I've been traveling full-time for a year and living out of basically one big rolling-suitcase. Every time I'm back in the states, I convince myself to put the OP-1 in storage - it's just taking up weight, I could just as well use Ableton, etc...
...but I can never bring myself to leave it. I don't use it a ton, but when I do I get sucked into it for 4+ hours. I especially love to use it on long international flights (I read someplace this was one of the design goals), and my tape tracks are crammed with loops from the last 5 years - it's unexpectedly nostalgic to listen back.
I originally bought it because of that strange impulse you mentioned, at a time when I really shouldn't have been buying expensive synth-toys - but I'm so, so glad that I did. Totally encourage you to pick one up if you ever get the opportunity!
I’m in a very similar situation with the OP-Z! No musical background, bought it because I was curious about the UI. I find myself getting sucked into it for hours at a time, even though I haven’t yet made a beat I’d be comfortable sharing.
My original plan was to sell the OP-Z after a few months, but now I think I will hold onto this thing until it dies.
> No musical background, bought it because I was curious about the UI. I find myself getting sucked into it for hours at a time, even though I haven’t yet made a beat I’d be comfortable sharing.
Study music theory! Seriously, it's more of a science than an art. The art comes in how you apply it. I made a huge jump from making little 10-second loops to making enjoyable music after I learned a little theory. It is well worth your time.
Yet most musicians are not consciously aware of theory while they make music. So you don’t really apply music theory, many great artists don’t actually know the theory much at all.
...but I can never bring myself to leave it. I don't use it a ton, but when I do I get sucked into it for 4+ hours. I especially love to use it on long international flights (I read someplace this was one of the design goals), and my tape tracks are crammed with loops from the last 5 years - it's unexpectedly nostalgic to listen back.
I originally bought it because of that strange impulse you mentioned, at a time when I really shouldn't have been buying expensive synth-toys - but I'm so, so glad that I did. Totally encourage you to pick one up if you ever get the opportunity!