Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] comb material

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Zombor Kovacs" <zrkovacs@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 12:21 AM
Subject: Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] comb material



> ........My question now is: what does then effect the sound of
> the harmonica?
>
> Reed material? People say it doesnt.
> Reedplate material? No.
> Comb material? No.
> Coverplate material? No.
>
> Something must, because different harmonicas have a
> different sound. According to what you are telling me,
> no material effects the sound of the harp. This would
> mean, that the harp could be made of plastic, it
> doesn't matter. What does matter then?

Excellent question.  The size and shape of the internal sound/air passages 
matters a little. Leakage matters a lot...especially leakage through the 
slide in a chromatic.  Most of all, hand cupping, the player's embouchure, 
and breath control matter.  Our biases matter.  If we expect and/or wish to 
hear differences, then we will hear them.  This is not just an accusation 
that I hurl at believers.  It is human nature and I am not immune. It is why 
blind comparisons are important.

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