Re: [Harp-L] Cover Shapes and Materials


On Jul 12, 2008, at 2:05 PM, MundHarp@xxxxxxx wrote:

_jross38@xxxxxxxxxxxx (mailto:jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx) writes:


I  believe John Walden mentioned it already, but there was a test done
(I can't remember if it was at SPAH or not) where brass and plastic
covers for a CX-12 were used to see if there was a difference
listeners could hear between the two.  There was not.

No one could tell the difference. Ok, who was there? Who made up the group of 'they says' that led to the conclusion 'They say, no one could tell the difference'. I they were old people, people with hearing imparements, or talking during the test, like Don Juan, I Don Juan a hear about it.

Not an ideal test by any means, but much like the comb materials tests, it
indicates that cover material is probably unimportant in tonal issues.

Ok, gotcha so far.

I believe the cover plates make a BIG difference to the harmonica player,
but probably little or no difference to the audience!

Yes, that's all I've ever said too.

As a musician, just get the instrument that suite YOU!
As for chrom harmonicas, I like 270s... Why? Because I've been playing them
since I was 8 years old and I'm used to them. I've got a Renny, and a few
CX-12, Plus a few 16 hole chroms that LEAK. I even had my Larry Adler 16
re-combed by the excellent USA harp tech Bill Rommel, and it still leaks. I guess
that is why most pro chrom players use 3 octave rather than 4 octave
instruments....

Yes, with 3 fourths the octaves, you get 3 fourths the leaks.

I guess it MIGHT be possible to obtain a great 4 octave chrom that
doesn't leak like a sieve, but mostly the "48s" are so much better. For everyday,
I really like the Super Chromonica with its 48 square holes. Simply because
I'm used to them.

Being used to something is a BIG issue.

Diatonics? I love the Hohner MS system. I prefer the slightly larger size, to the old
HM range. Perhaps that is because I started as a Chromatic player.

As did I

But as for cover plates, I like "Blues Harp MS"... I'm converting all of my MS harps to
the Blues Harp cover plates. Why? Because those covers bring the harp alive
in my hands!
I think a significant aspect as to a player's preference in instrument is
simply what they are used to.

Yes

My preference is for a metal comb. Titanium (1st choice) Stainless Steel
(2nd choice) Plated brass (3rd choice) Aluminum, (4th choice). Perhaps it is
just the way the harmonica FEALS as one plays it.
But I don't think the audience will ever notice.

Depends. Look, I don't want to hut anyones feeling here but when you go to a convention, the people can be grouped into roughly 3 groups. I could do 9 goups, but why confuse everyone. So here they are:
1... The big guns. About 8 1/2 to 9 %. These are people who have been at the top of the tree for a while. Some longer than others, but it suffices to say that they have paid so much dues and put in so much time, that they hear what they WANT to hear. They don't analyze so much because they already have their own sound and are working on keeping it. Any sound they hear results in "Oh, I would have done it this way, or that way".

2... The average crowd. About 29 1/2 %. These are people who have either been on top and are fading, OR are still climbing, OR are at the place they are satisfied to be AT. I place myself in this category. These are people who are still learning or understand what they are hearing. They can hear THROUGH style and presentation and hear the real notes. They are analytical because they know their limitations and are receptive to new ideas.

3... The crowd. About 62%, These are people who are passionate about the harmonica but are more easily swayed by showmanship, stage presence, a persons looks or behavior, the material they choose, flash bang grenade styles, humor.

What I'm saying here is that in ANY study, you have to take out the human element. I (personally) feel EXACTLY like John Walden and it's as if we are clones. I'm not saying that combs or cover plates make a difference to any one else. but they DO make a difference to me. Just Saturday, a fellow came up to me and told me I was using my bronze combed Hard Bopper on a particular tune. HE seemed to be able to tell. I wonder why?

Oops, there's that 'seemed' again....sorry.....smo-joe

However. I DO notice!
John Walden
London
England





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