The latest video by Paolo Di Nicolantonio of SynthMania takes a look at keyboard performance techniques for emulating traditional instruments.
Nicolantonio demonstrates how much of the challenge of emulating traditional instruments is modifying your keyboard technique and articulate the notes like you’re playing a guitar, strings, wind instruments, etc.
Instruments covered:
Acoustic guitar – 0:44
Banjo – 6:39
Orchestral Strings – 9:45
Choir – 13:06
Flute – 15:17
Saxophone – 17:32
Trumpet – 20:14
Harp – 22:33
Marimba – 25:20
Electric Bass – 26:49
Technical Details:
- Synth: Kurzweil K2500RS
- MIDI controller keyboard: M-Audio Axiom 61
1. This video is great, really helpful in thinking about how to voice instruments.
2. The K2500 is fricking 20 years old. Sounds absolutely amazing
No, it sounds like it 20 years old. Awful.
Just for your information… most traditional instruments are over 100 years old …example the saxophone was not invented within the last 20 years but in 1840 (176 years ago), just because Guru Josh used saxophone in his hit “infinity” from the 90s, does not mean that he invented the saxophone…that is a huge misunderstanding.
Admin: Personal attack deleted.
Keep comments on topic and constructive.
The Kurzweil stuff sure makes nice synthetic timbres.
I don’t know when the last time was you heard some real instruments but this “guitar” and “banjo” sound like splintering glass hit with a hammer. I stopped listening after that.
I don’t know if you are aware of this, but this Kurzweil synthesizer rack is a real instrument too.
I like the video where he makes his children jam out on drum machines ten years apart to the day.
It sounds nothing like the real thing. The Juipter 80 sounds way better, but I love the way he capture the feel of each instrument. I would hire him for my next sound track.
Excellent video!
you’re kidding; this guitar sound is terrible; open your ears and “have a look” at the yamaha motif acoustic guitar sounds.
I’m talking about the way he plays. The style is good at the way other instruments are played. Too many people here are missing the point of the video. It isn’t to demonstrate the sounds of a particular instrument.
Hello? We have mpe now. 🙂
i really like the synthmania channel. every time i submit a question regarding older equipment i get an answer. very helpful
As always, great info from Paolo! I love all his videos and the time he spends giving out all this knowledge *for free* is awesome.
HEY, KURZWEIL! SEND THIS DUDE A PC3K8!
Sorry, but the wind instruments parts are useless. Flute attack is wrong, saxophone seems to be set to polyphonic, and some trumpet legato stuff would be unplayable on a real horn. Without a breath controller you don’t even have to try. And don’t expect to be able to emulate wind instruments after you have watched five minutes of this video. Maybe just read some instructional books. Don Sebesky’s “The Contemporary Arranger” is a great start.