Why Don't More People Into Music Reproduction At Home Play Around With Musical Instruments

@lloydc Dead on with your note regarding recorded music never being the same as live. Recorded music is tweaked to "sound" like the artist/producer intended. Not to be a true representation of what instruments sound like. Take my drums for example. I've got a great kit... Raw, in just about about any room with no mic'ing etc. they sound really good. However, set those bad boys up with a great mic set, put some effects in the mix and eq them for the space... they are an entirely different animal. Any "acoustic" instrument will be the same. Anytime something has been recorded the "instrument sound" is altered one way or another. This includes pretty much any instrument. So, in some ways, the "audiophile" pursuit of "perfect reproduction" really is impossible. But, it's still a fun pursuit and makes me happy, and I'm endlessly amazed at how little things can make such a difference in end product listening.

frogman -- great post!

When I was about twelve, I sat down one lazy afternoon and picked my way through more than 250 pop songs, all without sheet music.  It was exciting and gratifying to be able to do this, and those around me recognized many songs and were pleased.  Gradually, however, I became more aware of the missing notes, the transitions I couldn't play, and all the rest of my limitations.  Eventually, I found myself up against a wall of frustration that could be overcome only by working much harder at this.  It was the steady improvement in my ability to hear and understand the music that undermined my interest in playing it.

Does Guitar Hero count.  I play guitar sometimes and if I go to guitar center I always goof around on the keyboards to see what strange music I can create.  I used to play trumpet a long time ago.  Too bad I never heard Miles Davis until I got out of college, might still be playing today.

I've always played (mostly acoustic) guitar. I have a bunch of 'audiophile grade' guitars. Meaning, high quality, well made, great sounding (and expensive} lust-worthy guitars. I also played piano for a while. I also need to say, I am not very good.

But i consider playing and listening two, mostly unrelated, activities. Kind of like when I was a kid. I loved playing hockey, but watching pro hockey was not that interesting.

I've learned a lot about how someone constructed a song from playing. I can hear a bass line and riffs in guitar music. I was amazed how mathematical Gershwin's music is on piano. I like to sit where I can see a guitarist's hands when at a small concert to understand what he is playing. Learning a song is a lot about understanding what the musician was thinking. But I really see playing and listening as two distinct activities.

Ironically, for acoustic guitar at least, the player is not in the best position to listen. That's why some luthiers have played around with sound ports on the upper bout to give the player a better sound.

Good question, though. And learning an instrument is its own reward. Like becoming good at tennis, or skiing, it takes effort and repetition. You have to enjoy the journey. I've taken lessons from some very well known players and the best lesson I ever got is that music is not a competition. If you play, you win.