, it's a medical device.

[Zach]

Yeah, it is, because it's freaking sick.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

The original vowel organ was the size of a piano. And like the cell phone and the computer. But unlike the glockenspiel, this instrument got smaller and smaller as it got more popular. Eventually, it became the harmonica. By the 1900s, harmonicas were played all over the world and even above it. On Christmas Day in 1965, a US astronaut floating in a spaceship busted out a little harmonica to play Jingle Bells.

It was the first instrument ever played in space. And get this, the astronaut snuck that harmonica on board because obviously his glockenspiel wouldn't fit. Truly, the harmonica packs big fun in a little package. That's why so many people play it from Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Little Walter, and me, Greg.

[Merk Nguyen]

The Killing Timeout from before.

[Vishal]

Check it out.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Wow. Amazing. How long did it take you to learn that?

[Merk Nguyen]

About as long as it takes to.

[Vishal]

Realize harmonicas are better than Glock and Spiels.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Why, that's not very long at all. So if you like a portable melodic instrument that sounds good in any genre, pick up a mouth organ, a French harp, a tin sandwich, whatever you call it, just grab yourself a harmonica.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Excellent work. I didn't know there were so many different words for harmonica. Incredible. Vishal, what stood out to you about Autaron's declaration?

[Vishal]

I find it really interesting that harmonicas were first built to imitate human speech. I didn't know that. That's actually really cool. And then the thing about them having a lot of names also really awesome.

[Merk Nguyen]

I didn't know that.

[Molly Bloom]

Tin sandwich. Merc, it is time for your rebuttal. Tell us why harmonicas are just blowing hot air. You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Vishal]

Okay.

[Merk Nguyen]

You said that glocketry's were not small and portable. Actually, they vary in size. The one I have folds up and you could fit it inside a backpack. Also, you said that harmonicas, they got smaller, like computers. Unlike the glockenspiel, there's the big glockenspiel in Germany. It's like a whole building. And again, the mind fits in a backpack. Also, you said the harmonica is like a metal candy bar. How about 24 candy bars? Because you got metal bars on the glockenspiel. Also, why do y' all fart in each other's spaghetti? Like, what's up with that?

[Molly Bloom]

You know, I just want to say.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

That 24 candy bars is wildly unhealthy. That's too many candy bars, right? One candy bar is all you need. And also, like, yeah, you can fold it up and put it into your backpack, which I'm sure is like so jam packed with glockenspiel stuff. Whereas I can take my harmonica, put in my back pocket, climb a mountain, get on a mountaintop and play some beautiful blues to the entire world.

[Merk Nguyen]

It's true, it's a different vibe, but like, you know, you got this glockenspiel sticking out of your backpack or they actually make specific cases for it and people go, hey, what's the. Oh, look at those mallets. It piques people's curiosity and it gives them the opportunity to learn something cool. This instrument that they might have not seen before.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Vishal, think all that musical mayhem over. We'll be right back after this.

Back to the action. Merc, it's time for your declaration. Give us your best glockenspiel for this interesting instrument.

[Merk Nguyen]

The German language has a lot of words that just perfectly sum up very specific feelings. Like Trepenwitz. That's when someone says something witty or maybe insulting to you and you can't think of a good response. But then after you leave, the perfect comeback hits you.

[Zach]

Ah, that's what I should have said. Classic Trepenwitz or Sturmfrei.

[Merk Nguyen]

That's the feeling of fun and freedom you get when you're a kid who's old enough to be left at home alone. I have the whole place to myself.

[Vishal]

Woo, Sturmfrei.

[Merk Nguyen]

And then there's the Best German word of all. Are you ready for this? I'm not sure you're ready for this. It's glockenspiel. That's right. Literally translating to playing bells. It really means the feeling you get when you play the world's most perfect musical instrument. Well, that's the feeling I get when I say the word glockenspiel.

The glockenspiel is a percussion instrument. It's a series of metal bars in a row that go from biggest to smallest. They can be the size of a table or as small as a shoebox, depending on the type of sound you need. When you strike the metal bars with a mallet, it makes the most beautiful, clear ringing tone.

Is that the sound of magic? The sound of delight, Of a wish coming true? Yes, and yes and yes. Much better than some instruments that sound like four rusty doors struggling to open all at once.

Lots of schools have glockenspiels in their music classrooms because they are easy to play. In fact, it was the first instrument I ever learned. Now picture this. Little Merk walks into the music room. Music class. My favorite time of the day. She glances around. There's a ukulele.

Nice, but looks tricky. A box of egg shakers, Colorful, but kinda limited. And then little Merc sees it. A flat wooden box, kinda like a big pencil case. And on top, shiny flat metal bars. Let's see what happens when I tap them.

[Molly Bloom]

Whoa.

[Merk Nguyen]

That's glorious.

I didn't really know what I was doing, but it still sounded good. Because the glockenspiel is a very forgiving instrument that gives kids confidence to keep exploring and experimenting. I didn't play many other instruments growing up. I had lots of friends who did. And seeing how they tapped into their interests and musical stank faces, you know, the one when someone's, like, really jamming out, was instead inspiring. I never considered myself much of a musician, but the glockenspiel helped me to connect musically. By the time I was an adult, I moved on to other experiments. But one day I was walking down the street and it hit me. Oh, yes, Glockenspiel is also the sound of a good idea hitting you. I thought, hey, I'm a grown up, I have money. I can buy my own glockenspiel. It felt so good being reunited with my first musical love.

Ah, I forgot to mention, it's also the sound of falling in love. Lots of other people love it too. Feist Canadian indie pop royalty used the glockenspiel to add whimsy and Excitement to the end of her song Mushaboom.

Bruce Springsteen, a rock and roll icon known to his fans as the Boss, used a glockenspiel on one of his biggest hits.

And then, of course, there's the OG Star of classical music, boy wonder Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The glockenspiel is featured prominently in one of his greatest operatic hits, the Magic Flute.

So the glockenspiel sounds beautiful, works in all kinds of songs, is great for kids and maestros alike, and super fun to say. Oh, yeah, and the glockenspiel is also the sound of a winning argument.

[Molly Bloom]

Wow, that declaration was music to my ears. Vishal, what did you think about Merck's declaration? What stood out to you?

[Vishal]

I do like that you mentioned how glockenspiels are really easy to learn, but that's also a little bit untrue because actually doing pieces correct is pretty difficult. It was pretty funny, though, so I'll give you that.

[Merk Nguyen]

Nice. I'll take it. You know, sometimes it's not about being correct music. It's about just jamming and getting that stank face on. But I hear you, I hear you.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I think, being correct.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, save it for the rebuttal. Okay, Adarona, it's time for your rebuttal. Why do you think glockenspiels always hit a sour Note? You've got 30 seconds and your time starts now.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

You know, you mentioned a lot of things about glockenspiel, but just glockenspiel. Because that's the thing about glockenspiel. It's only got the one name, which makes it. I feel like it's a pretty good sign that it's not universally, like, appreciated. You know, if something's really liked, it's got a lot of different names, a lot of key factors that go into naming it. Second thing you said people play glockenspiel over. People like to play it, you know, where they haven't played it. Space. So there's that. Also, you said Bruce Springsteen played the glockenspiel. You know what? He also played the harmonica in Thunder Road. Stop, stop.

[Merk Nguyen]

Hey, you know, the glockenspiel just has the one name because it's that recognizable. That's all I gotta say. Less is more. Unless, you know, you're talking about metal bars. The more the merrier than glockenspiel, you know?

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Yeah, I like metal bars. I think, you know, we should put the glockenspiel behind some metal bars because it's criminal how bad it is That's. Yeah, yeah. You like that?

[Merk Nguyen]

Tell that to all the songs that have used the glockenspiel and their music. Yikes.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I'd rather tell the harmonica and his good friend the tin sandwich and his better friend the mouth organization.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, Vishal, it is time to award some points. Please give one point to the declaration of greatness that you liked best and one point to the rebuttal that won you over. You get to decide what makes a winning argument. Did one team's jokes make you giggle? Was another team's logic impeccable? Was it pun derful? Award your points, but don't tell us who they're going to.

Have you made your decision?

[Vishal]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Excellent. Merk and Otteron, how are you two feeling? So far? Pretty good.

[Merk Nguyen]

I'm just thinking about some of the things said earlier. And, you know, like, the Gawkins drill is pretty forgiving because even if you mess up, like, it still sounds pretty. But like the harmonica, I mean, like, you could blow too loud and someone would be like, ow, my ears. And then you have to pay for liability because you know they have to go to the hospital for ear damage.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Also, I want you to. I want listeners to know, like, you can absolutely get injured on the glockenspiel. You could just as easily throw that mallet onto your hand. Break a finger, Throw it.

[Molly Bloom]

What?

[Merk Nguyen]

They're really light mallets.

[Vishal]

Speaking from experience, they are in fact very light.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I mean, what if you drop them and they hit? What if you drop it and it lands on your foot? Then you got a broken toe, Then you can't.

[Molly Bloom]

Like I'm hearing some logical facts.

[Vishal]

If you drop spiel or the mallet. Because if you drop the glockenspiel, it would hurt. But why are you picking up a Glock it Spiel?

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Apparently you gotta move it around, right?

[Merk Nguyen]

Aron is just super strong. That's what he's trying to say. And I'll give that to you.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, thank you. Well, it's time for a quick break. Practice your scales and brush up on your musical notation.

[Vishal]

And we'll be right back with some more Smashboom. Best.

[Merk Nguyen]

You're listening to State of Debate. Home to rage and rhetoric and awe inspiring argumentation.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

What's up, my debate debuddies? This is Todd Douglas and I'm here with my friend till the end, Taylor Lincoln.

[Molly Bloom]

Shh.

[Merk Nguyen]

My neighbors are feuding. They've been arguing all week. I can't even handle all the logical fallacies they've been throwing at each other.

[Molly Bloom]

Oof.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Those are debate mistakes that make your argument easy to defeat.

[Merk Nguyen]

Correctamundo. Let's listen.

[Zach]

I'm telling you, Belinda, your lawn flamingos are driving down property values for the entire neighborhood. You really should put up lawn gnomes instead. Much classier. I should know. I had one of the best ones on the block.

[Molly Bloom]

And the gorgeous gnome he was.

[Zach]

I know you've been sniffing after him to add to your collection.

[Molly Bloom]

I have so many gnomes of my own.

[Zach]

This one came with its own little shovel.

[Molly Bloom]

And I loved him. He sounds like a real sweetie.

[Zach]

Belinda, did you take my garden gnome?

[Molly Bloom]

You love tacos.

[Zach]

What? No, I don't.

[Molly Bloom]

I'm pretty sure you do. And why wouldn't you?

[Zach]

They're delicious tacos. I thought we were discussing garden gnomes.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Whoa. Belinda really threw a curve ball in that combo.

[Merk Nguyen]

She sure did. Belinda was using a red herring fallacy. That's where she changed the subject mid debate. Because she was screaming, skirting the real issue.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Tacos really are the best.

[Merk Nguyen]

They really are. Even though they had nothing to do with whether she stole Barry's garden gnome.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

So did she steal it?

[Zach]

We'll never know.

[Merk Nguyen]

See you next time on State of Debate.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Smash.

[Molly Bloom]

Boom.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Best.

[Molly Bloom]

You're listening to smashboom Best. I'm your host, Molly Bloom.

[Vishal]

And I'm your judge, Vishal.

[Molly Bloom]

And we love getting debate suggestions from our listeners. Like this one from listener Rosie. She pitched us lions versus grizzly bears.

[Vishal]

That debate has some real bite.

[Molly Bloom]

Truly. We'll check back in at the end of this episode to see which side Rosie thinks should win.

[Vishal]

And now it's back to the debate. Glockenspiel versus harmonica.

[Molly Bloom]

That's right. And it's time for round two, the.

[Merk Nguyen]

Micro round.

[Molly Bloom]

It's time for a fact off. Merc and Aron will each get three chances to make a microargument backed by a cool fact or idea. Aron went first last time. So, Merc, you start us off.

[Merk Nguyen]

Okay, so the glockenspiel, you said that it's just one note. You know, Glockenspiel doesn't have a tin sandwich name. However, it is technically a percussion instrument. So it's like a drum. And it's one of the rare ones that can also make a really mean melody. So the whole. Oh, it's just got one thing. It's actually. It belongs to a big family of instruments.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Hmm. You know, the harmonica. It's got some pretty incredible stories behind it. Like, legend has it that the Old west icons like Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp played the Harmonica probably, like, looking super cool, leaning against the old saloon, like, tipping their hat, watching old tumbleweeds fly by, roll by.

[Merk Nguyen]

Okay, sure, harmonicas are cool. My grandpa played one really cool. But I can't think of a single harmonica that's a tourist attraction. But glockenspiels, There's a super famous one in Germany, and it's the old kind that uses bells because, you know, glockenspiels evolved, and the bells are a part of the clock tower that's got a bunch of mechanical figures. Huge tourist attract. It plays several times a day, and crowds gather every day to just listen to that music. So glockenspiels, they, you know, they're pretty cool. They got stories on their own.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

That's really interesting, Marc. You know, people coming in to listen to the glockenspiel a couple times a day. You know, what's a. You know, what's even better than a couple times a day? 24 hours in a day, because that's the longest anyone has ever played the harmonica without taking a break. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Bonnie B. Played a full day of gnarly notes in 2009 on the harmonica.

[Merk Nguyen]

So, like, going to the bathroom during those 24 hours, just, like, playing the. That's a question I have. Oh, okay. Another fact. You know, the first glockenspiels were made with little bells. I know I just mentioned in Germany, they're, like, you know, part of the building. It's huge. But they are known for their magical whimsy and charm. Even though. Sure, the harmonica is associated with specific genres and multiple genres of music, there's something so specific about a glockenspiel that even if you're playing a song of a different genre, you know, very specifically, oh, that's a glockenspiel. And even if you don't know the name, you're like, it's that one instrument, and it just puts a smile on your face.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Mm. You know, lots of people have been saying, oh, that one instrument about the harmonica for kind of a really long time. In fact, the harmonica's roots go back to 1100 BCE to a Chinese instrument called the Shang, proving awesome sounds are timeless.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, my goodness, What a fact. Off which one of these is that instrument? Vishal, what stood out to you about this micro round?

[Vishal]

So the thing about how old harmonicas are, that was cool. But also, my one question about 247 harmonica. Was that actually music, or were they just, like, playing it while doing their everyday activities?

[Molly Bloom]

Great question.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Really great question. I think I respect the people of Guinness, the Guinness Book, work of world Records, to make sure that Bonnie wasn't just playing any sounds. She was probably playing beautiful music. And honestly, that's one of the magical things about the harmonica. Even when you're not trying to play beautiful music, you're playing beautiful music.

[Merk Nguyen]

I could say the same thing for the glockenspiel, though. Cause I mean, like, you know, wow, that's so beautiful. And even if I'm, like, kind of sad, look, still really beautiful.

[Molly Bloom]

Vishal, it is time to award a point for this micro round. The criteria are totally subjective and totally up to you. Please award that point, but don't tell us who it's going to.

Have you made your decision? I have.

Perfect. Keep it a secret and we'll be right back.

Want SmashBoom best without the ad breaks. Join Smarty Pass and get an ad free feed of this and all the other brains on universe shows. Plus, you'll get to do virtual hangs with me and the crew and discounts on merch. Sign [e-mail] thanks. Boom.

[Merk Nguyen]

Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Boom.

[Zach]

Boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Boom.

[Merk Nguyen]

Boom.

[Zach]

Boom, boom.

[Molly Bloom]

Smash. Boom.

[Zach]

Best.

[Molly Bloom]

This debate is red hot, so let's keep cooking with our third round, the super stealthy.

Sneak attack. This is our improvised round where debaters have to respond to a challenge on the spot. Today's sneak attack is called sloganeering. Your job is to come up with a few slogans for your side, like Skittles, Taste the Rainbow, or Nikes. Just do it. But since we're talking music, I want you to use your instruments to make a jingle that goes along with your slogan. So let's start with you, Otto, and let's hear a slogan for harmonicas.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Harmonicas. Don't forget to pack a tin sandwich.

[Molly Bloom]

Mmm, yummy.

[Vishal]

Okay, okay. Oh, my tea.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, Merk, it's your turn. Please give us a slogan for glockenspiels.

[Merk Nguyen]

Lock in to the glockenspiel no matter how you feel.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. All right, so I'm going to do a little spin for this next one. Since we're talking about instruments, what about a little jingle for your slogan this time maybe with a little music accompaniment from your instrument? Auto, you want to play a little harmonica and tell us a slogan?

[Aron Woldeslassi]

The harmonica is a mouth organ. Be a donor.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. Okay, Merck, let's hear your final pitch for the glory of glockenspiels.

[Merk Nguyen]

Okay, okay.

Glockenspiel. Mallet. The pallet. No, wait.

[Molly Bloom]

Hold on.

Hold on.

[Merk Nguyen]

You can pallet with your mallets with the glockenspiel.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh man. Very nice. We really, we really put you to the test this time with this sneak attack. Vishal, please think about which side slogans and tunes impressed you the most. Was one. Super catchy. Was one. Inspiring. Award your fourth point, but don't tell us who it's going to.

Have you made your decision?

[Vishal]

I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Perfect. Then it's time for our final round.

[Merk Nguyen]

The final six.

[Molly Bloom]

In this round, each team will have just six words to sum up the glory of their side. Feel free to use your instrument or not. Totally up to you. Music will not count against your six words. Okay, Merc, let's hear your six word symphony for glockenspiels.

[Merk Nguyen]

Multiplicitous metallic musical. Mm mm. Glockenspiel.

[Molly Bloom]

Wonderful. Okay, Aron, it's your last chance to let us hear it for harmonicas.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Guys, harmonicas will blow you away.

[Molly Bloom]

Very nice. Okay, Vishal, it is time to award a final point for this final six.

Have you made your decision?

[Vishal]

Yes, I have.

[Molly Bloom]

Are you ready to crown one instrument that smash boom Bess?

[Vishal]

Yes, I am.

[Molly Bloom]

All right, drumroll please. And the winner is.

[Vishal]

Glockenspiels.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh my goodness. Vishal, was there a moment that decided things for you? What was your favorite part?

[Vishal]

It was tied until the final six. No.

It was back and forth until final six.

[Molly Bloom]

As close as close can be.

[Merk Nguyen]

Aron, you brought so many facts. It's been around for a long time. It's harmony is ka. You know, it's like it's a really cool instrument. And again, my grandpa played that and he's not here anymore. So it just makes me happy thinking of people bringing life to this instrument.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Merk, you are so talented, Quippy, witty and delightful. I didn't know. I didn't know hardly anything about the glockenspiel until I had to debate you. You made this instrument not just sound incredible, but feel incredible just to learn everything about it.

[Molly Bloom]

And that is it for today's debate battle. Vishal crown Glockenspiel the smashboom best. But what about you?

[Vishal]

Go to smashboom.org and vote since tell us who you think won.

[Molly Bloom]

This episode was produced by me, Molly Bloom, Mark Sanchez and Sandman Totten. It was sound designed by Mark Sanchez and he also wrote our theme song. We had engineering help from Donovan Kelly. Our announcer is Marley Foyer Worker Auto. And we want to give a special thanks to Austin Cross and Taylor Kaufman. Auto own. Is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to today?

[Aron Woldeslassi]

I want to give a special shout out to my mom who bought me my very first harmonica. Thanks, mom. I love you.

[Molly Bloom]

How about about you, Merc? Any special shout outs?

[Merk Nguyen]

My elementary school music teachers who introduced me to this wonderful instrument.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, that's wonderful. And how about you, Vishal? Any special thanks or shout outs?

[Vishal]

I'd like to thank my parents for bringing me here. I'd like to thank you guys for having me on the show. And I'd like to thank my band teacher for teaching me how to play both of these instruments.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, I love this. All right, before we go, let's check in and see who Rosie thinks should win the debate between lions and grizzly bears.

[Merk Nguyen]

I think lions would win because lions can run 50 mph and grizzlies can only run 35. Lions have a big fuzzy mane that protects them from bites. Lions have a powerful bite. And that's why I think lions are the Smashboom Best.

[Molly Bloom]

If you're between the ages of 13 and 18 and you'd like to be a judge, or if you're any age and you have an idea for a knockdown drag out debate, head to smashboom.org contact and drop us a line. And if you're a fan of the show and want to keep it going, head to smartypass.org to subscribe. We'll be back next week with a new Smashboom Best Episode, Pigs vs. Frogs. Bye.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Goodbye.

[Merk Nguyen]

The spiel is over. Have a nice day.

[Molly Bloom]

Better than the rest. It's.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Okay, Harmonicas.

I got it.

[Molly Bloom]

All right.

[Aron Woldeslassi]

Harmonica.

[Merk Nguyen]

Just.

[Vishal]

I thought that was it.

[Merk Nguyen]

That's it.