Strings

[bradch00]

I am working on a piece that involves quite a few stringed instruments. Up to now I have relied on my midi hardware to provide those samples, but now.... well things have gone beyond that. I'm looking for sounds like you might find on Eleanor Rigby or some Paul Buckmaster arrangements.

I want to keep it under $500 (for those keeping score)...
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[cfb25]

I think you might be pleasently surprised by both digidesigns xpand, and Reason... Both have surprisingly nice strings.. no philharmonik, but for the money... Reason with the orkester, and the string add on has some pretty sweet stuff.

[bradch00]

I have xpand and for the string section passages (those where an entire section would be playing the same note or phrase) it works. Where I find it misses is in solo or single instrument voices, cello, viola, etc. That being said, for the price I think xpand is a bargain and fits the purpose in many instances. Reason I haven't looked into, but I will.

Up to now I have looked at:
Halion Strings 2 (Steinberg)
MOTU Symphonic Instrument
Symphonic Orchestra (EWQL)

Thanks!