RE: [Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 91, Issue 8 Cable Talk

[PINTO DIGITAL <pintodigital@xxxxxxx>]

Has anyone done the blindfolded coke/pepsi test
with cables ? e-g Set up with 4 different cables with a
$15 cable to a $200 cable and ask 10 blindfolded listeners
to name the best sounding one in order. *make sure at least
3 or 4 of the listeners are also professional harp players.
This could be a spah session with various other gear too. 
 
I originally asked this question and I would like to thank all who
replied. I usually just lay out and read stuff.  
I personally think a professional harp player sounds pretty
close to his sound regardless of whether he plays through a bullet,
SM57, or 545 and also regardless of the amp he plays through
just as a guitar player does. Slight differences. If you heard Little Walter through a lot
of different gear, you would still know it's him not just through his style but also his tone.
With better gear that tone is applified louder, breaks up a little earlier, less feedback, etc.
Tone comes from the soul. 
BUT I also do think there has to be a difference in the tightness of the signal from a 
poorly constructed thin $10 cable to a professional $50 + cable regardless of which instrument
you push with it. With guitar players top pros claim they get brighter or fuller, more bass, 
tones with various cables and that some of the best brands are like apples and oranges.
I'm just a blues harmonica player and I am not super technical but I've always guessed that
the same applies for harp.

Joe Pinto
Little Joe & the Werewolves
 
 

 

> Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 17:22:36 +0000
> From: markwjburness@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 91, Issue 8 Cable Talk
> To: ron@xxxxxxxxxxx; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> CC: 
> 
> Hi Ron,
> 
> There's a couple of diferrent reasons as to why a cable may be considered 
> "directional".
> 
> Some manufacturers claim that the direction of the grain in the conductor can be 
> used to advantage, some manufacturers typically using solid core conductors 
> state this.
> 
> Most instrument cables have a central conductor that carries the signal, ground 
> reference & shielding are both handled by the spiral, or braided outer 
> shielding. Other cables have a central conductor, a separate "drain" wire acting 
> as the ground reference and the outer spiral/braid is simply for shielding. The 
> shielding is only connected at one end, which should be plugged in at the amp 
> end.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> From: RON SMITH <ron@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Thursday, 3 March, 2011 16:42:44
> Subject: [Harp-L] RE: Harp-L Digest, Vol 91, Issue 8 Cable Talk
> 
> Lots of great information as well as varied opinions. The 18 foot length
> source was discussed, the link to the Premium guitar article was very
> informative and, another factor was mentioned, that being which end is
> plugged into the amp.  So, is there a preferred directional flow?  I think
> the cleaner the amp and the better listener you are, enables you to hear
> differences.  Using a crunchy amp with lots of break-up probably doesn't
> allow you to hear a difference. Everyone agrees that tone is generated by
> the Indian and not the bow, but everyone wants what they do to be as true as
> possible, especially in studio applications.  Is a harp situation different
> and has more variables than a guitar application? Has to be, based on all
> the differences in mics and what they send to the signal path.  Is a good
> guitar amp usually a poor harp amp?  Why?
> Lots of stuff to play with for sure.  Before someone says it, practice makes
> perfect, as long as it is perfect practice.
> I appreciate everyone who made a response to the cable question.
> Ron