[JfW]

It's not rare that we'll get over ten pages here discussing a topic concerning sound waves, metal vibrations, chemical analysis of raw materials, and what have you, as it relates to the more scientific aspects of sound. But my question to the group is... has any of this ever helped your playing?

You seem to missunderstand the purpose of the scientific parts of these discussions. Analysis and accoustical theory don't get introduced to explain how to play better. Rather, they are brought up to put into perspective the marketing nonsense players have been conned into repeating.

If they teach the player one thing, it is that objectivity is better than being duped.