Viable Musical Instruments on the iPhone or iPod Touch

bebotBy 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.

Bebot Music

6 thoughts on “Viable Musical Instruments on the iPhone or iPod Touch

  1. 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…

  2. Pingback: Disquiet » Bebot, the Cute Little Robot Synth (MP3)

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Prior to iOS 5, the iPod branding was used for the media player included with the iPhone and iPad, a combination of the Music and Videos apps on the iPod Touch. As of iOS 5, separate apps named “Music” and “Video” are standardized across all iOS-powered products. While the iPhone and iPad have essentially the same media-player capabilities as the iPod line, they are generally treated as separate products. In the last few years, iPhone and iPad sales have overtaken those of the iPod.^*”*

    http://www.caramoan.ph

    Have a nice day

Leave a Reply