The Best House Music Instruments

Check out our list of the best house music instruments that you’ll need to create your own tracks.

House Music Instruments

House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized by Midwest and East Coast DJs who played a mix of disco and electronic music. House music quickly spread to other parts of the United States and then to the rest of the world. House music is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, a tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute, and a repetitive, hypnotic bassline.

Drum machines

Drum machines are a key component in house music, providing the beats and rhythms that give the genre its characteristic sound. Modern drum machines often come equipped with a range of sounds, from traditional drums to more unique and synthesized tones, giving producers a wide palette to work with. The most popular drum machines used in house music are the Roland TR-909 and the Roland TB-303, both of which have become iconic pieces of equipment in the genre.

Synthesizers

The synthesizer is one of the most important instruments in house music. It allows producers to create unique sounds that can’t be replicated with any other instrument. There are many different types of synthesizers, but the most common ones used in house music are the Roland TB-303, the Moog Minimoog, and the Korg MS-20.

The Roland TB-303 is a bass synthesizer that was released in 1982. It was originally designed to be used as a accompaniment for guitarists, but it quickly gained popularity among electronic musicians. The TB-303 has a distinctive sound that is perfect for creating acid house music.

The Moog Minimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer that was released in 1971. It is one of the first portable electronic musical instruments and it was used by many famous musicians including Keith Emerson, Vangelis, and Stevie Wonder. The Minimoog has a warm, fat sound that is perfect for creating mellow house tunes.

The Korg MS-20 is a semi-modular analog synthesizer that was released in 1978. It became very popular among new wave and punk bands in the early 1980s due to its aggressive sound. The MS-20 is perfect for creating hard-hitting house tracks with its sharp, piercing tones.

Samplers

Samplers are one of the most essential elements of house music, providing the rhythmic backbone and signature sound of the genre. Also known as drum machines or sequencers, these devices play a variety of percussion sounds in a loop, allowing producers to create complex beats and grooves. Samplers can be stand-alone units or built into larger production consoles.

MIDI controllers

MIDI controllers are devices that allow you to control the sound of digital instruments, usually via a computer. They come in all shapes and sizes, from simple USB pads to full-fledged keyboards.

In the world of house music, MIDI controllers are often used to control drum machines, synthesisers and other electronic instruments. They can be used to create all kinds of sounds, from subtle background textures to thumping basslines and everything in between.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a MIDI controller for your needs. The first is the number of pads or keys you need. If you only need a few controls, a simple pad or keyboard will suffice. If you need more controls, you might want to consider a controller with more pads or keys.

Another thing to consider is the type of controls you need. Some controllers have traditional piano-style keys, while others have round pads that can be used for playing drums or triggering samples. There are also controllers with unusual shapes and layouts that can be used for creating all kinds of sounds.

Finally, you’ll need to decide on a budget. MIDI controllers range in price from around $100 to $1000 or more, so it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.

With all of these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best MIDI controllers for house music production.

Best House Music Instruments

There are a few key instruments that are essential to house music. These instruments include the drum machine, the synthesizer, and the sampler. These instruments are essential to create the signature sound of house music. Let’s take a look at each of these instruments in more detail.

Akai MPC

The Akai MPC is a classic piece of equipment that has been used in many different genres of music, but it is particularly well-suited for house music. It is a drum machine and sampler that allows you to create your own beats and rhythms, and it also has a wide range of effects that you can use to add more texture and flavor to your tracks. If you are looking for an instrument that will help you create the perfect house music sound, then the Akai MPC is a great option to consider.

Roland TR-909

The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer is a drum machine that was produced by the Roland Corporation in 1983. It was one of the first drum machines to use digital samples of acoustic drums, and was also notable for its unique design and its inclusion of features not commonly found on other drum machines of its time, including a Sequencer and MIDI. The TR-909 was originally released as a successor to the Roland TR-808, which was released in 1980.

Roland TB-303

Roland’s TB-303 is one of the most iconic pieces of electronic music equipment ever made. The little silver box was originally designed as a bass line generator for acoustic guitarists, but it quickly found its way into the hands of experimental electronic musicians and became a defining sound of the acid house movement of the late 1980s. The squelchy, acidic sound of the TB-303 is unique and instantly recognizable, and it has been used on countless classic tracks over the years. If you’re looking to make some classic acid house music, you’ll need a Roland TB-303.

Korg Volca Beats

The Korg Volca Beats Analog Rhythm Machine is one of the best house music instruments out there. It’s an affordable and easy to use machine that can create some really great sounds. The machine has three oscillators, each with its own pitch and level control. There is also a noise generator that can be used to create some really great percussion sounds. The machine also has a built in sequencer that can be used to create some really complex patterns.