Re: [Harp-L] re:What Cover-Plates Don't Do

[Mike <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

JR,

I am NOT being snarky, but have you experimented with this regarding 
measurement?  There have been a couple of threads recently where theory has 
been applied to what can/can't happen with a harmonica, but I am unaware of 
even any anecdotal evidence describing this in the real world.

I readily admit to trying to measure some of these things but with limited 
expertise in using tools.  Generally, I've used an iPad with apps or what I 
can pull up from the tools in Audacity.  When I did a coverplate test some 
weeks ago, I used Sound View, Decibel 10th, RTA, and iStrobsoft.  The con 
here being I am at entry level with how the first three work.  In testing, 
I was able to see what the mic was picking up, but had no way of accurately 
taking a snap shot from the app.  I figured out how to do a screen capture, 
but that required two hands and I couldn't figure out how to play and snap 
at the same time.

The changes in volume were the most obvious, but the sound pictures were 
different too.  I used a stock A Crossover and rotated between stock MB, 
XO, and SP20 covers.  This was for my own amusement, so I didn't fret 
recording things or logging pictures of the frequency responses, etc. 
 There are SO many variables to consider that at its most basic interest, 
regardless of the how, I can personally conclude that open XO style covers 
are my favorite.  MB covers that are opened would work too.  

While I felt SP20 covers felt more comfortable and solid, the sound I was 
hearing when playing was warmer and less present at both the same playing 
pressure and volumes.  One think I loathe about the SUB30 is the covers. 
 They make the harp very muted and quiet.  Switching to Manji covers adds 
3+db of volume  by my basic measures, but I concede to not checking the 
frequency response.  Simple enough for me with four hands, lol.  



On Thursday, January 17, 2013 6:13:05 AM UTC-6, Jonathan Ross wrote:
>
> John Walden writes: 
>
> "I like Blues Harp MS cover plates... They are thin, and make the 
> harmonica   
> feel ALIVE as I play it..." 
>
> Have you measured them?  I have no MS-harps to measure, but I don't 
> remember the cover-plates of the MS-Blues Harp as being particularly thin 
> at all.   
>
> Of course, even if they were thinner than standard, it would have no 
> effect on timbre.   
>
> Mike writes: 
> "If I play a harp minus cover plates it sounds different.  The timbre and 
> volume are different than when assembled.  " 
>
> I think careful listening and A/B testing would indicate that you are 
> wrong about the timbre.  Volume might be another matter--at least as far as 
> the player is concerned because of a directional effect from the covers. 
>  But timbre is unaffected for the reasons I outlined.  It is very easy to 
> hear a single change (volume) and then assume other changes (timbre) as 
> well.  The ear is a great tool, but the brain often fools itself in terms 
> of how it processes that information. 
>
>
>
> JR Ross 
>
>
>