Re: [Harp-L] Comb material




On Mar 31, 2005, at 11:47 AM, Eric Neumann wrote:


yeah, I believe that bet will go unclaimed. For me - using different
comb materials is basically because I know that the difference in tone
is all in my head. Literally. So, for me a controlled test would not be
possible to disclaim my personal belief.

Cham Ber Huang did quite a bit of research in the 60's, I believe. He
and his brother worked feverishly trying to unlock the secrets of the
comb material question too. There's lots to consider in comb design and
material.

Ultimately, when controlled tests, or blindfold tests are done - it
seems no person alive can tell the difference... but I reitterate, to
me, I feel wood has a warmer sound than plastic, metals are brighter.
The problem there is that I am not using controls. So, all the tonal
effect to me is just in my head - and I am fine with that. =)



Well, I believe that Vern is correct (to a point) and the bet should be safe. No, the listener will NOT hear a difference. BUT, the player WILL. I (personally) feel that beings that metal is NOT an insulator and that wood and plastic ARE, I can feel the vibrations of a solid metal harmonica through my skull and in turn this winds up in my INNER ears (which I am not inclined to remove from my skull at the present time). Ergo: your statement about it being all in your head is closer to the truth than you think :)
smokey-joe


p.s. Just spent a (Rare) session in the garage with 4 harmonicas, to wit:
1.......Hohner 270 Circassian Walnut (stock) wood comb ........sound = mellow
2.......Hering 48 Bubinga Wood (stock) wood comb = mellow
3.......Hohner 270 Walnut (stock) wood comb = mellow
4.......Hering 48 Pourous Bronze (custom) = biting.....no, piercing






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