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

["Peter S..." <p.stris@xxxxxxxxx>]

Vern,

I recall from years ago, when I played just a little bit of guitar, debates
about sound differences between Martins and Ovations (wood vs. some kind of
synthetic back of the guitar body).  Ovations being brighter and Martins
warmer.

.....Pete in Alaska

 
> >
> > I don' think you have a pianist or violinist having a materials
> debate, I wonder why?
> >
> Because.....
> 
> ......in a harmonica the sound is generated by the variations in air
> flow as the reed opens and closes the slot. The sound travels through
> the air to your ear without passing through any material of the reed,
> comb, or covers.  Therefore, the sound is unaffected by the materials
> of which these parts are made.
> 
> ......in a stringed instrument, the sound is generated by the vibration
> of the string and must pass through the materials of the bridge and the
> large top/soundboard to be coupled to the air.
> 
> The false analogy with stringed instruments that you mentioned is
> probably the origin of the harmonica materials myth.
> 
> According to my three books of musical acoustics, the materials of wind
> instruments (including organ pipes) do not affect their sound.  That is
> hard to swallow if you have paid five figures for a gold flute!
> 
> Vern
> 
> 
>