ABSTRACT
The chapter begins by discussing the complex relationship between musicians and their instruments, specifically comparing digital and analog instruments and the hybrid situations that emerge when the two are combined. It explores organology and identifies the need for a new organological approach within the digital domain. It examines acoustic instruments and how they may be extended with digital technologies. It then examines software instruments and how these manifest themselves acoustically. An informational discussion of MIDI leads into a discussion of controllers of various types. Hardware hacking and the creative potential of a bric-a-brac approach are appraised. The chapter includes comments on their instruments from the case study musicians. It offers some critical questions as food for thought. It provides three creative projects for practical work in class, and a list of recommended further readings and suggested listening.
