I was on vacation thinking about electronic design, and enjoying my surroundings when the following questions came into my mind: How exactly is it that a musical instrument, and more specifically how are my favorite guitars, amplifiers, and audio gear seemingly able to pass along the entire gamut of human experience? Including the emotional content, intent, life experience, mood, expectations, outlook of the musician/composer etc. using nothing more than a few parts arranged in a specific way-electronically?
The fact that electrons & electronic fields established within our gear are able to pass along all of this information while simultaneously creating a feedback loop between the audience, listeners, producers, musicians, ensemble, etc. seems miraculous and profound. Adding to that, how is it possible that only a few notes are needed to convey this incredible level of information and detail to the audience? As soon as an Artist/Musician plays those first few notes, it becomes immediately apparent who they are as well as what they’ve experienced in their life. These few notes also establish an almost immediate connection with us as listeners.
Very strong bonds are formed with them at that point-often for a lifetime-whether we know them personally or not. Their music often becomes an integral part of our existence. This seems to be a universal experience for most people I know. Speaking from my own personal experience, I have encountered some of my very favorite people simply because of a few notes. This leads me to ponder the question of what exactly IS music at the very core? And how is it that our favorite musical gear is able to tap into all of this?
I’ve always understood that electrons and electronic fields established by circuitry are mathematical & probabilistic in nature. They don’t appear to be “solid” or “concrete” in a physical, everyday sense. It’s clear that electronics are a very counter-intuitive subject for most of us. For example, electricity doesn’t flow inside wires, believe it or not. It flows within fields established by the wires themselves and is not confined to flowing “within” them. These fields extend outwards and surround the conductor. That’s about as concise as I can make it. It’s one of the reasons I’ve found that layout in a guitar amplifier makes a huge difference in performance, given the same circuit. I’ve been wondering if understanding that more fully isn’t a key to understanding all of this.
It’s as if music electronics somehow establish a path between the underlying nature of our universe, and links it to our humanity. It’s especially interesting to consider that physics, art, humanity, and music might be facets of the same thing. All of this seems to apply to other types of electronic gear I’m currently familiar with, which creates, plays back, and processes music. Personally, I have always viewed playback and production gear such as stereo power amps, preamps, DI’s, speakers, crossovers, cables, gadgets, effects, power supplies, etc. as musical instruments as well. They could be viewed as fine instruments in much the same way a great Strat, Tele, Moog, Zildjian, etc. are.
When I began playing guitar and attempting to understand the art of the amplifier and music in the mid 1980’s, I unknowingly found myself chasing the nature of this question almost immediately. As soon as I picked up an electric guitar up and held it, I understood that I had much to learn. It’s been the driving force behind everything I’ve attempted and is really something I love to explore when making music and creating musical instruments. I often considered what exactly is “it” which leads us musicians on the path of designing and building great musical instruments in the first place? Generally speaking, one can easily hit the local music stores, pawn shops, or internet and find something bone stock which get us most of the way towards musical bliss. However, it’s that last few percent towards perfection where the subtle art really comes into play. Isn’t that exactly why we make art and music in the first place? To explore the boundaries of what’s possible and turn it into a reality at any cost?
To my mind, this is exactly why it’s called suffering for our Art. I’m not really aware of anything actually worth doing which is easy in life. It seems to me that the best Art is born from the consequences of living an “imperfect” life. It seems that the rule in this world is that the most difficult moments of our lives seem to be what inspire the most creative achievements. Take Bob Dylan’s lyrics and music for example. How could somebody so young and inexperienced come up with such masterful words and mood which most of us can appreciate? Could he really just be tapping into some sort of universal underlying wisdom which pervades our senses and common ancestral experience coded into our collective existence? Then consider Eric Clapton’s and Duane Allman’s virtuoso interplay on Derek and the Dominoes “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” These guys were only in their 20’s and yet were able to master their craft to such an extent and then convey it to their audience in such a way which has stood the test of time-to a rather large audience. Again, most of us can easily relate to and admire what they’ve created. The beauty of their art is quite apparent in the music they produce. These are merely a few examples of the many folks who are exceptionally gifted at conveying their own life experiences within their extraordinary art. It seems that a defining characteristic of human beings is that we are uniquely able to convey life experience within our Art.
Some of the most accomplished musicians I know each seem to say the same thing: they aren’t “making” the music per se. Instead, they seem to be conveying it more like a conduit-by tapping into it. Steve Kimock is a prime example of this particular way of thinking. Besides stating this to me personally, he has repeatedly stated similar on his blog. His music is a prime example which showcases this all perfectly, in my humble opinion. The further I get into playing music, designing electronics, and making art, the more questions I have.
I’d like to close by saying the following: I’ve had a lifetime of the BEST fun encountering these questions, meeting several people who recognize the same things, and attempting to find the answers within my craft. Isn’t that what music is really all about?
Jason C. Arthur
November 10, 2023
