A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Debain, Alexandre

DEBAIN, Alexandre François, keyed instrument maker, born in Paris 1809. Originally foreman in a pianoforte factory, but in 1834 established a factory of his own. Has distinguished himself by the invention of several musical instruments, amongst others the Antiphonel—a kind of barrel-organ—the Harmonicorde—a combination of reeds and strings—and the Harmonium, or Orgue expressif. Died Nov. 77.