Do you play a musical instrument?

[petrarch]

Hey, Petrarch, thanks for the reply.
Finale PrintMusic is a music notation software. And it it can output MIDI.
I'm aware my statement might be broad, but I was hoping that by mentioning I don't need anything that emulates orchestral instruments would narrow it down a little. In search for more types of sounds you would hear in electronic or even dance music.

I know what Finale is , though I was not aware of the PrintMusic variant. I am a Sibelius user myself, and other than having to ensure the MIDI configuration is all correct, I have used it successfully to drive several instances of the Native Instruments FM8 software synth (I am currently laying down an algorithmically generated piece for FM sounds that I am notating in Sibelius).

In any case, if we are talking about 'note-based' or 'event-based' music, you can most likely get away with MIDI only, so if you have an adequate interface, whether the source is a piece of software or an external piece of hardware like a keyboard or a sequencer, you can basically drive anything from anything without trouble. Things get more interesting with live electronics and live processing of sound, but that's a whole different world.

[petrarch]

What's the best synthesizer out there today?

Best according to which criteria? What are you looking for?

I am quite happy with an aging Kurzweil K2600X keyboard, which has the requisite 88 keys, some adequate sliders and controllers and a versatile synthesis engine. I use it to control a Nord Modular synth (3 octave keyboard, so quite a narrow range if you want to play it directly, but it does have a fantastic synthesis engine and 18 fully programmable knobs), a Roland JD-800 synth and plenty of software synths (check Native Instruments Komplete for a good taste).

Regardless of which specific synthesizer you use, each one has its own sonic character and signature, so they all sound different, even when outputting the 'same' electronic sound. For instance, for analog sounds, I would always use the Nord and not the Kurzweil nor the Roland.

[TheGSMoeller]

I know what Finale is , though I was not aware of the PrintMusic variant. I am a Sibelius user myself, and other than having to ensure the MIDI configuration is all correct, I have used it successfully to drive several instances of the Native Instruments FM8 software synth (I am currently laying down an algorithmically generated piece for FM sounds that I am notating in Sibelius).

In any case, if we are talking about 'note-based' or 'event-based' music, you can most likely get away with MIDI only, so if you have an adequate interface, whether the source is a piece of software or an external piece of hardware like a keyboard or a sequencer, you can basically drive anything from anything without trouble. Things get more interesting with live electronics and live processing of sound, but that's a whole different world.

Sorry, PrintMusic is just the very basic, and cheaper, notation software from Finale. Right now works well for me, along with Aria Player I've really been pleased with the quality.
Thanks again for the detailed reply, petrarch. 

[petrarch]

Thanks .. in terms of criteria, the 1 ultimate synthesizer in terms of overall versatility and excellence. Have any idea of some of the top contenders out there, or am I asking the wrong guy?

There isn't one ultimate synthesizer. It depends on what you want to do with it. Overall, nothing beats having a few of them for variety and having it all integrated with the computer. Twenty years ago, I would probably have recommended the Synclavier 9600, but with all the enormous computing power we can have inexpensively at home, the software synths of today can do all of that and more. If you are really looking for having everything in a single piece of hardware, check the Kyma Pacarana (though you'll still need a controller, e.g. a keyboard; a computer to host the software; and DACs to output sound).

[petrarch]

I'm just looking for 1 work station to make music (that's what I want to do with it)  .. was hoping perhaps if you could generate a short list of the top ones out there in the market today and then I would go from there and see what one suites my tastes. Anyway .. I have ones in mind already (classic models, some newer ones), just was wondering what your opinion would be. Have you tried a Kronos X?

I haven't tried it, but looking at the specs it seems to be a reasonably complete workstation--just like any of the top tier models of all the major manufacturers. You have enough RAM to load high-quality samples and you have expansion capabilities with an SD slot, which is all good. In my experience, the internal sequencers do not cut it, and you will need a computer running a sequencing program if you want to compose music note by note. Of course, having a full keyboard and the typical controllers it provides is a good starting point to integrate with other hardware or software synths.

[petrarch]

Well I'm looking at getting something like that to noodle around with in the future. A super work station that has tonnes of shit

You won't go wrong with the Kronos (or the Motif, or the Fantom). But if you see yourself wanting more in the synthesis, sampling, sound design and composition fronts, you will be better off with a plain keyboard controller (not a workstation), since you will definitely end up offloading those tasks to a computer or specialized hardware. I haven't taken advantage of the synthesis capabilities of the Kurzweil ever, nor its sequencer, not even its "realistic" acoustic piano--I have software that does that way better.

[petrarch]

Hmmmmmm i'd like to keep things sort of streamlined & simple .. but these are things to think about. What plain keyboard & specialized software combo would you recommend? And what kind of computing power are we talking about?

The Kurzweil PC3 controllers are famous. If you can find one, the Yamaha KX88 was the seminal keyboard controller; I imagine the S90 from their current lineup is also good. From Roland I would probably go with the Jupiter 80, which is more a synthesizer than a controller, but I have a soft spot for those, since their implementation of analog/subtractive synthesis is hugely educational.

For software, you could use Propellerheads' Reason, but the Native Instruments products are a bit more 'grown-up', though they have a steeper learning curve. If you feel adventurous, you can build your own software synths in NI's Reaktor, Max/MSP or PureData (which is free), but the learning curve is prohibitively steep if you don't have the technical background on sound synthesis and DSP.

Computer-wise a typical 4 GB dual core machine should suffice. You would need a good audio interface, from the likes of M-Audio, RME, MOTU and others, but make sure they have good drivers for the OS you use.

I have given some thought to just give away my Roland JD-800, which I haven't used at all in almost a decade. PM me if you are interested.

[Mirror Image]

Guitar and percussion for me. I haven't played percussion in a long time. Since junior high actually, but I've been playing the guitar for 20 years.

[madaboutmahler]

Guitar and percussion for me. I haven't played percussion in a long time. Since junior high actually, but I've been playing the guitar for 20 years.

Would you ever consider taking up percussion again, John? Surely you must miss it!

[Mirror Image]

Would you ever consider taking up percussion again, John? Surely you must miss it!

Well sure, Daniel. I would love to own a timpani, bass drum, a snare, and vibraphone, but I remember thinking while playing a march in school that "Man, this march would be great with some distorted guitar."

[madaboutmahler]

Well sure, Daniel. I would love to own a timpani, bass drum, a snare, and vibraphone, but I remember thinking while playing a march in school that "Man, this march would be great with some distorted guitar."

haha Yes, I'd love to own all those instruments too! I don't own many decent percussion instruments, nor a decent selection of mallets! But I'm lucky enough that I get to play all the instruments at the Watford Youth Orchestra which really is great fun, and I get to borrow Adam's (our timpanists) mallets too. Great fun! Recently, I have been trying to improve my technique on instruments such as the snare. As I am self taught, for a long time, my technique was really awful. Being in the orchestra has helped a lot, Adam is like my first percussion mentor too! Percussion has also helped me confidence-wise too, so has been a major benefit for my performing. For example, the courage it takes to do a massive cymbal crash in a piece you haven't played before/don't know well, and hope it's not a bar early! Also, recently, I am being engaged as a percussionist of the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra, an adult amateur orchestra, which I love very much.

Maybe you could do something similar, John? Are there any amateur orchestras near you? I'm sure they would probably be delighted to have another percussionist, especially one who would be so passionate about the repetoire he plays!

EDIT: I get very excited when I write about percussion!

[petrarch]

I'm another fan of percussion instruments, specifically tuned percussion and mallet instruments. I have seen Steve Reich's ensemble live too many times to not absolutely love the sound of marimba and vibraphone .

[TheGSMoeller]

I wrote a piece of music for all percussion, I used Aria Player sounds that are pretty good. It was for a children's mobile app game, if I can get permission from the app creators (they own the music) I will post it, would love for you all to hear it. 

[madaboutmahler]

I'm another fan of percussion instruments, specifically tuned percussion and mallet instruments. I have seen Steve Reich's ensemble live too many times to not absolutely love the sound of marimba and vibraphone .

Great! My love of percussion started probably just under 2 years ago. I found I was always listening out for the percussion in recordings, always watching them when seeing performances. I remember the excitement when I purchased my first triangle and printing off the percussion parts and playing along to the great masterpieces! I began teaching myself from there, mainly being helped by watching the percussionists from the Berlin Philharmonic. A year later, I think my enthusiasm for percussion came across when I was engaged for the Speen Festival Orchestra playing percussion, which was my first experience playing in an adult orchestra. I loved it! My friend introduced me to the Watford Youth Orchestra which I soon became a full member of. And recently, I have also become a percussionist for the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra.
I just love the variety in percussion, the range of amazing, thrilling, but also beautiful sounds, it can add to the orchestra. Especially by particularly great percussionists! I love playing them all, but favourites to play would have to be the tam tam, bass drum, cymbals and tambourine.

I could go on for a very long time about percussion, I love it so much!!

I wrote a piece of music for all percussion, I used Aria Player sounds that are pretty good. It was for a children's mobile app game, if I can get permission from the app creators (they own the music) I will post it, would love for you all to hear it. 

Brilliant, Greg!!

[Mirror Image]

haha Yes, I'd love to own all those instruments too! I don't own many decent percussion instruments, nor a decent selection of mallets! But I'm lucky enough that I get to play all the instruments at the Watford Youth Orchestra which really is great fun, and I get to borrow Adam's (our timpanists) mallets too. Great fun! Recently, I have been trying to improve my technique on instruments such as the snare. As I am self taught, for a long time, my technique was really awful. Being in the orchestra has helped a lot, Adam is like my first percussion mentor too! Percussion has also helped me confidence-wise too, so has been a major benefit for my performing. For example, the courage it takes to do a massive cymbal crash in a piece you haven't played before/don't know well, and hope it's not a bar early! Also, recently, I am being engaged as a percussionist of the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra, an adult amateur orchestra, which I love very much.

Maybe you could do something similar, John? Are there any amateur orchestras near you? I'm sure they would probably be delighted to have another percussionist, especially one who would be so passionate about the repetoire he plays!

EDIT: I get very excited when I write about percussion!

I'm not really interested in playing in an orchestra to be honest. I prefer a chamber ensemble of some kind and would definitely be interested in performing repertoire that is centered around the use of percussion, but I don't know of any such ensemble in the city I live in. Learning some Steve Reich and some Minimalist music would be fun.

[Lisztianwagner]

I don't own many decent percussion instruments, nor a decent selection of mallets! But I'm lucky enough that I get to play all the instruments at the Watford Youth Orchestra which really is great fun, and I get to borrow Adam's (our timpanists) mallets too. Great fun! Recently, I have been trying to improve my technique on instruments such as the snare. As I am self taught, for a long time, my technique was really awful. Being in the orchestra has helped a lot, Adam is like my first percussion mentor too! Percussion has also helped me confidence-wise too, so has been a major benefit for my performing. For example, the courage it takes to do a massive cymbal crash in a piece you haven't played before/don't know well, and hope it's not a bar early!

I'm another fan of percussion instruments, specifically tuned percussion and mallet instruments. I have seen Steve Reich's ensemble live too many times to not absolutely love the sound of marimba and vibraphone .

I agree as well, percussion instruments are certainly great; their sound is so beautiful! I can imagine that playing in an orchestra is absolutely a massive fun, besides being very helpful to improve your musical skills. Holst himself said that playing the trombone as member of an orchestra helped him on composition.
I would really like to learn playing another instrument, an orchestral one; I can play the glockenspiel, but it's not my main instrument.....

[madaboutmahler]

I agree as well, percussion instruments are certainly great; their sound is so beautiful! I can imagine that playing in an orchestra is absolutely a massive fun, besides being very helpful to improve your musical skills. Holst himself said that playing the trombone as member of an orchestra helped him on composition.
I would really like to learn playing another instrument, an orchestral one; I can play the glockenspiel, but it's not my main instrument.....

I'm often at my happiest when playing in an orchestra, whether the cello in our school orchestra, or percussion in the Watford Youth Orchestra. In rehearsals, I learn so much! About the instruments, the sound of the orchestra, the music we play, and of course conducting from watching our conductor. We have a particularly brilliant conductor in the Watford Youth Orchestra. And the concert at the end is just so uplifting, after concerts I'm often jumping up and down with joy along with my friends! It's just so much fun!

[Lisztianwagner]

I'm often at my happiest when playing in an orchestra, whether the cello in our school orchestra, or percussion in the Watford Youth Orchestra. In rehearsals, I learn so much! About the instruments, the sound of the orchestra, the music we play, and of course conducting from watching our conductor. We have a particularly brilliant conductor in the Watford Youth Orchestra. And the concert at the end is just so uplifting, after concerts I'm often jumping up and down with joy along with my friends! It's just so much fun!

Quite right, absolutely!