Loudspeakers As Musical Instruments

There is another way to think of this, that may help. Loudspeakers can be thought of as musical instruments – physically, that is pretty much what they are. So, how do we select our musical instruments?

Well, we go down to the music store and try out a bunch of instruments. Play ‘em for a while. Narrow down the choice, as we begin to find individual ones that feel right to us. Keep playing with them. Get to know them. Go home, sleep on it. Go back. Maybe borrow a couple to practice on (if our credit’s good). Even play a gig, maybe.

Anyway, when we’re really sure we’ve found an instrument we really are comfortable with, that FEELS good, SOUNDS good, and just generally meshes with our particular musical sensibility, then we say to the store owner, “Yeah. That’s the one. I really like it. I’ll take it.” And the deal is done.

Notice that there isn’t much science to this, not much careful analysis of the relative technical specifications of instruments or anything. It’s gut-feel, pure and simple, built up over a period of time. And it takes into account the musical truism that we know so well: that to get familiar with a new instrument, we’re going to have to practice with it.

Practicing is the key of course. It’s where we come to terms with the instrument.