Hello All,

I have a group of Music Tech students who have to create a 48 bar sequence which faithfully follows a calssical score. We are struggling to get decent string sounds from the plug-ins on Logic Pro 7. Any hints and tips on how to get some good violin / viola/ cello sounds rather than the string ensemble pads on the EXS24 ?

Any advice much appreciated

When I have to emulate classical instrumentation, I find that the sound used isn't as important as playing idiomatically. Someone who plays a string instrument will pull the bow away from the strings ever so slightly unless playing legato. Try to find each string sound that has a sharp attack and release, don't use reverb at all, and teach your students to look for when their hands should be off the keyboard. If you are trying to enter this note by note, then you are missing the performance aspect of the piece, which may also account for why it doesn't sound like you want. It is easier to teach to play idiomatically with brass and wind instruments, but the concept is the same.

Hope this helps.