Bread&Butter

[shamann]

So the phrase "bread & butter" when used to describe a type of synth sound, generally code for "dull & obvious"?

And "bread & butter" for whom? Aimed specifically at dance music folk, or does this apply to other specific styles of music? Those kind of sounds are not the obvious go-to's for me, but who starts off writing thinking "I sure you could use some 'bread & butter' sounds"?

[opiadream]

I prefer toast with butter

[vurt]

i think it refers to "normal real life instrument" sounds,organs and such
altho im not 100% sure so dont shoot me if im wrong unless you use this

[MickGael]

...who starts off writing thinking "I sure you could use some 'bread & butter' sounds"?

I usually compose on guitar, and I will typically know if I am going to use piano, organ and/or brass.

My bread and butter.

[torhan]

Yes, bread & butter sounds are like the ones you'd find on a Triton, Motif, etc. ---


or for that matter Colossus!

[Markleford]

"Bread and butter" is a common mainstay in your toolbox that has stood the test of time and you can rely on to get the job done. Things that the average composer will need to at least sketch out a track: piano, organ, slow strings, fliter sweep pad, bass, lead synth. No necessary "dull", but certainly nothing that sticks out as a signature sound or draws the attention too much from other elements. And not necessarily "real life": many classic synth sounds can be considered "bread and butter".

- m

[shamann]

Duotangs?

Why I ask, it's a point frequently noted in relation to synths like Absynth or Symptohm, but I can think of several members here for whom those are their primary goto synths. So I wonder if "bread&butter" is used in the pejorative sense, ie dull and obvious, or if it's marketing speak targetted at a specific type of musician.

Who's ears perk up when a synth is described as a "bread & butter" instrument?

[shamann]

"Bread and butter" is a common mainstay in your toolbox that has stood the test of time and you can rely on to get the job done.

Sure, and I am being a bit of an arse in asking, but I suppose the question is what kind of composer? Those sounds you listed, furthest from my mind when composing. I use piano sounds a lot, but rarely as a result of inherent reliability.

[dystonia_ek]

Sure, and I am being a bit of an arse in asking, but I suppose the question is what kind of composer?

[shamann]

So, it's even more negative than I at first thought.

[Markleford]

Sure, and I am being a bit of an arse in asking, but I suppose the question is what kind of composer?

"Pop-rock songwriter"?

Those sounds you listed, furthest from my mind when composing. I use piano sounds a lot, but rarely as a result of inherent reliability.

I didn't intend that list to be universal or exhaustive. Naturally your flavor of bread and butter will change per genre. Insert, "303, psy-kick, blah blah blah" here.

- m

[Polychrome]

Drums are another bread and butter sound. Most everything thats part of the general midi soundset can be considered bread and butter.

The term has nothing to do with sound quality, playability, etc. Lots of great music uses mostly bread and butter type sounds.

[Steven West]

Sure, and I am being a bit of an arse in asking, but I suppose the question is what kind of composer?

Is that John Tesh?

I..... think.... I'm....gonna SPEW!