From paul@cometway.com Thu Aug 26 11:58:30 2010
Subject:Re: I don't like sampled strings and horns

One of the bands I play for wanted bad for me to play the horn parts
for Chicago's "Beginnings"... I learned it, programmed my horn
patches, but when I listened back to the live recordings it sounded
flat. Well of course it does. So the last practice I told them I
wasn't going to be playing horn parts with horn sounds anymore -- I
rearranged the parts as Hammond parts and now they rock. The band
likes it better too because I sound more confident and they can feel
the spirit of my playing. I do love playing with real brass sections
though.

String parts are touch and go with me. If it's a song that
traditionally used a Mellotron, then keyboard strings are usually
"the thing." But I really dislike using "real" string sounds, and
will opt for more of an analog synth string sound if we really need
to have the pads. Sometimes an accordion or musette type of sound
does a better job when pads are needed in acoustic guitar style
songs. I'm encouraged that the E3 and Epoch will both allow for these
kinds of options and aren't just "string machines". -pc