Re: [Harp-L] comb questions



When considering "superior" woods for comb production, you might
consider whether another non-wood material is superior to any wood.
I think Vern Smith proved to us a few years back that combs can be
made from nearly any material (he made combs from concrete, balsa
wood, and styrofoam, among other materials), and cast serious doubts
on the idea that the material of the comb makes a perceptible
difference in tone.

I agree. Guitars, violins, etc are made out of wood because the wood has room to vibrate and improve the tone. Harmonicas were made from wood because plastics didn't exist in the early 1900's and wood is easier to cut than metal. When you squeeze a small block of wood between two metal plates using screws, there is no vibration or tone eminating from the wood. When you seal it, you are essentially turning the block of wood into a piece of plastic. Wood does look nicer, though.


Tom






This archive was generated by a fusion of Pipermail 0.09 (Mailman edition) and MHonArc 2.6.8.