Re: [Harp-L] Comb test

[Michelle LeFree <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Having disinfected harmonicas umpteen thousand times at SPAH Test 2 (I 
was the Official Comb Washer), I won't offer an opinion as to the 
outcome, but I can interject the following. One of the major reasons for 
using Vern's ingenious quick change apparatus to swap out the combs 
quickly was one of hygiene due to the the lack of the required number of 
"private" instruments for each artist. (A secondary reason was that 
Vern's quick change frame also had an extra weight to mask weight 
differences between the various combs tested). I can't recall the exact 
number of measurements per artist. Even though it seemed like a couple 
hundred at the time, it was probably more like 20. Having to change 
combs and then disinfect the test apparatus between each and every 
player caused inordinate delays between measurements, which in turn 
introduced additional uncertainties (and frustrations) into the test.

So with this renewed interest, those practical problems could be 
overcome if one or more harmonica manufacturers would donate the 
required number of instruments and customizers like Matt and David would 
see that the playing field was level by providing materials and/or time 
and expertise to ensure that the instruments aren't leaky, etc.

I just know one thing. I ain't scrubbin' harmonicas eight thousand times 
in one sitting ever again!

Michelle