Re: Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2010 Comb Test: Retraction & Apology

[Pat Powers <patpowers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think your test was fine, and the data was conclusive.  The comb material does not have much -- if any -- effect on tone or play-ability.  I 've been fighting this debate with the wood-comb traditionalists for years -- My stand is that there is absolutey no benefit to having a wooden comb.  They swell, they warp, they crack, the finish comes off - in other words, it's a terrible base material.  In todays world with so many hybrid composite materials available, I can't understand why anyone would intentionally want a wooden comb.  Some traditionalists claim the wood comb sounds warmer.  To that I say, HOGWASH!!!  And, now I think your test proves it -- the comb material doesn't matter!
 
The only requirements of the base material is that it is dense, non-porous, easy to machine, is planarized well (nice and flat), and won't warp or crack.  
Perfect case in point, the Hohner Special-20, it sounds sweet and warm, and it has a plastic comb.  Add that SPAH test results, and I'd say that's pretty conclusive.  I'm convinced the comb material really doesn't matter.  The sound comes from the reeds, the cover cavity, and the players technique. 
 
 
-- My 2 cents
 
patpowers@xxxxxxxxxxx

Sep 1, 2010 02:35:45 PM, EGS1217@xxxxxxx wrote:


I'd think so, given Brendan's own words:

"Though I now feel our test was fatally flawed and therefore inconclusive, 
I
believe Vern and I have contributed a lot in working out useful procedures
that can be used in such a future test." 

Kudos to Brendan for being exactly who I thought he was: a stand up guy 
who's honest to a fault. His was a classy post. Takes a big person to openly 
apologize and admit mistakes.

I personally still believe any future test should include a hearing expert 
whether an audiologist, otolaryngologist or another medical professional 
with proper credentials acceptable to all participating, purely to ensure 
that all participants are at least of the same level hearing-ability wise. 
This is one of those 'other' factors I think yet to be included. But that's 
just my opinion and would influence my personal acceptance of any claimed 
'final' results, given that many musicians (testers, listeners and 
onlookers) have spent years exposed to high levels of noise which could potentially 
affect their hearing.


Elizabeth

"Message: 3
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 09:36:08 -0400
From: joe leone <3n037@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] SPAH 2010 Comb Test: Retraction & Apology
To: Brendan Power 

Cc: Harp L Harp L 

On Sep 1, 2010, at 1:51 AM, Brendan Power wrote:

> Thanks to Vern for his comprehensive round up of our recent Comb 
> Test at
> SPAH.

Does this mean that we're back to square one.
smo-joe
>


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