![]() However, it’s worth remembering that these are rare instruments that demand specialised playing techniques from their performers. Image: ScreenshotĪs with other recent EastWest releases, the standalone purchase price for Fantasy Strings is on the steep side at $399 and, for many users, a Composer Cloud+ subscription will be the most viable option. The two above approaches, in combination, result in a library that retains an authentically historic quality, while being fast and easy to work with, and capable of providing the full, rich textures that audiences expect from a soundtrack. By making these instruments available directly in the library, EastWest has largely eliminated the need for any extra tweaking and layering. As instruments like the Hardanger fiddle and viola de gamba are distinctly lacking in low-end frequencies, it’s common for composers to layer in modern strings to fill out the sound. Secondly, two contemporary string sections are included in the library: violins and violas, and cello and basses. The exception to this are the hurdy gurdy patches which, to be fair, have more than enough presence by themselves. The result is a timbre that has much more presence and gets you close to a finished sound right out of the box. Firstly, in a decision that has to be commended, they’ve opted to record everything as small group ensembles rather than as solo performances. EastWest has taken two approaches to overcome this. Customisation of presets is therefore a swift process.īy modern standards, many early instruments are relatively quiet and can sound quite thin when heard in isolation. There are also the now familiar macro-level mix controls – termed Moods – which let you quickly change the microphone levels, reverb, and velocity curves to match one of three intensity levels. The sound quality of these samples is excellent and, as with other recent libraries from EastWest, there’s a selection of microphone signals available within the Opus Player interface should you want to nudge the sound to suit a given mix. Rather than doubling up, it would have been great to see another hard-to-find folk instrument like the Swedish nyckelharpa included in the library. The second hurdy gurdy has been recorded in octaves which certainly gives it a weightier sound – however, the differences are fairly subtle. For whatever reason, EastWest have decided to record two of these instruments for the library. Played using a hand-powered crank to simultaneously produce bass drones and melodies, it has a beautiful yet abrasive sound that has been used by composers across numerous games, films and TV shows. Rounding out the collection is arguably the most distinctive and instantly recognisable instrument of all – the hurdy gurdy. In comparison, the dulcimer’s sound is thin, with piercing brightness plus an undeniable hint of mystery. ![]() While both excel at producing intricate melodic passages – and both have stand-out tremolo patches – the lute’s larger body gives it a much rounder sound, ideal for more emotive scenes. Image: Screenshotįor more percussive or chordal textures, there are two early ancestors of the modern guitar – the lute and the dulcimer. With a range similar to the modern violin, the resonance from the instrument’s non-bowed, sympathetic strings and unique playing style give it a bouncy, lyrical quality that’s perfect for high-energy scoring. If you prefer a more Nordic feel, there’s the Hardanger fiddle, a Norwegian specialty famous for its use in pop-culture sensations like Marvel’s Loki, the Lord of The Rings trilogy, and Sony’s recent God of War video games. A forerunner to the cello, it has a bright resonance that stands out beautifully in a mix and effortlessly evokes the sunny southern Europe of 400 years ago. The viola de gamba is a particular delight.
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