Viable Musical Instruments on the iPhone or iPod Touch
July 23, 2009 – 1:59 am by John Keston
By now most of us have experienced several, or even dozens of instrument apps on the iPhone and iPod Touch. From acoustic pianos, to analog modeling synthesizers, to step sequencers, there’s enough out there to create a veritable, electronic, orchestra of multi-touch maestros.
However, which, if any, of these apps are viable as instruments for production or performing? I’d argue that just about anything is. In my view it’s how the artist uses an object or device that makes it into an instrument. So perhaps a better question is, which apps might lend themselves to being productive tools for creative artists?
One of my favorites so far is Bebot. It took less than an hour of experimenting with Bebot to convince me that it could be used effectively for performances and recording. Here’s a few phrases of playing with Bebot.
4 Responses to “Viable Musical Instruments on the iPhone or iPod Touch”
I don’t actually have an iPhone but my girlfriend and many friends do. And out of all the aps that i have tried I would totally agree with you on this one! Bebot is so tangible and awesome! If all synths were as cute as this one though we wouldn’t get any sound making done…
By Joe on Aug 3, 2009
I realize this post is a bit old, but how about bebot on the ipad? Even more relevant in my opinion. Or now with the added real estate, maybe there will be some even more rich synth apps.
By Joel Wickard on Apr 9, 2010
Hey, Joel. I love Bebot. Imagine it on a three foot wide panoramic multi-touch tablet. The idea of a multi-touch synth / lap-steel is really appealing.
By John Keston on Apr 12, 2010