Is a Computer an Instrument?

lucifer_sam · 03-30-2010, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

So my cat is a musical instrument?

No

Your cat is a didgeridoo. Depending upon context.

Daktari · 03-30-2010, 10:30 AM

I asked my cat if it could sound like a Didgeridoo.

It just said, "ME, HOW" ?

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 03-30-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

So my cat is a musical instrument?

Yup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daktari

I asked my cat if it could sound like a Didgeridoo.

It just said, "ME, HOW" ?

That was so corny but it made me laugh.

Daktari · 03-30-2010, 01:17 PM

The cat's in stitches. The dog, Ziggy, is laughing on the surface but I can tell that really he's not getting it. (Corny is my specialty by the way). And cooking omelettes...Oh,oh, I'm slipping out of context. Is an omelette still an omelette without eggs? In my kitchen anything is possible..sometimes.

Sorry, I've just been listening to the Captain ,he's like the Picasso of rock music but less cubist maybe.......or maybe more...?

Neapolitan · 03-30-2010, 08:25 PM

Is a Computer an Instrument?

Yes, a computer is an instrument. (Personally I would make a distinction, I would consider it a machine if it was programmed and all you do hit the play button, but if you control the music being produce during a live performance, a good exmple is Kraftwerk, then I would consider it truely an instrument.) Actually there is no disction made eg a Musical Box is a instrument, even though it is machine, a mechanical device that produces music.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go!Love

Now, I don't play any "real" instruments. However, I do have software that allows me to create my own, original music and make it sound like a lot of different instruments. If I were to ever publish any music, I would never claim myself a musician, nor would I bother pretending that I had any actual skill in the field.

It sounds funny to answer somebody who asks what instrument you play with: "My computer." But, the question lies with everyone. Would you consider the computer, an instrument?

Then consider yourself a composer, if you don't feel that you are a musician because you use your computer to create music. There were plenty of composers who wrote music for instruments that they haven't actually played.

lucifer_sam · 03-30-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

Is a Computer an Instrument?

Yes, a computer is an instrument. (Personally I would make a distinction, I would consider it a machine if it was programmed and all you do hit the play button, but if you control the music being produce during a live performance, a good exmple is Kraftwerk, then I would consider it truely an instrument.) Actually there is no disction made eg a Musical Box is a instrument, even though it is machine, a mechanical device that produces music.

Then consider yourself a composer, if you don't feel that you are a musician because you use your computer to create music. There were plenty of composers who wrote music for instruments that they haven't actually played.

There's plenty of artists that DO this such thing. Girl Talk being one of them.

Freebase Dali · 03-31-2010, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neapolitan

Is a Computer an Instrument?

Yes, a computer is an instrument. (Personally I would make a distinction, I would consider it a machine if it was programmed and all you do hit the play button, but if you control the music being produce during a live performance, a good exmple is Kraftwerk, then I would consider it truely an instrument.) Actually there is no disction made eg a Musical Box is a instrument, even though it is machine, a mechanical device that produces music.

Um... Kraftwerk doesn't sit there and edit the BIOS during his performances, nor does he tweak any multipliers, ETC... nor does he do anything to the computer itself besides utilize it to run the PROGRAMS he uses on the computer. The computer itself simply allows the instrumental programs to run, besides other things. Without instrumental software, including the software even allowing it to process sound.. called an audio driver, which even audio hardware is dependent on, the computer only has the following sounds: Beep (one for an all good after the P.O.S.T.) and further, a sequence of beeps indicating certain failures after P.O.S.T. and this happens IF you have an onboard PCM speaker that exists solely for the purpose of post beeps.
What I'm saying is that the computer itself is still not the sole proprietor of musical expression. You still need software. You still need the proper hardware that is NOT considered a computer, but merely components, you still need the software that the hardware requires, and you finally need the software that's actually programmed to create sounds and arrange them in a musical fashion.
I guarantee you, without all those things, a computer is still a computer... but it is nowhere near an instrument unless you're using it as a junk piece of plastic for your replacement effect drum or what have you.

Stone Birds · 03-31-2010, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

So my cat is a musical instrument?

it can be i wouldn't recommend it, but I've heard a few songs with meows in them

Insane Guest · 03-31-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daktari

I asked my cat if it could sound like a Didgeridoo.

It just said, "ME, HOW" ?

Wow, this made me laugh. Holy f*** I can't stop. You made my day.

Daktari · 03-31-2010, 12:11 PM

I knew I'd be useful someday....

03-30-2010, 01:17 PM	#64 (permalink)
Daktari Music Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Originally from Lancashire, England, lived near Largs, Scotland and now live in Rocky Face, Georgia Posts: 154	The cat's in stitches. The dog, Ziggy, is laughing on the surface but I can tell that really he's not getting it. (Corny is my specialty by the way). And cooking omelettes...Oh,oh, I'm slipping out of context. Is an omelette still an omelette without eggs? In my kitchen anything is possible..sometimes. Sorry, I've just been listening to the Captain ,he's like the Picasso of rock music but less cubist maybe.......or maybe more...? Last edited by Daktari; 03-30-2010 at 01:35 PM.

03-30-2010, 10:30 AM	#62 (permalink)
Daktari Music Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Originally from Lancashire, England, lived near Largs, Scotland and now live in Rocky Face, Georgia Posts: 154	I asked my cat if it could sound like a Didgeridoo. It just said, "ME, HOW" ?

03-31-2010, 12:11 PM	#70 (permalink)
Daktari Music Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Originally from Lancashire, England, lived near Largs, Scotland and now live in Rocky Face, Georgia Posts: 154	I knew I'd be useful someday....