[Harp-L] re: Sorry, it's combs again

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

First, I'm not sorry at all.  These debates are useful tools for  
increasing knowledge for anyone interested in the harmonica as a  
mechanical device and a musical instrument.  Anyone not interested  
can simply ignore them, as I routinely ignore posts about amplifiers  
(I use amps and have my preferences, I just don't find them  
interesting).  So I'm not sorry, I'm glad.

I pretty much agree with all of what Vern has written today, except  
this one part:

"Remember, the question is not about ~any~ differences, it is about  
the ability of listeners and players to ~perceive~ the differences."


I think that there are many questions.  The first is the most basic:  
does the material of the comb effect the nature of the sound produced  
by the harmonica.  All other questions follow the results of this  
one: is the difference enough to be percieved by either a listener or  
a player.  If the difference actually does exist, can players  
correctly recognize such a difference.  If not, can the difference  
effectively be discounted as of no significance.  If a difference  
does exist then why does the comb effect the sound of the harmonica.   
These are all interesting questions, but they all follow from the  
first basic one--does the material of the comb effect the sound of  
the harmonica.

I really look forward to Steve Baker's testing, and hope that like  
the first two tests attempted he will open up the procedures to harp- 
l debate before the tests so that we can better eliminate variables  
and the like.  I am fairly confident what the results will be, but if  
they do show that there is a difference, that will be no less  
interesting because it brings up all the other questions listed above  
(and more--and will need more testing to verify the results, of course).



 ()()    JR "Bulldogge" Ross
()  ()
`----'