Re: [Harp-L] re: Combs

["r_buschner@xxxxxxxxxxx" <r_buschner@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

That reminds me on the Jew's Harp - it's very similar to a harmonica
regarding a chopped air column, with the exception, that the "reed"
isn't activated by the air stream, but snipped by the players fingers. 

Nevertheless it sounds very weak without a steady stream of air - and it
sounds even less, when it isn't kept at the players mouth, having the
mouth as a kind of resonance chamber. But with a steady stream of air it
becomes really loud - that's what it has common with a harmonica. And
the sound of the chopped air column would completely mask the sound of
the vibrating "reed".

What about "comb" materials here - does it make a difference, what kind
of material the players teeth are made of?
Does he have his original teeth, or are his 3rd ones made out of
ceramics or plastics? Can we hear a difference? And could at least he
hear a difference then?

Seeya,
Ralf



-----Original Message-----
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:31:52 +0200
Subject: [Harp-L] re: Combs
From: Joe Mahan <joe.mahan@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx

On the "chopped air/siren" theory:
Take a low-pitched harp, hit it with a single quick blow, and pull it 
away from your mouth quickly.
What do you hear, and feel with your hands? It's certainly noticeable, 
how significant is debatable.
It seems to indicate that there is something besides chopped air 
happening in the comb and cover plates.
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