The Unspoken Connection

A Bond Between Musicians and Their Instruments

Hi music lovers and studio heads. What I’m interested in sharing with you today is something I’ve always felt through my years in music shops. I know it applies to other musicians and even had Producer Salaam Remi ( Fugees, Winehouse ) talk with me about it in the EMI publishing studio. It’s about that invisible bond between musicians and instruments.

We often hear that it’s not the instrument, but the player who makes the music. While there’s truth to that, anyone who has spent time in a music shop auditioning instruments knows that there’s something going on there that is more than just skill. There’s an unspoken connection—a feeling, an almost intangible bond—that can or cannot form between a musician and instrument. This connection often made on first contact can inspire melodies and figures, and can last a lifetime. If I”m auditioning instruments and don’t make this instant connection it is quite likely I will move to the next instrument be it a different model, brand, construction or even colour!

Finding the Right Musical Instruments

The unspoken connection between a musician and their instrument goes beyond just functionality. It’s about comfort, feel, and inspiration. When a musician picks up an instrument—whether it’s a guitar, synthesiser, violin or tuba —it’s not just a tool; it’s an extension of their creativity. The right instrument makes playing feel effortless. It allows them to lose themselves in the music, to express emotions that words can’t quite capture.

But not all instruments fit this way. As many seasoned musicians will tell you, finding the right one is sometimes more about patience than anything else. It’s like dating—sometimes a musician meets an instrument, and it just clicks. Other times, despite the player’s best efforts, they simply don’t feel a spark.

Demoing Musical Instruments

Many musicians have spent countless hours in local music shops, trying out different guitars, synthesisers, and other instruments. There are moments when they pick up an instrument, and it just feels right—the smooth neck of a guitar, the rich resonance, or the intuitive controls on a synthesiser. Suddenly, melodies begin to form in their head, and the instrument feels like it’s inspiring them, almost as if it’s part of the creative process.

But then, there are times when they try out another instrument and they don’t quite feel that great. It’s not about the quality—it could be a top-tier instrument—but it just doesn’t “click.” The instrument feels awkward, unresponsive, or the tone doesn’t resonate with the player. Despite their skill, that unspoken connection just isn’t there.

The Search for the Right Match

For novice musicians, finding the right instrument is often about experimenting and discovering what feels comfortable. It might be tempting to choose an instrument because of its look or brand, but it’s important to focus on how it feels to play. Does it balance well in their hands? Is it comfortable to play for long stretches? These details matter, especially for beginners.

For more experienced musicians, the search is more refined. They likely have a better understanding of their playing style and musical preferences, which means finding the instrument that complements their needs to fully express their sound.

When the Connection Is Missing

Not every instrument will work for every musician. Sometimes, the weight or shape doesn’t feel right, or the sound doesn’t inspire. The action on the keys may feel stiff, or the strings on the guitar may not sit well under their fingers. These small but crucial details can make all the difference.

There’s the story of a musician who once tried a synthesiser with all the features they thought they would love. But when they sat down to play, it felt awkward. The layout was unintuitive, and the sounds didn’t inspire them. After just a few minutes, they set it down. It wasn’t the instrument for them.

All in all there is a magic in the music creation when a group hits all the right notes. All is well in the world.