First, lemme say thanks for your Christmas spirit.

I think I would've liked this better without the synth strings. Granted I was listening on a less than ideal sound system but, they sounded out of place to me. Liked your piano playing. Maybe a version of this with just the piano? Merry Christmas!

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I was going for strings, but alas, the only strings I have are GB strings which don't sound much like strings at all. I've listened to this on three or four different systems, and each one the "strings" sound different. Weird.

Thanks for the comment and listen!

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-- insert something witty here --

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I guess I coulda offered a suggestion, eh?

One thing I've noticed about the "strings" in garage band is they don't sound like strings. The ones that come in JamPack 4 sound much nicer over the stock ones.

Another thing that helps is to use chords when you play them. This gives them an "ensemble" sound instead of the single instrument sound That comes with playing one key at a time on the keyboard.

However, I am in no way, no how any kind of expert on how to get a full sound from MIDI controled strings. One example I can think of right off the top of my head is Mystified. Somehow, she gets incredible string-scapes on her tracks. Maybe give her a ring for some tips.



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Where my songs are

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The opening was a little out of sync, but got better as it went on.

Interesting how the singer (was that you?) sang the first part on the line that I usually think of as the alto harmony line. I really liked the clarity of the lyrics in your version.

If you use string pads a lot, I suggest the JamPack 4 strings. They are much better than the ones included with GB, and although there are better voicings out there, the JP4 gives you the best bang for your buck.

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I love love the arrangement/structure (melody/harmony) you have here. However I must agree with others that the instruments used and the mix need some work... let me see if I can offer some ideas. First, it did sound like the timing of the guitar & piano wandered a little from the strings. Secondly, the strings, piano, and guitar were doing a fairly constant repetitive wash of sound throughout, and it felt like there should be more dynamics and beat in there, where the instruments all got louder together, then all softened/stopped to break it up a little more. Also, maybe give a stanza with just one or two instruments in the middle? There were a few places where the chords of the different instruments seemed to clash a little too. Also, the guitar, piano and strings were all similarly voiced, so they tended to melt together a bit... you may want to choose a couple other types of instruments to push the bass (plucked jazz bass?) and treble (glockenspiel?) areas of the mix? Finally, the recording was OK, but could have been a little brighter. However, I really like this interpretation, it is unique and dark and pretty. I would love to hear you work on this more, it could become a very compelling piece of music!
ttfn,
Drakonis

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But I don't like that pic....Is that a real tree??

http://www.macjams.com/song/27385

Happy New Year

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