RE: Comb Material [revisited]

["jross38" <jross38@xxxxxxxxx>]

>I'm just a player. I was just telling everyone
>on harp-l that there is a difference in sound

Gee, how rude of me to ask for some actual, factual proof.  Also nice to
be told I'm either deluding myself, merely being contradictory or have
bad hearing if I don't agree with you.

If someone wishes to make a factual claim, the burden of proof is on
that person.  If I want to say definitively that cover shape makes a
difference to the sound of the harmonica then I should expect people to
ask me to prove that.  If I'm not willing to do that, then I don't have
the right to call those who disagree with me (or those who merely ask
for proof) misguided, fooled or act as if what I say is the word of god
and no brooch no disagreement.

Similarly, if I want to make a claim that lightning travels from the
ground to the sky rather than the other way around, I should expect to
be asked to prove that as well--or at least be able to direct people to
a proof that has been done by someone of repute and has been reviewed
and tested.  Legal proof is not an issue here, but rather scientific
proof.  The harmonica is a rather simple mechanical device, and like any
other it can be measured, tested and figured out.  That is the standard,
or does the harmonica not warrant such a rigorous study?

For the record, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Doug Tate,
Bobbie G and Ilus harmonicas, and none of my comments were directed at
them.  The Renaissance is the finest chromatic harmonica I have ever
played and a true thing of beauty.  Personally I think it would sound
every bit as good if it had a plastic, wood or whatever (lighter
weight:) comb made to the same exacting specifications and level of
detail as the stainless steel one currently used.  However, I don't
really care either way, and if Doug, Bobbie and others want to believe
that it sounds better with a steel comb than something else, that's fine
by me.  Now, if they want to convince me that it sounds better (or just
different) or state for a definitive fact with no caveats (ie, I
believe, or simply IMO--or even IME) that comb material makes a
difference in sound then I'll ask for some proof of that claim.  



 ()()   JR "Bulldogge" Ross
()  ()  & Snuffy, too:)
`---'