A plurality of key switches are disposed in a predetermined arrangement,
such as a matrix arrangement, and a tone generator includes a memory for
storing tone (waveform) data corresponding to the key switches. Sampling
section acquires an audio signal from an external source, cuts out tone
data from the acquired audio signal and writes the cut-out tone data into
the memory in association with the key switches. Any one of the key
switches is designated on the basis of switch operation by a user or on
the basis of automatic performance information, so that, of the tone data
stored in the memory, the tone data corresponding to the designated key
switch is sounded, i.e. audibly reproduced.