Re: RE: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2010 Comb Test: Retraction & Apology

[Pat Powers <patpowers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I could see where a violin, hollow body guitar, or even a horn could be affected by the material used to form the resonant chamber.

On a violin, for example, the type of wood used and how it was treated and aged definitely effects the sound coming out of the instrument.  That is why a 100 year old Stradivarius is worth more than a new Yamaha.  Same with a horn, the bell of the instrument forms a resonant cavity, and thus the material affectsd effect the sound coming out. I know from experience that a composite clarinet sounds different than a wooden one.

So, on that note, I guess the comb material could have some effect on sound, but not on a 1st order level.  Im guessing it;s more like a like a 2nd or 3rd order effect.  This train of thought then indicates we should probably looking more at the cover plate materials than the comb materials, as the covers form the resonant chamber of the instrument.
    
I know there are some after market cover plates already out there with engineered shapes that form a larger chamber over the low notes, and taper to a smaller cavity for the high notes.  Most of those appear to be made out of plastic, and come in a wide variety of candy-like colors.  I've never tried any of them, but I would be interested in hearing an opinion form somebody who has.  

So, on that note -- I wonder what carved wooden cover plates would sound like?  ..or carbon fiber composite?   .. or fiberglass re-inforced nylon???   It stands to reason that the cover plate material would have a much more predominant effect on sound than the comb material.  I'm not not discounting the opiinon that the comb material has SOME effect, there are very knowledable people out there that say it does, but I would think the the cover plate material would have more.

Just some food for thought -- feedback and opinons are welcome.


     Pat Powers

patpowers@xxxxxxxxxxx

Sep 2, 2010 05:20:28 AM, patrickkilleen@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:



> From: chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 21:15:46 +0000
> 
> I don' think you have a pianist or violinist having a materials debate, I wonder why?
> 
> Best,
> Rob Paparozzi



However brass and woodwind player do debate whether or not materials make a 

difference, for example:

http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/jom/0708/roncone-0708.html



The difference is that instruments like pianos, violins and guitars use a soundboard 

to amplify their sound, and the materials that the soundboard is made of has a huge

effect on their tone. Whilst the body of brass and woodwind instruments is just there to 

contain a vibrating column of air.



In a harmonica the comb chanels air, so it's much more like the body of a brass instrument 

than that of a violin or piano.



Regards

Patrick