Is a Computer an Instrument?

mr dave · 03-24-2010, 12:42 AM

i'd say it CAN be as much of an instrument as a synthesizer, but like Janszoon said, that's all due to software.

then again, different software patches = different sound options in a synth.

Daktari · 03-24-2010, 07:25 AM

Hi there,

This indeed is a very interesting question.

After dwelling on this for well over 10 minutes, here's my take on it.

To me, the computer is an artificial brain and so we could also ask, " Are our brains musical instruments" ? The answer would be no, but without our brains there would be no music. I see the computer more as a storage device,(like our brains), and also a controller. It allows us to control the information stored in it's brain. Sometimes making music,other times might be drawing maps, whatever. It becomes a musical tool once a musician gets involved.

The main difference is this I think:

A computer has the potential to create music but without a musician, it is just a computer.

A guitar or saxophone is still a guitar or saxophone even without a musician present,... or is it ? ?

Very thought provoking, Gordon.

GuitarBizarre · 03-24-2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daktari

Hi there,

This indeed is a very interesting question.

After dwelling on this for well over 10 minutes, here's my take on it.

To me, the computer is an artificial brain and so we could also ask, " Are our brains musical instruments" ? The answer would be no, but without our brains there would be no music. I see the computer more as a storage device,(like our brains), and also a controller. It allows us to control the information stored in it's brain. Sometimes making music,other times might be drawing maps, whatever. It becomes a musical tool once a musician gets involved.

The main difference is this I think:

A computer has the potential to create music but without a musician, it is just a computer.

A guitar or saxophone is still a guitar or saxophone even without a musician present,... or is it ? ?

Very thought provoking, Gordon.

Instrument (n)

1. A means by which something is done; an agency.
2. One used by another to accomplish a purpose; a dupe.
3. An implement used to facilitate work. See Synonyms at tool.
4. A device for recording, measuring, or controlling, especially such a device functioning as part of a control system.
5. Music A device for playing or producing music: a keyboard instrument.
6. A legal document, such as a deed, will, mortgage, or insurance policy.

Strictly speaking, yes it is.

What an object is is defined by our approach to it and its context, for sure, but really that could go on forever and go nowhere.

It is an instrument, and I'm sticking to my guns on that one.

stormjh · 03-24-2010, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr dave

i'd say it CAN be as much of an instrument as a synthesizer, but like Janszoon said, that's all due to software.

Surely (digital) synths are just computers?

Mr.walrus · 11-06-2010, 10:31 AM

it's possibly not even the software but the plugin but if i go this far you guys wil probably kill me.my opinion is that the computer is used for many years as an instrument for example the 303 groovebox is a computer made for music using the piano like keys to make your melody,bass,drums,.... if you ask me even the electric guitar is a bit of a computer, definitely if you use a distortion of some kind.My conclusion if you say a computer can't be an instrument i do not agree.

grtz Mr. Walrus

03-24-2010, 07:25 AM	#2 (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	Hi there, This indeed is a very interesting question. After dwelling on this for well over 10 minutes, here's my take on it. To me, the computer is an artificial brain and so we could also ask, " Are our brains musical instruments" ? The answer would be no, but without our brains there would be no music. I see the computer more as a storage device,(like our brains), and also a controller. It allows us to control the information stored in it's brain. Sometimes making music,other times might be drawing maps, whatever. It becomes a musical tool once a musician gets involved. The main difference is this I think: A computer has the potential to create music but without a musician, it is just a computer. A guitar or saxophone is still a guitar or saxophone even without a musician present,... or is it ? ? Very thought provoking, Gordon.

11-06-2010, 10:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
Mr.walrus Groupie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 5	it's possibly not even the software but the plugin but if i go this far you guys wil probably kill me.my opinion is that the computer is used for many years as an instrument for example the 303 groovebox is a computer made for music using the piano like keys to make your melody,bass,drums,.... if you ask me even the electric guitar is a bit of a computer, definitely if you use a distortion of some kind.My conclusion if you say a computer can't be an instrument i do not agree. grtz Mr. Walrus