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Topic: Need Advice On Simple Arranging Software |
Richard Damron
From:
Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)
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Posted 7 Feb 2008 12:01 pm |
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Like many of you, I have used Band-In-A-Box for many years. In spite of the 1000+ "styles" I'm finding a certain "sameness" between the styles of my interest. It would appear that the only way to really satisfy my musical yearnings is to do my own arranging. To that end, I would need a SIMPLE program where one would enter the information in standard notation for a variety of instruments and/or ensembles and then play it through an existing sound card. Do not want to get into a two-year learning curve. My PC is more than just up to the task of handling most anything. I'd appreciate any and all suggestions from those whose experience is a ton-and-a-half better than mine. Please remember that oft-forgotten acronym KISS.
Many thanks in advance as I know that the forum members will rise to the occasion and come up with a jewel or two.
Richard |
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Gary Baker
From:
Charlotte, North Carolina
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Posted 10 Feb 2008 7:25 pm
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Hi Richard,
That's a pretty BIG order you got there. I've been doing MIDI since the early 80's so I've seen just about everything from very simple to scoring software like Finale.
Entering your own "orchestrations" is anything but easy. You must understand each instruments "range" of notes, style of "sound source" (piano is percussion, guitar is mono or strummed, etc) in order for it to come close to sounding realistic.
I can recommend Jammer as a source for "inspiration" as is designed to "compose" unlimited variations on any chord chart in any built in styles or "imported" styles.
That's the good news. The no so good is that it has a very long learning curve to get going full tilt. You can quickly use it as is, but building your own styles or importing BIAB styles (yes you can!) will take some time.
What you can't do (at least I can't) is have a song in mind (Crazy Arms again) and replicate it. Not what this software does. You can put the chords to any song in and the software will give you unlimited "versions" of the chord structure in ay of the styles you choose. Think Crazy Arms as a 3/4 waltz or as a bluegrass melody - you get it.
I can also recommend Cakewalk Sonar6 Studio addition as a "transcription" type tool. Here you can enter from a guitar fretboard, a MIDI keyboard or staff transcription anything you have the musical knowledge to do. Lots of tools and short cuts and more of what I think you want.
Have you considered using "looping" tracks. These are short wave files of actual instruments that you can loop over and over to get a "real" sound. Groove files can follow both tempo and key of your song.
Sonar provides all the tools you need to get that done and the results are very satisfying. Again, a bit of a learning curve but anything worth doing takes time (like learning the pedal steel lol).
Good luck . . . let me know if I can help.
Bo Baker |
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Richard Damron
From:
Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)
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Posted 11 Feb 2008 12:53 pm Gary Baker
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Gary -
Thanks so much for the response.
I've been immersed in BIAB for almost as long as you and, in my growing frustration, most likely took an overly simplistic approach in my post. Didn't want to labor anyone with unending and seemingly disjointed info. Perhaps this was an error.
Doing "orchestrations" is not a problem. Played jazz guitar for decades and pretty well know what I must do. My simple-minded vision centered around a staff or grand staff into which I could enter the different parts and then just play them back. Seems as if my thinking is too plebian!
Your description of Cakewalk Sonar6 Studio looks interesting so I'll do my homework on it and see if it is a fit for me. If you can think of an alternative then I'd appreciate a "heads-up" on it.
Once again, my many thanks for the response and info. A comprehensive reply such as yours took some time and effort and is greatly appreciated.
Richard |
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Gary Baker
From:
Charlotte, North Carolina
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Posted 12 Feb 2008 5:35 am
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Sounds like Sonar6 would fill the bill. There is a newer version (Sonar7) but it can get expensive. You might try Ebay for the older version 6.(1yr or so). DON't get the "Producer" version as it is expensive ($500) and loaded with options you will never use.
go to www.cakewalk.com for complete descriptions. Amazon and others still sell the older versions.
If you get it also get the Book "Sonar 6 Power" by Scott Garrigus ISBN-13 978-1-59863-307-8.
This book will have you up and running in no time and continue to help you as you "grow" with the software.
Blessings, Bo Baker |
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