[Harp-L] Combs!

[Richard Sleigh <rharp@xxxxxxxxxx>]

If you don't think comb material makes a difference in the sound of a  
harmonica, I have a couple of experiments for you to try out:

Take a 1/4" thick piece of foam core board and make a comb out of it.  
Add reed plates & covers and play. Can you hear a difference now? How  
about rubber?

Some materials reflect sound, some absorb it. An unsealed pearwood  
comb absorbs some frequencies that a sealed pearwood comb reflects  
and amplifies. That is my experience, what my ears tell me. I also  
hear differences between  brass, aluminum, and other materials. Sure,  
you could mess me up if I had to listen to someone else play the  
harps while I was bilndfolded, but there is a difference between how  
I play and what I hear through bone conduction, etc.

If we really want to settle this once and for all, there are devices  
that can measure sound and quantify it much better than most humans.  
That would be much more scientific.

I was not at the comb trials that have been referenced, but at best  
they were empirical science. Not definitive proof. If someone  
recorded samples and produced voiceprints or some other spectrum  
anaylisis visuals; and they came up identical for different  
materials, I would be willing to believe that my ears are fooling me  
when I hear differences in comb material.

I know what Steve Baker is talking about. Thank you Steve, for taking  
the time to express your points so well. You saved me a lot of time  
and effort!

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