The Instrument Recommendation thread

[DianneW]

Just WoW...............

[something_or_other]

I tried playing piano a few years back, but dropped it. Now I'm playing agian (two months so far) and it's really fun.
I currently have an Alesis Recital, and after reading a review that said the keys feel mushy, I noticed that myself. There is more resistance on the top than than the bottom. It feels awkward.
Is this how semi-weighted pianos are supposed to feel, or is this just a problem with this one?

(Accidentally put this in the wrong thread.)

[innerspaceboy]

NOTE TO ADMINS - Feel free to move this to a dedicated thread if you think it is warranted.

I'm looking for some input about hardware for creating minimal ambient drone pads and soundscapes in a Linux environment.

I've researched and compiled over 20 pages of notes from forums and resources around the web for electronic music composition in Linux, from ambient VSTs to generative synthesis. I installed Ubuntu Studio and experimented with creating drone loops from classical waveform samples but I have a limited comprehension of compositional terminology, so I'm wondering whether or not a dedicated controller and interface are necessary to start creating ambient pads.

From what I've read I'm considering investing in an M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini – 32 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With Beat Pads, MIDI assignable Knobs, Buttons & Faders (https://a.co/d/2cbBadB) and an M-Audio AIR 192x6 USB C MIDI Audio Interface for Recording, Podcasting, Streaming, Studio Quality Sound, 2 XLR in (https://a.co/d/iKoBBSB).

It looks like the official M-Audio website provides Linux drivers for the interface. A clerk at Guitar Center explained that the keyboard is non-returnable as the bundled Windows/Mac software is single-user-licensed and the software doesn't support Linux.

USB MIDI is universal so Linux is not an issue, however from M-Audio's bundled software, described on their info site
(https://support.m-audio.com/en/suppo...d-questions#OS) I see that the M-Audio proprietary software applications, (Pro Tools, MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Virtual Instruments, MPC Sound Packs, Skoove, and Melodics) are strictly for Windows and Mac users.

So I explored the Ubuntu Studio OS as a software solution. According to their official site (https://ubuntustudio.org/tour/audio/) Ubuntu Studio audio tools include Jack, Ardour, Carla, Audacity, Qtractor, Hydrogen, Yoshimi, Rakarrack, Guitarix, and puredata, with additional support for supercollider, csound and chuck.

I'm hoping that the library of available tools from Ubuntu Studio will be sufficient for ambient pads and long-form drone soundscapes.

UPDATE: I spoke with an electronic music producer friend who invested over $10,000 into recording software plugins, and he expressed that while he respects my commitment to Linux, that he is concerned that there are next to no free and OSS software applications in this space. Very, very little. His concern is that I am charting a course that is artificially harder than it has to be.

His other noteworthy remark was that synthesizers are a more expensive way to reach an end that could be reached with heavy investment in soft synths. He said they're a fraction of the cost and often better, at least for while you're learning.

What do you think? Should I hang up this project until I reach a point where I can re-enter the closed-source proprietary software universe?

Thanks.

[frankmahler]

Certainly! To provide you with some recommendations, it would be helpful to know your level of experience, musical preferences, and any specific requirements or constraints you have.

Acoustic Guitar: The acoustic guitar is a versatile and widely loved instrument. It's great for solo playing, accompaniment, and songwriting. Popular options include Yamaha, Taylor, Martin, and Gibson guitars.

Electric Guitar: Electric guitars are commonly used in various genres like rock, blues, jazz, and pop. Brands like Fender, Gibson, PRS, and Ibanez offer a wide range of electric guitars to suit different playing styles.

Keyboard or Digital Piano: If you're interested in piano or keyboard-based music, a digital piano or keyboard would be a good choice. Yamaha, Roland, Korg, and Casio are reputable brands known for their quality instruments.

Drums: Drum kits are ideal for those who want to explore rhythmic patterns and percussion. Brands like Pearl, Yamaha, DW, and Roland offer drum sets suitable for beginners to professionals.

Violin: The violin is a classical string instrument that can also be used in various other genres. Violins from brands like Yamaha, Stentor, and Cecilio are popular choices for beginners.

Ukulele: The ukulele is a smaller string instrument with a fun and distinct sound. It's relatively easy to learn and is perfect for casual playing and sing-alongs. Kala, Lanikai, and Cordoba offer good quality ukuleles.

Saxophone: Saxophones are popular in jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Yamaha, Selmer, and Jupiter are well-known saxophone brands suitable for beginners and advanced players.

[captainrye]

If you're lookin' for something versatile, go for a keyboard or a guitar, 'cause you can rock different genres with 'em. But hey, if you're feelin' the groove of some funky beats, a drum kit might be the way to go! Just trust your gut, follow your passion, and you'll find that perfect instrument to make some sick music with.

[samueldaisi]

I can see this thread is a little old, but I decided to drop in as I’m impressed with your fantastic offer! It's a real boon for musicians like me. If this deal is still on the table, I'd love to take advantage of it.

[zkirby]

I’ve been playing a TD Strat and love it but man is the pickup hot… I hear every screech of my fingers…