Learning how to play the synthesizer is only half the path to mastering this instrument. The other half is learning how to program synthesizers to produce the timbral sounds you need. Indeed, once our creativity surpasses the design capacities regular synths provide, we may want more room to play. Thus, we may be inclined to…
The first commercial digital audio recordings were released in 1971, and since then, listeners have been amplifying these recordings to enjoy them through speakers and headphones. Nowadays, most of the audio people listen to is digital (even with the resurgence of analog audio vinyl records), which begs the question of whether amps are digital devices…
So, you’re beginning your collection of effects pedals and are wondering if it’s okay to leave them turned on when they’re not in use. Is it bad/damaging to keep effects pedals on when not in use? Keeping an effects pedal on/powered when it’s not in use is typically safe, though it may decrease its overall longevity….
Hardware synthesizers have long been part of the music-making and sound-design processes. Your collection of classic synthesizers can be gaining value by the day. So, how can you keep them clean for optimal aesthetics and performance? How to clean a synthesizer effectively and safely: The first step to cleaning a synth is to wipe it…
Along with the modern age in the twentieth century came the modern instruments to make modern music. In that vein, synthesizers were among mankind’s most epic creations, one that would change the musical landscape forever. Yet, can such a powerful device be called a musical instrument? Are synthesizers considered musical instruments? Synthesizers are electronic musical…
Guitar strings break; it’s an unfortunate truth with these stringed instruments. However, there are plenty of things we can do to help keep our strings from breaking, which becomes critical in live performances and studio recording sessions. Here Are 10 Tips To Prevent Guitar And Bass Strings From Breaking: In this article, we’ll discuss the…
Learning the guitar is not easy. It’s rare to find skilled guitarists who have not struggled during their first months or even years of learning. One of the notable concerns of new and novice guitarists is the difficulty they have with strings and the often painful interaction between the strings and their fingers. This leads…
Metal materials are bound to rust. This is a fact that many guitar and bass players have to deal with. Even stainless steel is not immune from rusting, although it’s much more resistant to corrosion. Preventing rust, then, ought to be a concern for guitarists who string their instruments with metal strings. Here Are 6…
Many beginners in the guitar-playing world are under the impression that handling guitar strings is a very technically demanding challenge, not only when it comes to playing them but also for other tasks such as tuning. Horror flicks at times depict scenes of strings breaking into people’s faces (such as in The Haunting, starring Liam Neeson, in…
Synthesizers broke through the music scene and redefined the sound of the 70s and 80s as a way to synthesize audio from electricity, hence the name. Synths are still relevant and widely used today, and with so much advancement in synth technology, it’s fair to ask if they still require electricity. Can synthesizers be played…
Nowadays, even pros wonder if hardware synths are worth the cost. When software synthesizers first appeared, the gap with hardware synthesizers was epic. As time went on and software companies started working on programs more seriously, the gap became smaller. Are hardware synthesizers worth the cost? Hardware synthesizers are worth the cost if their interface,…
Synthesizers are, for many, the ultimate musical instrument. Indeed, they can bend and break all known rules and make sounds that suit the space age and any of your favourite sci-fi movies. Most of them, though, come with a keyboard controller. So, the question arises: do you need to learn piano to play the synthesizer?…
