Re: [Harp-L] Comb material

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

The effect or lack thereof of material on harmonica tone has been thoroughly 
explored on harp-l circa 1996-1997 and from time to time since.  There are 
many old-timers who will groan that a revival of the thread would be 
redundant.

The believers claim that they can hear a difference in the tones of 
harmonicas that they attribute to the properties of the comb and cover 
materials.  Players pay premium prices for harps with combs of brass, 
titanium, maple, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. under the assumption that 
their tone is superior. Hohner claims that there are tonal differences 
attributable to different kinds of wood.

The skeptics (including me) say that the principles of acoustics do not 
predict such an effect and that the believers have been unable to 
demonstrate the ability to hear it under controlled conditions in comparison 
tests that were conducted at SPAH 97 and Buckeye 98.   I have a standing 
offer to wager $1000 that no person can hear the effect under controlled 
conditions.

Vern
Visit my harmonica website: http://www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tony Renshaw" <tonyrenshaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 1:12 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] Comb material


> Sensational comment pending:
> I need convincing that there is anything in the idea that the material a 
> comb is made from will greatly effect the sound, as I believe the fingers 
> of the comb, being similar size  in sectional area compared to the voids 
> they create, inflexible, and simply making up the sidewalls of the sound 
> chambers with a slot and reed as the only escape for airflow, can have any 
> effect on the tone of the note. So, all you guys out there including my 
> very experienced teacher who believe wood is the only option, even if you 
> seal it in such a fashion that the timber cannot breath, please explain 
> yourselves at your leisure. I am a sceptic, and don't at this stage see 
> the point in paying double for a tricked up marine band, with all the 
> additional cost in a comb that, sofar, I don't see any benefit in having.

There may be benefits worth the price in getting a material that is more 
stable than untreated wood in the presence of moisture and in getting a 
superior job of reed adjustment.

> Yes, it is still wood, and guitars are still made from this material, but 
> to create  voids only, I simply don't get it. The statement is that "I 
> will never get tricked up Special 20s to sound like tricked up Marine 
> Bands"
> Standing by...................and any input greatly appreciated