RE: [Harp-L] Comb material

["Eric Neumann" <eneumann@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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. =)

>-----Original Message-----
>From: harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx 
>[mailto:harp-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Vern Smith
>Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 10:36 AM
>To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Comb material
>
>
>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
>
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