Synth Strings that will "do the job"?

[Popnfrsh24]

Howdy,

I'm currently obsessing over this song by Tyler Childers.

I would like to record a cover of it in Reason. I was hesitant though because I wasn't sure if it would be way too hard to get a realistic fiddle sound.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a good synth that could get pretty close to this real sound? Or are the synths not "sophisticated" enough to get it to sound pretty realistic? IDK maybe I am totally wrong but just thinking in my head I thought it would be pretty hard to get a synth string to sound realistic.

Let me know your thoughts!

Thanks,

Pop

[NekujaK]

If you want a convincing fiddle sound, you should check out various Kontakt virtual instruments. Just do a Google search for "kontakt fiddle" and a bunch of results will show up.

The violin/fiddle is a very difficult instrument to recreate realistically because of its fretless design, variable tone, and many different ways of playing (articulations). You'll need a good sampled instrument (Kontakt) to get a decent result - a pure synth won't cut it.

[NekujaK]

Also, check out the solo violin patch in Reason's Orkester sound bank, and the violin patches in the Reason Sounds bank. These aren't the most sophisticated violin instruments, but one of them might get you close to the sound you're looking for while you search for something better.

[Popnfrsh24]

Also, check out the solo violin patch in Reason's Orkester sound bank, and the violin patches in the Reason Sounds bank. These aren't the most sophisticated violin instruments, but one of them might get you close to the sound you're looking for while you search for something better.

Does this just mean these are VSTs and I would just use them inside of Reason as a VST?

[NekujaK]

These are patches that use the native devices already built in to Reason. Just locate the patch in Reason's patch browser (left side of the UI) and either double-click a patch or drag it to the sequencer area. Reason will automatically load up the necessary devices and you should be able to play the patch.

[boingy]

I think reproducing the pedal steel guitar might be a bigger challenge.

[NekujaK]

This was recently released for pedal steel - it sounds really good:
https://impactsoundworks.com/product/pedal-steel/

And there are a couple of other pedal steel libraries out there, as well. But yeah, within Reason's sound banks, pedal steel is going to be a big challenge.

[Noplan]

I can already tell you that this will all sound very cheesy. To realistically program these instruments, one has to know the instrument. the types of play and the tiny details of the instrument. Ultimately, you have to be able to play them and have experience. And if you can play them, you can record them right away and have less work.

[NekujaK]

Yeah, but the fun is in the trying, and hopefully even learning something along the way...

[Creativemind]

Not used it but what about StringWerk?

[Popnfrsh24]

Yeah, but the fun is in the trying, and hopefully even learning something along the way...

Truth! It does seem like a challenge to see if I could make it sound as cheesy-less as possible. But I will say it seems like a tall task ahead of me...

[bitley]

"Synth strings" is generally not at all realistic strings but rather synthesized polysynth "strings", such as:

If you want a realistic fiddle, the best thing would be to look for someone playing violin in that particular style. Reproducing something and making it sound realistic is hard work including a) sound design / finding a lot of different samples for various string characteristics and b) sequencing / playing style.

[motuscott]

Still waiting for an authentic Butt Trumpet RE.
I know I know the secret is in the nuance.

[motuscott]

That Childers song is good!
Thank dog there's still room for us acoustic musos.

"Working on a building and I'm working alone" Ye Gods, the man is tapping some of my roots and I'm ancient

[NekujaK]

Just stumbled onto this newly released pedal steel library last night. It looks like a really well thought-out design. Watch the demo videos - this thing is incredibly playable, and should quite easily be able to deliver a decent pedal steel part. And the price is nice, too.
http://indiginus.com/the_steel.html

We live in amazing times...

[motuscott]

We live in amazing times...

I agree.

[hurricane]

Just stumbled onto this...

I have ALL of this guy's stuff.

[Popnfrsh24]

That Childers song is good!
Thank dog there's still room for us acoustic musos.

"Working on a building and I'm working alone" Ye Gods, the man is tapping some of my roots and I'm ancient

Hell yeah!!! Check out the album...its really good!