[Harp-L] SPAH 2010 Comb Test

[Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>]

Many claim to be able to hear perceptible differences of tone attributable to comb materials.  However, in three publicly witnessed tests at harmonica conventions, no one has been able to demonstrate that ability under controlled conditions.

Each test has followed the same pattern:

In 1997, Douglas Tate and I organized the first SPAH test.
When we disclosed the test protocol, there were no objections.
After the results became known, critics/believers found "fatal flaws" and rejected the results.
There were suggestions for additional, better-designed testing.

In 1998 John Thaden organized the second test at the Buckeye convention.
He addressed the '97 criticisms in designing the test.
There were no objections before the test.
After the results became known, critics/believers found "fatal flaws" and rejected the results.
There were suggestions for additional, better-designed testing.

The consensus on Harp-l seemed to be that even if listeners could not perceive materials differences, players might be able to do so.

In 2010 Brendan Power and I organized the third test of players (not listeners) at SPAH.
We addressed criticisms arising from the two previous tests.  
Brendan posted on his website the planned procedure including pictures of the test harp.
There were no objections ahead of time.
After the results became known, critics/believers found "fatal flaws" and rejected the results.
There were suggestions for additional, better-designed testing.

I described the pattern and predicted the outcome to Brendan early in our planning.

It appears that no matter what efforts are made to assure rigorous controls and circumstances conducive to demonstrating the  ability to hear and report sounds characteristic of comb materials, critics/believers will find "fatal flaws" and reject the results. Will any imperfect test design ever be good enough? 

Neither the principles of acoustics nor the above rather extensive empirical data give any reason to suspect that comb materials perceptibly affect harmonica tone.  The desire of musicians to attribute a mystique to our beloved instrument and the false analogy from stringed instruments guarantees that under uncontrolled conditions, some will hear subjective differences. This is neither mental weakness nor deception.....it is simply human nature from which I am not exempt.

My long-time $1000 wager still stands.  If you (or anyone designated by you) can demonstrate the ability to tell one comb material from another only by listening or playing, you will win.  This is not a gamble, it is an expensive lesson for one of us!

 ;o)

Vern