Harmonic content alone produces recognizable, describable timbre qualities

Evidence

Some universals do exist: tones consisting only of the odd harmonics sound “hollow.” Tones with many high upper partials may sound raspy or harsh, as in buzzing into a trumpet mouthpiece; those with few may sound mellow, as in a flute at low sound volume. Pure sinusoidal partials are dull and colorless, especially at low frequency. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 2202