Affordable Strings

[joshhunsaker]

This is free, relatively comprehensive collection, worth a try to be certain:
http://sso.mattiaswestlund.com/

And a massive 8.5 gb collection of open source stuff (you may need Kontact for some of it):
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Sound_samples

If you haven't yet gone the soundfont route:
http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1200140

There are some gems of soundfonts available for free compiled from various old romplers/synths/etc. for orchestral work. You can pick up more sfz files here:
http://www.sf2midi.com/

Also this is free and has some decent usable sounds (try layering):
http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp

The other thing that's VERY viable is to use Linuxsampler and pick up some old .gig libraries for strings for uber-cheap. Picking up a de-registered copy of a past NI Komplete bundle (maybe version 5 or 6) is also an excellent way to pick up both Kontact (with version 6 of Komplete, you get the most recent edition which is version 4) and a ton of other usable material. The included string samples in Kontact are VSL and very good plus add-on thrid party libraries are available relatively low-cost which are often also extremely effective. There is also Garritan's Personal Orchestra 4 which is $150 or so and sounds very reasonable. Good luck.

[panos]

You may also want to check the "old stuff". The Miroslav Vitus library is still very great and AFAIK you can get a fully functional demo to check on your setup and see how it works:

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/philharmonik/versions/

Best,

Panos

[Dwayne Russell]

Hello all. I am on my continued quest for some good, affordable samples. I've read some threads on here recently about some high end string samples (oh how I wish!!) but I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a bundle of string samples under 200. What I am using right now is what comes with Logic 9.0. What bothers me is the unrealistic bowing of sustained notes (as in, there isn't really any). I totally realize that I won't be getting a 10 product with my budget and what is out there, but a 7 or 8 would be nice

Do you have Cubase? I believe that Cubase 5 came with a trial version of Halion Orchestra and for $199 you could buy it.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/vs ... oduct.html

[kclements]

Have not had a chance to look or listen to this, I just ran across it on Sonicstate.com. I am sure it is not up to the standards of the products mentioned, the author even says so, but you can't beat the price. Might be worth a look. I think I will download it and see what happens.

http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2011/01/ ... orchestra/

kc

[DesireeBowen]

Thank you ALL for the suggestions!

I am still writing songs that could use a more pop string sound, but also instrumental pieces where I would like a realistic sound. So I might go for a more classical sounding sample and then play with it some to get a pop sound when I want to go that direction. It sounds like from what I am reading on this thread, that might be the most economical (though not the easiest).

On the bright side- we just got back (probably our last) big tax refund!! So looks like I will be going shopping soon....