When is something "unplugged"?
 

Hello! I am a bit confused about the term unplugged. I have heard several definitions about it. Some says its synonym with acoustic (aka no brass), some says its anything without electric instruments, some says no mixing or effects (like eq and reverb), and some says you have to record everything at once. Can someone help me with defining this word? thanks

Unplugged=when something isn't plugged in.

Happy now?

'Stripped down' is probably the more accurate term to use. Unplugged is interpreted differently to the individual a lot of the time. Where one band might carry the belief that it's just the band with some acoustic guitars, the drummer tapping on a percussion instrument (these can sometimes look like a small amplifier or a wooden crate) and maybe the bassists somewhere in there. Another band might think that it's toning down only a few number of things in the set, such as the guitarist(s) only using acoustic guitars, bassists making no changes really, and the drummer still being behind his kit but maybe dialing things down a bit from he the drumming in the song would normally sound.

It really varies man, it least in my opinion it does. I wouldn't say what people told you is wrong, but the general idea is there.

Or just listen to Ki and his very literal explanation lol.

From Wikipedia search: "Following the increasing popularity of the television show MTV Unplugged during the 1990s, acoustic (though in most cases still electrically amplified) performances by musicians (most notably grunge bands) who usually rely on electronic instruments became colloquially referred to as "unplugged" performances. The trend has also been dubbed as "acoustic rock" in some cases.[4] " - Acoustic Music article on Wikipedia

Cheers

Why would "acoustic" equal no brass? Horns are acoustic instruments.

That's just what I was about to post. People seem to think "acoustic" means wooden.

This forum should be unplugged for a month.

Yes, if we're talking about music performance. My fave "unplugged" is of course, this.

Send me your address and we can start a mail correspondence.

Thanks for quick answers, everyone! About the acoustic equals no wind thing, that was just something I read once. Guess it's wrong then