A musical tone generation apparatus is basically configured by a main sound source
device installing an extension board. Herein, the main sound source device is configured
by a CPU, memories, operators, a music synthesizer, a mixer, an effector and a
sound system, while the extension board is configured by fabricating a CPU (or
sequencer), memories and a music synthesizer (or effector). When the extension
board is installed in the main sound source device, function setting data regarding
new functions installed on the extension board is automatically transferred to
the main sound source device so that a user is capable of adequately setting and
controlling the new functions by using the operators. If the extension board corresponds
to a tone color extension board that provides extended tone colors which differ
from preset tone colors being installed in the main sound source device in advance,
the main sound source device is capable of generating musical tones using the extended
tone colors. In that case, it is possible for the sequencer to enable reproduction
of a specific sound pattern such as an arpeggio and a phrase to be suited to the
extended tone color(s). If the extension board corresponds to an extended effect
board that provides extended effects such as harmony, reverb, chorus and echo,
the main sound source device is capable of adequately imparting them to musical
tones or other sounds.
