Article: While "synthesizer" is used synonymously with "electronic musical instrument," the synthesizer is the part of the electronic instrument that produces the actual music: the beats, the rhythms, and the tones. Early synthesizers, such as the Moog Minimoog, were capable of producing only one tone at a time (monophonic). These synthesizers could not produce the secondary tones that other musical instruments could, although some synthesizers could produce two pitches at once if two keys were pressed. From the mid-1970s on, synthesizers that can produce multiple tones at once (polyphonic) have been available, allowing you to produce chords as well as individual notes. Most early synthesizers were separate from the means used to control the sounds they made. Many electronic musical instruments, particularly those for casual home use, now feature the synthesizer physically integrated with its control unit. The earliest synthesizers were controlled by flipping switches, turning knobs, or in the case of the Theremin (what the Etherophone was renamed), by where the operator's hands were positioned over the instrument. Modern controllers come in more musician-friendly varieties and control the synthesizer through the Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI) standard. Some of the controllers are described below: Keyboard. This is the most common synthesizer controller. Keyboards range in size from the full 88-key (7-octave) keyboard found on digital pianos to as few as 25 keys (2 octaves) on a toy-sized keyboard. Keyboards for home use typically have 49, 61, or 76 keys (4, 5, or 6 octaves). Some keyboards feature weighted keys to simulate the responsiveness of a piano, while others feature spring-loaded keys, and still others combine springs with lighter weights than fully weighted keys.. Many feature touch sensitivity, where the hardness of the keys (how hard they are struck) determines how loud the sound generated is. Mouthpiece/wind controller. This controller is found on a wind synthesizer, an electronic instrument designed similar to a soprano saxophone, clarinet, recorder, or trumpet. You blow into it to regulate the sound, which can be modified by using your thumb or jaw in certain ways. MIDI guitar. This is software that lets you use your acoustic or electric guitar, with a pickup, to control a synthesizer. MIDI guitars work by attempting to convert string vibrations into digital data. There is often a delay between the input and output because of the amount of sampling necessary to create the digitized sound. SynthAxe: No longer made, the SynthAxe worked by dividing the fretboard into 6 diagonal zones and used the strings as sensors. How much bending the strings were subjected to determined the tone generated. Keytar: This controller is shaped like the body and neck of a guitar, but has a 3-octave keyboard on the guitar body and other sound-manipulating controls on the neck. Inspired by an 18th-century instrument called the orphica, it offers players the control of a keyboard and the mobility of a guitar. Electronic drum pads: Introduced in 1971, electronic drum pads are usually available in kits similar to that of acoustic drums, including cymbals. Early versions played pre-recorded samples, while later versions create the sounds mathematically. Used with headphones, it is possible to play an electronic drum kit so that only the player hears the sound it makes. Radio drum. Originally intended for use as a three-dimensional "mouse," the radio drum senses the position of its two sticks in three dimensions, varying the sound produced according to where on the "drum" surface it is touching. BodySynth. This was a wearable controller that used muscle tension and body movement to control sound and lighting. It was intended for use by dancers and performance artists, but in many cases was too difficult to control. Simpler forms of the BodySynth have used gloves or shoes to serve as control units.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Make electronic music with a synthesizer. Manipulate the synthesizer with the instrument controller.
Article: It can be tricky to choose a pair of jeans without being able to physically see and touch the fabric. Read the product details carefully to find out as much about the jeans as you can, such as the different materials that make up the jeans, if they are low, mid, or high-rise, and any particular sizing details. The fabric composition specifies the different materials the jeans are made of. If you want jeans with a bit of stretch, look for a pair that's a maximum of 2% lycra or spandex. The jeans will be comfortable to move about in, yet won't become baggy or overstretched with time. If the jeans have any reviews, check to see what other customers thought of the quality, sizing, and practical details of the jeans, such as shipping and value for money. Reviews are a great way to find out if the sizing runs small, large, or true-to-size. This can help you to pick the right size. Most companies include specific jean sizing charts these can usually be found within the product details or under the "Help" section. Compare your measurements to those specified in the sizing chart to find the size that's best for you. Some jeans also come in different lengths, such as tall or short, so check the sizing chart for length too. Buying jeans online can be difficult because you don't have the option of trying them on before making a purchase. Make sure that you're able to return the jeans if you need to and check how long you have to return products. It can also pay to check if there is any cost involved. Return policies can often be found in the "Help" section of the website or under the product details. If the website has a return policy that you're comfortable with, it can be a good idea to buy 2 different sizes in the jeans that you want. This means that you have the opportunity to pick the size that fits best and to return the other pair.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Read the product details to find out the fabric composition and style. Scan the reviews to check if the jeans run true-to-size. Follow the sizing chart to determine what size you need. Check the return policy before you purchase the jeans.
Article: Always pick up the snake gently from the mid-body area, rather than the head or tail. Support its body as you hold it so that it feels safe and secure. Let it curl around your hands to explore. Some garter snakes will be afraid of being handled at first. This means that it may thrash in your hands. In this scenario, keep a firm hold of it so that it doesn't fall. Other scared snakes may produce a foul-smelling liquid called musk. This isn't harmful and you can simply wash it off. Practice handling the snake regularly and helping it to feel safe and secure so that it feels more comfortable being handled. If your snake is new, give it a few days to settle in first and make sure that it eats its first meal. Handle the snake regularly so that it can get used to you and learn to trust you. Over time, the snake will become more comfortable with being handled. Regular handling also provides a good opportunity for checking the snake's health. Make sure that there aren't small lumps over its body or a hollow popping sound when it breathes, as this could indicate a problem with internal parasites. Check the snake's body for puffy, white sores which can indicate a blister disease that is caused by living in conditions that are too moist. Also, make sure that the snake sheds properly and doesn't retain old skin around its eyes and tail. Take your snake to a veterinarian for treatment if it shows any of these symptoms.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Handle the snake by letting it climb through your hands. Take the snake out of the enclosure at least once per week. Check the snake regularly to make sure it is healthy.