"Koo nee tang, na' na' na', ah lawah. Koo nee tang!"
- Joh Yowza
Music has always been a key aspect of every Star Wars film, whether the iconic Duel of the Fates, the eclectic cantina theme, or the whimsical tunes associated with the Ewoks. We have come to know these - and other - songs not just by their sound, but also by how they make us feel and react.
Music in SWG Legends is no less important and thanks to a dedicated entertainer profession and a host of instruments and songs for them to mix and match, every visit to a cantina, party or even a space yacht can be turned into an unforgettable concert! And that's us not even delving too far into the various effects, flourishes, playback modules and other aspects of a fully immersive musical performance. We'll leave all that for another time because today, we want to get right down to the tools of the trade: the musical instruments that the masterful musicians make magic from!
In this updated Friday Feature (the previous one can be found here), we're going to not just help you identify each instrument on sight, but also group them together so that you'll know which share the same sound. And while you're reading, pay close attention because we're going to give you just a little hint at how you can even mix up a song when you use two or more instruments that may sound the same but have them play different fills and flourishes.
Start your metronomes and compose yourselves; let's go!
Welcome musicians and music lovers alike. What follows are almost all of the instruments available in SWG Legends. We've grouped each instrument into different sections based on their sound. In other words, two instruments in the same section will have the exact same sound when playing the same song. So if you're joining a band that already has an Ommni Box, there's no need for you to use your Bandfill unless you want to double up on that bass and beat.
Though we do our best to describe each section by the sounds they create, be aware that this sometimes changes depending on the song itself. A good musician shouldn't take our word for it though. They should get their hands on each and give them a try. (We also did not include the Spooky Xantha or the Spooky Ommni Box in the pictures. They were too terrifying for the article, but know that they sound like their far-less-fearsome varieties).
Bandfill, Ommni Box
The backbone of any band is the rhythm section. It establishes the beat and the low register and informs the listener how to tap their foot and move to the groove. Both the Bandfill and the Ommni Box serve as the bass and the drums in most compositions. Add one of these instruments to your next performance and feel the party come alive! Choose the Ommni Box if you want to sit for the show, but if you want to be out front, grab the Bandfill.
Chidinkalu Horn, Fizzz, Kloo Horn, Valahorn
Need a little punch to your songs? Reach for this section of handheld instruments. They have quite a range that can stand out in a song and grab attention. With four styles to choose from, it's down to personal taste. The Chidinkalu Horn, Fizzz, Kloo Horn and Valahorn each have a unique style, but each share the power to play lead or step back and accompany the rhythm.
Fanfar, Slitherhorn, Traz
There is just something very soothing and satisfying with the low brass sound. While fully capable of hitting the high notes (especially in flourishes when they leap up out of the mix to reintroduce themselves), these instruments typically live closer to the bottom to round out the sound. While the Bandfill might be establishing the beat and the High Brass is taking center stage, it's the Low Brass section that's making things swing. The Fanfar, Slitherhorn and Traz all belong to this section.
Ewok Harp, Mandoviol, Xantha
Whether it be the plucking of harp strings, the precision picking of a Mandoviol or the showmanship that the Xantha seems to demand, the Strings section is there to pull on the heartstrings. It might be to wind the listener up with an adrenaline-fueled solo or to soothe them back down with a pleasant power ballad, but no matter what, these instruments command attention. From song to song, these instruments can have a wide array of sounds that musicians can elicit. The harp is available only during a limited time during the Ewok Festival of Love, but the others - the Mandoviol and Xantha are ready to rock year 'round.
Nalargon
The Nalargon is truly in a class by itself. A favorite of the famous Max Rebo, this multi-keyed instrument plays the part of organ, keyboards and sometimes steel drum! How is THAT for an instrument? This rig is sure to grab attention when it gets setup as the centerpiece to a multi-instrument band. It provides more than just visual delight, as it also pleases the ears and the heart. Add the Nalargon to your band and watch the tip jar fill!
Now that you know the different sections, gather your friends and see if you can get at least one from each to really hear the music come alive!
And if there's two or more instruments from the same section - but of different types - there's something a little extra you can do as part of your band flourishes! Just flourish by instrument by using the following /bandflourish (flourish #) (instrument).
For example, if you have both a Mandoviol and a Xantha in the same band, you can use the following to get only the Xantha to flourish separately from everyone else.
/bandflo 2 Xantha;
Give it a try and hear for yourself while grouped with others. Now the power is in the bands hands! Mix and match flourishes by instrument, throw in pauses, flourish all together, and craft a composition to wow your audience. For a full setlist, you could macro it all so that you have perfect timing to go along with your perfect pitch! Perhaps we'll cover all of this in greater detail in a future feature, but for now, we think this is enough to get your creativity flowing!
We hope this updated Friday Feature has given you new ideas of how to build your band, compose your song, and impress your audiences. Let us know in the comments below about how you combined instruments to achieve a sound that suits your style.
Looking for more Friday Features? Click here!
