The strings actually sound very good overall. If you can tinker around with dynamics that would help. Strings are capable of remarkable dynamic contrasts--from ppppp to fffff. You've used a bit of dynamic contrast, but could bump it up to the next level by playing more with dynamics.

Another suggestion is to use more octave doublings. If you are looking for a full string orchestra sound, trying doubling parts. Doubling some of the parts an octave higher, especially in climatic sections can perhaps help to give you that string sound you are likely trying to emulate.

Consider opening with solo string sounds, instead of string ensemble sounds. Then gradually introduce the string ensemble--preferably muted strings(if you have the samples) if you can. Take off the mutes as you progress to larger climatic sections.

If you can have your strings tremolo, that would also help especially at the beginning.

Nice piece! Very musical, with a strong melody. Keep working on this!


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I appreciate your detailed comments!

Actually I did use octave doublings in the climactic part. I didn't use that technique throughout because I wanted to build up to the climax. I will try to use more dynamics as you suggested. The thing about these string sounds is that after a certain velocity number they go from a straight sound to a tremelo sound. In other words it's hard to make them soft and tremelo. I will try messing with the master volume more.

I don't think I have mutes. I'm not a string player myself so I am not even sure how that sound is achieved in real playing. What program do you use for your orchestral sounds?
Thanks again for all your help!

chip


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I use Notion. It's notation software with a built in sampler of the LSO. It's geared to the classical orchestral composer who wants to work in notation.

Strings wise, you can get some very good effects with this software including: tremolo, accent tremolo, con sordino, accent con sordino, staccato con sordino, pizzicato con sordino, tremolo con sordino, accent tremolo con sordino, half step trill con sordino and whole step trill con sordino,col legno, sul ponticello, bartok pizzicato, minor third tremolando, major third tremolando, perfect fourth tremolando, open string, and natural and artificial harmonics.

Cheers

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Thanks! I'm not familiar with Notation. I used to use Sibelius when I was doing notation in University, but my version is so old and I can't get it to work on my current computer. I guess for now I will stick to GB since I don't have the budget for more software now. Thanks for the advice though! I need to learn more about string playing in general.

chip

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I agree totally with Soul... One other thing I note is that some of the terminations are very abrupt.

This tends to make me think they are not real strings from an untrained listener stand point. When I've heard say real quartets rarely does the cello just simply stop hard. Usually they fade out with a gentle bow.

Obviously in some places hard stops are needed but somehow they sound different then the synth versions.

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Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

I think I understand what you are saying. I'm not exactly sure how to remedy that. With software string sounds there is no decay as long as the note is sustained. I will try to figure it out. Perhaps the using the master volume to fade out will sound more realistic.

Appreciate your comments.

chip

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I would love to hear more bowed bass, you have the deep tones in various parts like at the end but I think it is so effective in a piece like this.
Thanks for sharing.

Like how you are making it sound like your own and not a Jam Pack.

Like Soulima says doubling and even re doubling, some maybe a bit of reverb then tone it way low, so me it gives more of an orchestral effect. But you don't even have to do that on the first level. Maybe an overlay with hint of reverb.

I know in Logic, 8, one of the neat things is you can very quickly pull up or down the level of each instrument because you have the tool at the press of the mouse.. With GB and can be a bit time consuming.

Still it sounds real nice and is a good addition to MJ.

Thanks for sharing

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I also love bowed bass sounds. I will experiment with adding more.

I'm wondering if in the future I should buy Logic or something a little more professional. I guess I need to learn how to use GB better first. Thanks so much for your comments.

chip

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this is a charming piece my friend ..the strings
has alot of passions ...very wonderfull playin ..
I think it need a lil delay and decrease the reverb
(dry) ..so the wave will be lil longer and wont be
end fast as the sustain will give more realsitic
sound .this is exactly what I tried with my strngs
soundfonts ..your much better ..so I guess will
sound more realsitc than mine ..thnx alot for sharin
such gem !

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for your advice and your encouraging comments!

chip

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... and I agree with what the others have stated. There is a forum I started, which may be helpful to you in understanding the control you can have "on the fly" while playing using JamPack 4. Also how to achieve more realistic sounding strings.

http://www.macjams.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=21;showtopic=119402

"JP4 Revealed Pt 1"

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Thanks so much. I will definitely check out the forum when I have time! I appreciate your help!

chip

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...less knowledge than you about electronic string sounds...so these posts are great for me, too...I'm going to save this to my desktop for future reference...

I do think that this is beautiful and am looking forward to further development, though...

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Appreciate your stopping by and the kind words. I hope to update this piece soon.

chip

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..... unfinished piece.

Getting to technical for me on the comments but hope you will try out some of the advices it will somehow develop some of your skills and experience.

I listen by the ears so my advice would be to listen to string music and then make up your mind how YOU think this should sound.

A new thought: I heard (listening to your tunes) you are a very skilled piano player. Could you support the strings by your piano or the otherway around ?

Look forward to hear more of your music.

Best Regards Claus

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I appreciate your comments. It's funny that you mentioned using the piano. I had considered doing just that, and in future versions I might do it.

I also like your advice about my listening to music and trying to figure out a good string sound by myself. After I made this draft I listened to a bit of orchestral music, and I plan to do more of that to try to match the sounds. It's good practice for my ears. Thanks again for your support!

chip

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Nicely crafted sir. I really like where this is going. I don't have anything I can add about improving the string sound over and above what the others have said. For my work now I 'cheat' and use orchestral samples.

Thanks for sharing this work!

Keep well,
Doug

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Hey, if it sounds good use it. I hope to get a new version or maybe the semi-final version of this piece up soon.

I appreciate your stopping by and commenting.

chip

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