mdiemer

1 minute ago, abacab said:

It has a Tango Accordion.  I'm not a good judge of what they should sound like, LOL, but it's  in there.

Also Dulcimer, Harmonium, Banjo, Recorder, Sitar, Panpipes, Harmonica, Bottle blow, and many others among the 58 instruments listed in the "Ethnic" category.

Hey thanks a lot. I couldn't find an inst. list anywhere. I think the Tango Accordion might work. From what I understand, the Bandoneon is the inst. you hear in Tangos. It's also used in French folk music from Quebec, which is what I need it for. (I'm not from Quebec, but I composed a piece about a trip I took there, and included the Bandoneon in a couple places to capture the ambience).

I was just looking at Garritan's Ethnic collection. They have one in there, but at 150.00, it's a lot to pay for a Bandoneon. Although it also has recorders, which I occasionally use.  But I've been thinking of getting another of their collections, Concert Band, for the saxes. Their stuff is very good, especially the winds and harps.

1 hour ago, User 905133 said:

Just a guess, but if you had experience with either a hardware or software sampler plus experience with a hardware rompler it would be intuitive. Hardware ROMplers have samples encoded in ROM [Read Only Memory]. They cannot create samples. So called soft synth ROMplers cannot create samples either--just like hardware ROMplers.    

 

Thanks. I'll try reading that several times, maybe it will begin to make sense...

P.S. OK, I think I get it. Romplers are kind of like VST's, then, right? Like GPO, EWSO, etc. they can play samples but not create new ones?

1 hour ago, abacab said:

OK. I understand. Just wondering because I have an old hardware rack Roland JV-1080 with a decent GM sound set that I haven't turned on in years.

Do you have the AIR Xpand!2 that was on sale for $1 a few years ago? 2500+ presets of mostly  bread and butter sounds.  I think it blows my old Roland and TTS-1 away. It's not GM, but has a good pallet of sounds, and is 4-part multitimbral. This used to be a part of Avid Pro Tools collection.

Currently $14.99 at Plugin Boutique:  https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/1-Instruments/64-Virtual-Instrument/1560-Xpand-2

I've looked at that before, but not lately. I will definitely check it out. Thanks.

P.S. Does it have a Bandoneon? Or Accordion?

1 hour ago, abacab said:

Just curious, but do you really need GM?

Only for the occasional odd instrument I don't have in any of my libraries, which are mostly orchestral. Usually I only use such things for "spot" work, but when you need them, you need them. When my copy of NI Bandstand worked, I didn't have a problem. but NI won't let it authorize anymore, they've abandoned it. And since I can't get TTS-1 to work, well, that's the issue, I have no GM set. So I keep searching. I could buy the full version of Kontakt, and it will load and play the Bandstand files. but that costs 400.00. I could buy one of those sample converters and convert Bandstand to a format I can use, but that costs at least 150.00. And I already spent 100.00 years ago for Bandstand. NI wants me to pay 400.00 so I can use a 100.00 library I already paid them for, but they won't let me use...nope, not going to do that. 

I tried the demo. Everything worked fine, but the sounds are not as good as I hoped. I was especially interested in the Bandoneon, but it isn't quite the sound I was hoping for. Oh well, cross another one off the list. 

Good GM sets are fast becoming a thing of the past. I guess the only way to get a decent one is to pay whatever Roland is charging these days for the Sound Canvass. Steinberg's Halion is over 300.00. Yikes.

Thanks, I don't know why but I can't keep in my head the difference. but that's a good, simple explanation that has a chance of staying in my head.

Good idea, I'll try the demo. The price is right, 49.00, so if it has what I need I'll probably give it a shot.

https://sonic-cat.com/purity/

Looks like a decent GM synth. It's a rompler (whatever that is). does anyone have any experience with it? does it have a complete GM set?

53 minutes ago, Matthew Sorrels said:

It's not stupid, but it is a choice that could result in difficulties.  The long term effect will be shutting you out of new products and updates.  The mainstream media might also make a big deal about making you open to malware, but that's mostly over hyped and not really true.  You may also enjoy not being able to buy new software/instruments/plugins.

I'd definitely recommend demoing the Roland VSC.  I was all set to buy it but (smartly) decided to try the month trial of the whole cloud thing.  After playing with it for a while I decided it wasn't worth it at full price.  If they put the permanent license on sale I might consider it again, but not for $150.  Honestly it hasn't aged well. 

I only use my music rig for music. I stay offline by default on it, and run Malwarebytes Premium on it. I will upgrade if I have to, so far I haven't felt the need. It's possible that it will be sufficient to get me by for the duration (the rest of my life, or however long I am able to keep doing this).

I was just searching on roland, and I can't even find it for sale, just the rental option. You may be right as to it being worth it. Occasionally I go back to my Windows 98 rig, and I always check out the version I have there, which came with Cakewalk 2000. And it isn't as good as I thought. I still think Bandstand is the best GM set I have heard. Although the one on my Ensoniq soundcard on that computer was pretty good too. In fact, their harp is the same one on Bandstand. NI hand-picked the best GM sounds from various sets. Maybe GS too, not sure about that. TTS-1 is decent. But not quite up to the level of Bandstand IMO, sound for sound.

Evil Dragon of NI forum may have figured out why Bandstand won't work for me except in demo mode. I only have the free Kontakt player, not the full version. So, I can spend 1.000.00, get Bandstand working again, and have all the stuff that the full version opens up to me (which also involves spending more money). Or, buy the roland VSC for 150.00, and have a great GM/GS set. Or continue searching for a free or cheap Bandoneon VST. Or,  just use Dim. Pro's Accordion 2, which involves spending nothing. 

I'll probably try using the DP Accordion 2. The more I listen to it, the more it sounds like the same instrument. Just a bit less responsive, but DP has ways to tweak things somewhat. If that isn't good enough, I may spring for the VSC. It would come in handy in many situations.  I've never felt the need for the Full version of Kontakt. My orchestral libraries have most of what I need.

Thanks to everyone who helped out here, I have many great suggestions to ponder, and have learned a lot. We all need a little help from our friends now and then.

2 hours ago, Alan Bachman said:

You are very welcome.  We all have to help each other!  I just ordered an update for the Motu Ethno. Unfortunately, I could not find their instrument list on line.  As soon as I get the update, which they actual mail to me, I will let you know if it is on the list.   Cheers!

I did find it online, looks very impressive. Another interesting library like this is East West's Gypsy. don't know if they have a Bandoneon though. Thing is, I probably wouldn't have much use, it's only now and then I feel the need for something exotic. but it would be nice to know I already have it. Something to consider.

6 hours ago, Jim Fogle said:

If your computer has Windows 10, then the "Start Fresh" feature may interest you. Microsoft Start Fresh Feature

I am still on Windows 7. God, I hope that statement doesn't lead to a comment on how stupid it is to be on windows 7....you never know on this forum....

3 hours ago, Matthew Sorrels said:

Native Instruments has a uninstall tool that will remove and clean up all sorts of install/authorization issues.  Of course after using it you will need to re-install everything (though you can usually keep the libraries/data files).  I consider the tool a weapon of last resort, but it has fixed a bunch of issues for me:

https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003509269-Fixing-Software-Update-Installation-Issues-Windows-

(download link is at the bottom of the page)

As for getting TTS-1 to run, I suspect the answer might involve soemthing like update Windows, update your video card driver and re-install all the Microsoft C++ Runtime libraries. 

I've used these two before:

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/visual_c_runtime_installer.html

The one in this review might be decent (but I haven't tried it):
https://www.ghacks.net/2018/01/02/visual-c-installer-uninstaller-review/

Or you can do it the hard way using direct downloads:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads

Also don't skip the rebooting steps.  In fact after you have installed everything reboot one more time.  Then you may want to reinstall Cakewalk.

 

Thank you Matthew, this is great info. I suspect that the problem with Bandstand is that there is stuff on my computer from previous installs that may be causing the problem. I will definitely do the steps you kindly outlined.

7 minutes ago, abacab said:

SampleTank 3 has a Bandoneon imported from ST2 XL.

What I said to Alan.

28 minutes ago, Alan Bachman said:

I believe Motu Ethno Instrument and I believe it has it in their sample library.   I have found some really good sounds in it.

Thanks, I'll check it out. Thanks also for responding to the actual topic of this thread, which is about Bandoneon VST's,  not reinstalling Windows. And thanks too for not being insulting. 

5 minutes ago, Promidi said:

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this assessment.  Sometimes things need to be said, no matter how unpopular....

For me, TTS-1 just works... always has.

I'll avoid reinstalling as long as possible. There's nothing I hate more than taking two weeks to rebuild my system. At 68 (with 69 close on my trail), 2 weeks is time I need now. When I can finally catch a breather I will consider it. now is not the time. But I appreciate the suggestion.

1 hour ago, abacab said:

I hate to be the guy to bring this up, but maybe it's time for a clean re-install of your OS? You seem to be having a lot of misbehavior with programs that should just be working for you.  Apologies in advance if that is not perceived as helpful, as intended!

It's not that important. The Accordion 2 in Dim Pro is almost identical to the Bandstand Bandoneon. so much so that I almost wonder if it's the same instrument. The Bandoneon sounds a bit better, but it's pretty marginal. 

1 hour ago, Johnny Tsao said:

I also use NI Bandstand’s GM sound library. As Matthew Sorrels said, the NKI files in the sound library can be used in Kontakt Player, but the 32-bit VSTi has a separate sound interface. After dragging it to Kontakt Player, use Standard interface module

Thank you Johnny, that looks promising, I'll give it a shot.

1 hour ago, Matthew Sorrels said:

It was my understanding Native Instruments had fixed Native Access to once again authorize these old libraries that they were planning to discontinue the authorization on.  I haven't had to try this though (all of my products were authorized before the May server shut off date on this computer).  But I thought you could authorize those discontinued products.  If it's registered in your account on the Native Instruments website you should be able to start Native Access and it will show up as not installed.  Bandstand I believe (I don't own it) will work inside Kontakt Player if you have the files (install from disc?) and an authorization.  You may not be able to use the 32-bit vst plugin though.

Here's a VI thread with some info about various other Bandoneon libraries.  Perhaps one of them would work for you?
https://vi-control.net/community/threads/best-tango-accordion-or-bandoneon.58209/

 

Thank you Matthew. Evil Dragon from NI forum told me that as well. He has been very helpful in trying to solve this problem. But, like with the TTS-1, my system seems to be misbehaving with Bandstand. I can get instruments into Kontakt, but they are invariably in Demo mode, won't save, and stop working after 30 minutes. I also tried copying the Bandstand Default folder into a new folder, and installing from there. Evil Dragon (I don't know the guy's name) said this might bypass the encoding, but, same result, it will only open in demo mode. NA has Bandstand listed as being there on my system. I suspect the issue might be with registry values, and the fact that this is the third computer I have had it on. It has worked successfully in the past, but it's like it's possessed by a demon. Along with TTS-1. Maybe I need an exorcist....right time of year, anyway.

1 hour ago, Johnny Tsao said:

Does your TTS-1 also fail to load like this?

I also had this problem before. The solution was to execute Cbb once as a system administrator, and TTS-1 could be loaded smoothly. Next time you execute cbb, you don’t have to use the system administrator identity

https://discuss.cakewalk.com/index.php?/topic/8602-solved-via-cbb-update-tts-1-failing-to-load/

No, that's not the issue. It crashes as soon as I play it. I appreciate your input, but please don't turn this into a thread about TTS-1. As I said, I have given up on it. There's only so much frustration a guy can stand. at some point you have to say "enough." I am well beyond that point.

I have tried everything I can think of to get TTS-1 working, including starting threads on it, all to no avail. I have given up on it, although it is a great little midi synth.  And yes I have tried J-Bridge. That didn't work either.  It just won't work on my system.   And that's that.

And I don't care for the Bandoneon in it anyway.  If I can't find anything I will use Dim Pros's Accordion 2, which approximates the tangy nasal sound of the  Bandoneon. but hopefully I'll find a usable one. 

I won't buy one, however. Out of all my projects, there is just one that has it. If I were a pro, I could charge the cost to the customer, write it off, etc. but I'm just an amateur. Although a very dedicated one.

Anyone know of a good free Bandoneon VST? I was using the one in NI Bandstand, a GM set, but they no longer support, it and after the last time I reinstalled Windows I can't get it authorized. I downloaded NI's Komplete Start last night, thinking it had one, but I must have confused Komplete Start with Kontakt Komplete. I don't need any of the other stuff so I'm going to uninstall it. what a waste of time.

I will need a Bandoneon soon, when I revise a piece that has it, which I began in sonar, finished in Reaper, and now will be revising ion CbB. Yes, TTS-1 has one, but that plug won't work on my system, and even if it did the Bandoneon is far inferior to Bandstand's. I have access to no other GM set. Bandstand was great for the odd instrument you only need now and then, but it's basically gone now. And NI did not replace it. I guess they want you to spring for Komplete.

You can also select the material in the event list. I usually make the selection in staff view, since that's where I spend much of my time. I think you can probably make the selection however you want, in any view.

you don't see much about this feature on the forum. I use it now and then. sometimes, when I open an old project from a legacy Cakewalk/sonar version, I need to get rid of a bunch of controllers, or even all of them. The event filter is a great  way to do that, very fast. I have removed all controllers for an entire large orchestral project with one click. 

It's actually under the Edit Menu. Select your material, then go to Edit-Select-Select By Filter. you will see a very confusing grid of stuff, with everything selected, checkmarks all over the place. That's why you hit the None button. then you can select only what you need.

I use the Event Filter. I select the material, then hit the "none" button (otherwise everything gets selected). then I select "controllers." you can filter further to select only some, all or just one of the controllers. All would be Minimum=0, Max=127.

Or is this what you already are doing? from what I see, it looks like you're using the Event Manager.

Did you have the Expansion Packs previously? Perhaps some of the samples were from that. I don't know if it's still possible to get them. I'm betting someone else does though...