Does comb material make a differnce? It does to me. In combination with other factors, it changes the way I approach the instrument. Can the audience hear it? They can certainly hear the differences in my style and approach. Can they hear the difference in comb material? Depends on how you look at it.
From my point of view, the best way to compare harmonicas or comb materialsis to have them played by a machine...an air pump that sounds a continuous single note. That avoids all of the human variables such as attitude, motivation, and inability to consistently employ the same embouchure and breath control. A scientific experiment seeks to eliminate or control for all extraneous variables. The only question that I wish to argue is: "Can humans perceive differences in sound arising from differences in reed material?" My answer is that so far no one has demonstrated the ability to do so. Anyone who can do it can win $1000 from me.
From all of the theory and evidence available to me, pursuit of any desiredharmonica tone through choice of comb materials is a waste of time and money. Pursuit of dimensional stability and longevity favors plastic over wood and and metal over plastic.
Vern Visit my harmonica website www.Hands-Free-Chromatic.7p.com