Re: [Harp-L] comb test

[Arthur Jennings <timeistight@xxxxxxxxx>]

>From http://www.brendan-power.com/images/SPAH%20COMB%20TEST%20REPORT.pdf:

After looking at the results it is apparent that two testers decided from
>> the outset to give uniform
>>
> scores for every comb throughout the test. Another tester adopted this
> course shortly after the
> beginning, seemingly influenced by the others.
>


> A reason given by one tester who marked uniform scores is that “…The only
> perceived difference
> seemed to be in airtightness and responsivness of the reeds as a result of
> differences in screw
> tolerances and comb flatness between each comb switch… the tests in the end
> were very inconclusive
> due to large variances other than the comb materials”.
>


> The opinion is noted. However this argument is not really convincing, for
> two reasons:
>


> 1. It can be seen from the score sheets that Vern retained the brass comb
> four times in a row, and
> he has stated that he did not adjust the screws at all between changes. So
> for those four tests
> there could not have been any ‘variances’ or ‘differences’, as claimed
> above.
> 2. It can be heard from the sound clips that the harp was in reasonable
> playable condition for
> every test, with every comb. All combs were sanded and tested for flatness.
> While the
> assembly may not have been perfectly airtight to the level of a custom
> harp, given the need for
> quick changes between tests we feel it played sufficiently well for the
> purposes of this
> experiment (akin to a stock Marine Band). Listen to the sound clips and
> judge for yourselves.
>


> This obstructive approach of three of the test players certainly wasted
> their time and everyone elses:
> the other testers and the volunteers Michelle and Winslow who gave their
> time to help Vern and me.
> How unfortunate: if they had decided to take this action, why not withdraw
> from the test and hand
> over the job to others who would have enjoyed giving their honest
> appraisals, and provided us with
> more useful data for the benefit of everyone? It disrespected the hard work
> Vern and I put in to create
> the test, plus the many who have expressed interest in the test results.
>

On Fri, Aug 27, 2010 at 7:38 AM, <captron100@xxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> From: Jonathan Ross wrote:
>
> It's a shame that some of the participants chose to scuttle the
> project rather than take part.  The conditions were known in advance,
> and if they had issues once they were there they should have simply
> backed out and allowed you to find others in their place.  What they
> did was dishonrable in the extreme.  Frankly, I think you should post
> their names--there is a good place for public rebukes and this is one of
> them.
>
>
> I went to Brendan's site and check details about the test and see nothing
mentioned about this.  Can u pls. explain what happened?
ron - FL Keys

>
>
>
>


-- 
Arthur Jennings
http://www.timeistight.com