Looking to play with some more VSTis

[aljk2008]

Well I've been trying to look for some more VST Instruments for a while now ... especially for strings and horns but every time I try one I'm never totally satisfied with the sound.

So my first question is ... Which real-sounding VSTis would you guys recommend for Jazz/Swing/Big Band/R&B type of compositions. I don't care how big they are or how much they cost I'd really like to hear your opinions and some examples so I can get a better picture of where to look.

Also, my other question is ... Do you guys know any good synth sounds ? ... I am specifically looking for the 70s/90s Slow Jams/R&B/Funk sound along the lines of synth horn stabs, pitch bended basses, nice pads, monotone synths for doing little solos, etc (no techno/house stuff).

Thanks in advance

[richiebee]

Best big band library is Broadway Big Band. I would hold off - apparently they're making a version that doesn't rely on the crappy HAlion player that the current version has. It's unreliable and sucks, but the best sampled big band I ever heard came from Broadway Big Band.

The alternatives are Garritan's Jazz and Big Band and Chris Hein Horns (several editions). I don't like either very much.

I tend to use a mix of Garritan JABB and Wallander WIVI for trumpets and trombones (Garritan gives the bite, Wallander gives the body). The SampleModelling Tenor Sax (Mr Sax T) is good, but that's all it is... just a tenor.

Vir2's Mojo is new. Didn't really like the demos of that one either.

To be honest, only Broadway Big Band is any good for a full big band. And it currently has a really sucky host (not negotiable).

[MurdockRayne]

Apparently Linnplug have brought out a Sax vsti recently, and I've heard people swear by
Synful Orchestra (Synful)

Sorry I can't suggest anything more!

[aljk2008]

Thanks guys. I checked out the demos on their websites and I pretty much agree with richiebee... Broadway Big Band sounds ... wow! and the price is also "wow", lol. I'll be looking out for it.