Harmonic spectra never occur exactly in real objects
Evidence
We have seen that ideal strings have a harmonic spectrum, and we shall see that (ideal) air columns in tubes do also. Equally spaced partials (called a harmonic spectrum) are the exception rather than the rule, and in fact never exactly true of real objects, although musical instruments approach this ideal fairly well. — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 855
Categorization
- DEFINE: Defines harmonic spectrum and stresses its exceptional status in nature.
- corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Eric J. Heller, Why You Hear What You Hear- An…, 855
- XREF: connects to: Slightly inharmonic spectra are musically preferred over strictly harmonic ones