best string quartet sample library?

**matt thomas** · 27th January 2008

hi

whats the best string quartet sample library available?

I'm meaning single notes, similar to eastwests symphonic orchestra library, for programming parts, mostly for writing, but occassionaly for using when the result is up to standard.

thanks
narco

popmann · 27th January 2008

I purchased VSL's "Chamber" and "Solo" strings last year. They're really amazing--filling the void that most orchestral libs leave--the need for small, studio sections.

Two downsides...you'll need a LOT of RAM. I'm about to fully pop 4gb in my machine so I can load the full articulations of vioin/viola/cello of both libs. I would need a Mac (which can address more virtual memory space) and more RAM to load in the full contra bass set--but, I'm doing pop music, so...the Fenders take that space.

On the cheaper side, Dan Dean's Solo Strings are decent for doing a small intimate arrangment, but they don't APPROACH the flexibility of the VSL instruments. Actually, if you have a Gigastudio (or compatible) box, I'd be glad to sell you the original DDSS lib I have, but I think they've made a lot of improvements with the newer versions, so...

astronmr20 · 27th January 2008

Vienna Instruments' Chamber strings. Hands down.

popmann · 27th January 2008

Actually...I think you want the solo strings to do a quartet. The Chamber Strings are small sections sampled. 3-5 players per section, if I remember right. More of a studio pop size...

kosi · 27th January 2008

Actually, I had to write for a quartet last week and the VSL chamber didn't work at all, I had to use the SOLO instruments. In the film, you can see the performers and the Chamber sound was way too big.

I ended up wth a mix of Dan Dean Solo strings and a Viola Arco from the Mike Waring Solo Strings. I couldn't bring the Vienna Solo Vio and the Cello to work, but I didn't have too much time, so, I guess with more time to program, they would have been in also.
(I'm working an a Gigastudio, not the VI)

This said, I will record the first 2 voices for the real film with a real player.

27th January 2008	#1
matt thomas Moderator Joined: Jan 2004 Location: New Zealand/Switzerland/guitar case Posts: 8,268 Thread Starter	best string quartet sample library? hi whats the best string quartet sample library available? I'm meaning single notes, similar to eastwests symphonic orchestra library, for programming parts, mostly for writing, but occassionaly for using when the result is up to standard. thanks narco __________________ Steve Gadd, New York Brass, David Kahne, Abbey Road Mastering, all featuring on Lesley Meguid (my wife)'s album "The Truth About Love Songs", out now! Check out some previews on www.itunes.com/lesleymeguid or Lesley Meguid on Facebook - neve, fairchild, m49 for vox etc..

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27th January 2008	#2
popmann Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 3,179 1 Review written	I purchased VSL's "Chamber" and "Solo" strings last year. They're really amazing--filling the void that most orchestral libs leave--the need for small, studio sections. Two downsides...you'll need a LOT of RAM. I'm about to fully pop 4gb in my machine so I can load the full articulations of vioin/viola/cello of both libs. I would need a Mac (which can address more virtual memory space) and more RAM to load in the full contra bass set--but, I'm doing pop music, so...the Fenders take that space. On the cheaper side, Dan Dean's Solo Strings are decent for doing a small intimate arrangment, but they don't APPROACH the flexibility of the VSL instruments. Actually, if you have a Gigastudio (or compatible) box, I'd be glad to sell you the original DDSS lib I have, but I think they've made a lot of improvements with the newer versions, so...

27th January 2008	#3
astronmr20 Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 8,424	Vienna Instruments' Chamber strings. Hands down.

27th January 2008	#5
kosi Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2002 Location: Berlin Posts: 941	Actually, I had to write for a quartet last week and the VSL chamber didn't work at all, I had to use the SOLO instruments. In the film, you can see the performers and the Chamber sound was way too big. I ended up wth a mix of Dan Dean Solo strings and a Viola Arco from the Mike Waring Solo Strings. I couldn't bring the Vienna Solo Vio and the Cello to work, but I didn't have too much time, so, I guess with more time to program, they would have been in also. (I'm working an a Gigastudio, not the VI) This said, I will record the first 2 voices for the real film with a real player.