Harmonica Comb Materials Debate
The harmonica comb materials debate is an ongoing argument
whether or not the material of a harmonica's comb has any effect on the
tonal qualities of the instrument. I think Pat Missin
summed it up best with this ...
© 2004 Pat Missin, all rights reserved.
Used with permission.
"Unfortunately, every method of testing comb materials for tonal effects
will raise an objection with someone.
- You can't use people, because they will subconsciously alter things
with their technique.
- You can't use a machine because harmonicas are not played by machines.
- You can't use an experienced player because they will tend to make
everything sound the same.
- You can't use a beginner because they can't play with any consistency.
- You can't do it with an audience, because they can't hear what the
player hears.
- You can't do it just using player feedback, because they will always
know what the material is.
- You can't use different reedplates, because that introduces variables.
- You can't use the same set of reedplates, because it takes too long to
change them.
- You can't do it live, because of distractions.
- You can't use recordings, because you don't get to hear the natural sound.
- You can't use ears, because they are too subjective.
- You can't use a spectrum analyser because they aren't as sensitive as
human ears.
- Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera...
So, pick whatever side of the argument you like, because nobody can ever
prove you wrong."
Pat has published an
article with sound samples on this topic.
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G.
© 2004,
Pat Missin.
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