Re: Re: [Harp-L] The shapes of the covers

["Vern Smith" <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tim Moyer" <wmharps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: Re: [Harp-L] The shapes of the covers


> Vern Smith wrote:
> > I predict that in a blind comparison of machine-blown diatonics,
> > listeners could not distinguish between groups of harps with covers
> > and no covers (much less covers having minor design differences) by
> > the sound alone.  I suggest that any effort to achieve nuances of
> > tone (warm, bright, etc.) by means of cover design is wasted.
>
> Who the hell wants to listen to a machine play a harmonica?

No one who wishes to hear a musical performance.  Only those interested in 
whether or not cover design perceptibly affects tone would choose to listen. 
Unlike a human player, a machine could be relied on to blow every harp in 
exactly the same way.

> And who cares what the listener hears?

If differences of cover design are imperceptible to the audience, why 
bother.

> What about what the *player* hears?

The player is a listener too. If there is a way to deny the player knowledge 
of what kind of covers he is playing, I predict that he would not be able to 
to distinguish among covers of  different designs.  Maybe have a second 
person stand behind the player and hold the harp for him.

The whole point of a blind comparison is to eliminate the human variables 
inherent in a musical performance.  Our concern would be acoustics, not art.

Vern