Frank, I do a little bit of everything, all of what you mentioned above, depending on which song you listen to. Now, to fully understand, some samples and loops, I am licensed to use them for video, gaming backgrounds, small films that are not on national TV or in major theaters and so, I have to list something in this spot when posting on line, so I use video use just to keep it simple. I do play keyboards and have 10 guitars I play. I also have a lot of East West Quantum Leap software that is also have lisenced, to include Storm Drums, Symphonic Orchestra, Boesendorfer 290 Piano, Vapor Synth, Hardcore Bass, among other various software for making music, with is used through my keyboards and for the guitars I use a Digitech GNX4 guitar processor which has 280settings, 180 which are customizable, along with that, I also use Native Instruments AC Box Combo, Plexi Combo and Twang Combo. I also use Kit Core Drums, Cakewalk Kinetic 2, Aria Synth, Cinescore, Pro Samples - Percussive Adventures 2, Sonicfire Pro 5- Smart Sound Samples and loops, and so many other software there are to many to list. I have 3 Marshall Amplifiers, Yamaha mixer, at least 6 microphones, and the list goes on and on. Do I play instruments, yes I do. On every song I produce, not everyone. Do I use samples, multiple instrument loops and sound fonts, yes I do, all of them. Do I produce my own unique sound with each song, I surely hope so, it's a lot of hard work. So, I hope this gives you your answers you are looking for and glad you are interested about my creations and how they are put together. Just go to my SoundClick link and you can listen to 50 songs I have posted there. I use to play drums in a couple of bands in California many years ago and also guitar. I have been playing since I was 12 years old and I'' be 64 in August, so I have been in the music business for many years. But, I still don't know what I'm doing to this day, just winging it and having fun
Peace be with you and many blessings, John