Re: [Harp-L] Re: Comb Debate Revisited

[Frank Mangiapane <frank.mangiapane@xxxxxxxxx>]

*I predict that under the conditions of the proposed test that only Superman
will be able to tell the difference and I am willing to bet a new "Manji"
for a new  "1847" , any takers?
*
On Sat, Jul 17, 2010 at 9:49 AM, Brendan Power <bren@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

> BluzeHarp said: "That said... and without changing anything about the
> tests,
> an audio
> recording would be nice to have."
>
> That's already planned, Chris. Here's the summary once more (with a bit of
> extra detail), for anyone who didn't see the original post:
> ------------------
> -----------------
>
> THE COMB DEBATE REVISITED: Player, Close Listener & Spectrograph Test
> Co-Conducted by Brendan Power & Vern Smith. Custom combs supplied by Chris
> Reynolds
>
> The aim of this test is to see what can be discovered about the sounds of a
> harmonica with different comb materials, when listened to up-close under
> controlled conditions by three parties: 1. Players 2. Close Human Listeners
> 3. Microphone and Spectrograph. One issue we hope to shed light on is "Can
> the player perceive differences in comb materials?" The test is NOT aiming
> to prove that right or wrong, simply to gather useful data for those who
> are
> interested in this question.
>
> In doing the testing, we will record spectrograph images of many common
> comb
> materials, and there could be some interesting ancillary data (eg. possible
> tonal differences between embouchures: Tongue Blocking vs. Lip Pursing vs.
> U-Blocking).
>
> We will use only one set of diatonic reedplates and coverplates on all
> combs, from a Hohner Marine Band Deluxe. Vern has made a special bracket
> which will enable fast comb changes and mask the varying weights of the
> different combs. The comb smell/feels will be masked so that the different
> materials cannot be sensed by lips/tongue. The harps will be cleaned with
> an
> alcohol wipe between each test.
>
> We will be testing eight materials which are commonly used in diatonic
> harmonica combs: Pear Wood, ABS Plastic, Diamondwood, Corian, Acrylic,
> Brass, Bamboo, Aluminium Alloy. Aside from the stock Hohner combs, the
> identically sized/shaped custom combs will be made to exacting
> specifications by Chris Reynolds. They will be available for sale after the
> test.
>
> There will be six test players. They will be blindfolded and wear ear
> mufflers between each test (so they cannot listen to the other testers
> before/after their test). They will be respected names who have different
> styles and embouchures (tongue block/lip purse/U block). For the
> spectrograph readings, two single test tones of 3 seconds each will be
> taken
> for each comb: a blow and a draw on hole 4. For the test playing, each
> player will choose a favourite selection of phrases which they duplicate to
> the best of their ability on every comb. Each playing test will last 20
> seconds. Players will note their impressions immediately after each test,
> in
> isolation. The players will not confer or communicate with each other in
> any
> way during the testing procedure.
>
> The three Close Human Listeners (within 30 cm away from the played harp)
> will also be blindfolded for each test, and not permitted to
> confer/communicate with each other. They will also note their impressions
> immediately after each test, in isolation.
>
> The impressions will be in the form of a short multi choice questionnaire
> relating to commonly used descriptions of sound qualities. The
> Players/Close
> Listeners will be asked "Did the harp sound bright/dull, loud/soft,
> full/thin"? The options for each sound choice will be weighted with three
> numbers: 1. "Not Very" 2. "Average" 3. "Very".
>
> After the testing is concluded the results will be correlated with the
> various
> comb types and made available. The spectrograph images, test tones and all
> playing clips will also be made available online for anyone to listen to.
>
> An audience is invited to attend the test but must remain silent when each
> test is conducted, and must not influence the testing in any way.
> ------------
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions. As noted, there are various ways to do this
> test, and this is the one I've settled on after a LOT of discussion with
> Vern and Chris Reynolds. Vern has kindly agreed to help me with this test,
> and will likely conduct a differently focussed test of his own in the
> future. I hope so!
>
> As BluzeHarp also wisely said "The fun part (isn't that why we play) is
> much
> more in
> the journey/debate. If this test leaves a few lingering questions then we
> will have something more to look forward to."
>
> Indeed! My test is not intended to conclusively decide anything, simply
> collect data and impressions in a careful way for the interest of the wider
> harp community, to help inform the debate. I hope people at SPAH will
> attend
> the test themselves to verify that we've done everything in as unbiased and
> fair a way as possible.
>
> So far for the test players I have Chris Michalek and Dave Barret, as a lip
> purser and tongue-blocker respectively. I'm looking for a good U-blocker:
> can anyone recommend someone who will be at SPAH?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brendan Power
> WEBSITE: http://www.brendan-power.com
> YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/BrendanPowerMusic
>
>
>


-- 
Franko