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...

Pat has published an article with sound samples on this topic.

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