[Harp-L] Comparisons

[Jonathan Ross <jross38@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I can't watch the video in question, but I would hope a custom  
harmonica sounds better than a stock model one--the personlizes set  
up, tuning and the like should make the custom easier and more  
comfortable to play, which is usually reflected in the sound.

But, all this is meaningless.  Ben knows which harp he is playing so  
could easily be changing how he plays to reflect this unconsciously-- 
the same way you unconsciously change embouchure and the like when  
playing a higher and a lower pitched harp.

Worse yet for comparisons, I think I'm safe in assuming (and if I'm  
wrong it's because I can't see the video for now) the viewer or  
listener knows which is which.  No matter how objective the listener  
is trying to be, that knowledge is horribly corruptive and cannot be  
un-known.  It will reflect in what we percieve, what we think we hear  
as oppossed to what we might actually hear (often but not always the  
same thing).

Not being able to watch I can't say for myself, but these are a few  
general thoughts that come to my mind whenever similar YouTube  
comparisons have come up.



JR Ross