Enjoy what you already have

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:37 pm

With all the talk of new keyboards--especially the Kronos and Jupiter-80--many of us have been sidetracked with dreams of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). Maybe that new synth will offer more inspiring sounds (or beats) that will help us write that elusive new song.

I've often become too busy practicing my tunes and not spending time exploring the sonic possibilities of my current gear--mainly the M3. I had been away from the studio for over a week, but this evening I gave a listen to a few programs I haven't used before. After some filter and envelope tweaking plus experimenting with the drum tracks, I had the beginnings of a song that I quickly recorded. It's nothing fancy, but it's new and exciting.

So before you throw your current gear under the bus, give some of those old programs and combination sounds a second listen. Change the waveforms, filters, envelopes and/or effects. You'll find something fresh for sure and almost certainly create a new intro, beat, or melody to work with.

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:20 am

I have an (old) Korg N264 in the living room and still enjoy playing it; of course I rather like my Extreme or M50 but just for playing 'something' it doesn't matter that much.

Every synth sounds exactly like when it was bought. It's not that new synths make older synths sounding less good (except for getting used to better sounds).

CharlesFerraro · Post by **CharlesFerraro** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 12:06 pm

+1

Seems like new products hit the shelves before anyone has a chance to learn "last weeks" models. Like you said, the M3 is a highly in-dephth piece of kit, but who's out there making the most of it?

To illustrate, I've seen/heard some incredible productions with the DS-10 (rangchang, myrat, kcyonao) and that thing is a raisin compared to the meat and potato synths out there. Never buy new gear till you've mastered what you got!

DennyC · Post by **DennyC** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:49 pm

+2 However, there is nothing wrong with picking up a new board if it does provide a new level of inspiration. Also, like with the M3, new gear allows for some fantastic prices on the previous models.

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:33 pm

DennyC wrote: However, there is nothing wrong with picking up a new board if it does provide a new level of inspiration.

A new keyboard may offer that for a limited time, but then it's old hat like everything else you own... and you're wondering what's coming up at NAMM 2012.

I'm stepping off the merry-go-round for awhile and spending more time learning how to use all the toys I've bought over the last 10 years.

aron · Post by **aron** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 7:33 pm

>A new keyboard may offer that for a limited time, but then it's old hat like everything else you own...

Yeah! Very telling when the first thing I do is start replicating all of the sounds I use. Then they all start sounding the same!

DaniH · Post by **DaniH** » Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:04 pm

I'll pass on the Kronos and Jupiter-80. I am content in what I have. My actual problem is wanting the "classics". I would like to have a Nord Lead, Virus KC, JP-8000, and the SH-101. Those are my synths of choice.

Gargamel314 · Post by **Gargamel314** » Wed Sep 28, 2011 3:50 am

michelkeijzers wrote:I have an (old) Korg N264 in the living room and still enjoy playing it; of course I rather like my Extreme or M50 but just for playing 'something' it doesn't matter that much.

Every synth sounds exactly like when it was bought. It's not that new synths make older synths sounding less good (except for getting used to better sounds).

Word on that! I have a Korg 01/Wfd ... still sounds as sweet, warm, and organic as it did 20 years ago when it first came out. The screen is faded, the disk drive works when it wants to, but still sounds sweet to my ears.

gnbutt · Post by **gnbutt** » Fri Sep 30, 2011 5:36 pm

I am selling some older keys, my only next purchase will be Omnisphere software which I can run with one of my keyboards, that's about it for me.
GNB

JPWC · Post by **JPWC** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:20 am

problem is, sweetwater sends me a catalog that I read over and over again dreaming of all the gear I could have.

Then I leave the bathroom and realize new equipment won't make better music, Practice, developing better techniques, learning how to play and use the equipment I have is what it really takes to make better music.

so..............+1000000

PS> I am still saving up for the JP80

and I'll enjoy what I have until my wife blinks and I can get something new.

Synthoid · Post by **Synthoid** » Fri Oct 07, 2011 12:48 pm

JPWC wrote:problem is, sweetwater sends me a catalog that I read over and over again

Yeah, I get those all the time. I stopped opening them though... and now they sit in my office until the next one arrives.

Mellontikos · Post by **Mellontikos** » Thu May 17, 2012 3:17 pm

Gargamel314 wrote:
michelkeijzers wrote:I have an (old) Korg N264 in the living room and still enjoy playing it; of course I rather like my Extreme or M50 but just for playing 'something' it doesn't matter that much.

Every synth sounds exactly like when it was bought. It's not that new synths make older synths sounding less good (except for getting used to better sounds).

Word on that! I have a Korg 01/Wfd ... still sounds as sweet, warm, and organic as it did 20 years ago when it first came out. The screen is faded, the disk drive works when it wants to, but still sounds sweet to my ears.

Same here.

I had to sample the sounds I like out of my 01/W's just to be happy playing other synths.

My Tyros 4 (having a lot of the Motif sounds) has excellent instruments! But I end up going to my sampled ones quite a bit all the time.

Chriskk · Post by **Chriskk** » Sun May 20, 2012 4:41 am

Keyboard players oftentimes chase technological advances in a blind fashion. A musical instrument never becomes obsolete; it's the player's mind-set that becomes obsolete.

michelkeijzers · Post by **michelkeijzers** » Sun May 20, 2012 8:01 pm

Chriskk wrote:Keyboard players oftentimes chase technological advances in a blind fashion. A musical instrument never becomes obsolete; it's the player's mind-set that becomes obsolete.

Exactly, although I have to admit I sometimes b uy new instruments because they just sound better, of course the older instruments still keep sounding as they always did and as useable as before.

Kontrol49 · Post by **Kontrol49** » Sun May 20, 2012 9:28 pm

Chriskk wrote:Keyboard players often times chase technological advances in a blind fashion. A musical instrument never becomes obsolete; it's the player's mind-set that becomes obsolete.

In theory your correct.

People chase technological advances for different reasons,that could be because they require certain functions or options which enhance there composing or playing abilities,depends on the individuals needs and what the instrument has to offer.

The manufacturers are to blame though,with so many instruments being dropped far too quickly for a newer model with very little improvements from the previous generation,but they make them incompatable for a reason,every workstation manufacturer is guilty of this!But thats business and progress,whether your suckered into it is a different thing!

Just glad I Don't use any computers or software for recording music,if you think keyboard players are blindly lead into technological advances....