I like a good instrumental band, but so often all the tunes start to sound the same. The instrumental duo (guitar and fiddle) in which I play tries to mix things up by playing swing tunes, "celtic" tunes, bluegrass tunes, waltzes, and other styles, without prejudice. The fiddler always plays the same fiddle so her changes in tone and timbre have to come from her hands and that one instrument, but I will use at least a couple of guitars to help vary the sound at least a bit. Dynamics can effect the audience responce greatly. We intend to expand our range of instruments but side obligations tend to distract us too much.

My singer/songwriter duo could benefit from more instrumentals, but we tend to vary the amount of soloing and jamming we do based on the feel of the moment. My sense is that the audience likes the instrumental breaks a lot, and that they strengthen the show.

As a listener I like everything about equally, provided it is sincerely and competently played.

Saw The Creaking Tree String Quartet last year and didn't miss the vocal element at all.

Peace, Mooh.