RhythmMan_BluesRockFolk wrote:I'd call a computer a tool.
As is a guitar or any other "instrument" a tool. So what is an instrument? The dictionary defines it as:
"a device that requires skill for proper use"
Musical instruments are defined as such:
"any of various devices or contrivances that can be used to produce musical tones or sounds"
A computer fits well in this definition. I need not remind you the an electronic keyboard actually IS a computer, complete with processors, storage and memory.
Indeed, electric guitars were once frowned upon by the musical establishment. Before that, electronic organs were shunned. The pipe organ was deemed demonic by the catholic church. All of these "instruments" were once on the forefront of technology, and hense feared.
The fact is, I often play my computer as one would play a piano, assigning keys to trigger notes. I can play chords with it. I assign the track pad as a source of expression. It IS a musical instrument, and it produces sounds that cannot otherwise be achieved.
(But again... we're off topic)