I agree with you and I found I got almost all my IK stuff on a sale. I just wait it out and I'm usually rewarded. It is IK's model of operation and as a hobbyist mainly I can wait. For me I like their products but scratch my head on their pricing.
This ones easy. You have to buy one of these:
https://www.newegg.com/p/2BK-002V-00002?Description=floppy usb&cm_re=floppy_usb-_-9SIA4RE7XZ3171-_-Product&quicklink=true
That is one thing I have to say living around the Chicagoland area is the diversity of great food. I was in Tempe, AZ to visit my Aunt and even she said the one thing I miss about Chicago area is the great food.
My wife had almost 4 feet of her intestines removed 20 years ago. I know what you are talking about with the 4 lane expressway.
Take care and visit down here more often to take a break from helping in the main CbB thread
My dad was a commercial photographer and always said you want to get the picture as close as possible and not in post processing. Of course he made his living in the day of film. I think you have the right idea in music.
If you do go the build it way for the first time. Get yourself a larger case as it is easier to work in. If you happen to located close to a Microcenter it could be worth the trip to check it out. They also have refurbished PC off of lease for great prices.
@mdiemer I had a college text book from quite a few years ago, MIDI Orchestration I believe it was called, and went through building it up. You are right it was tedious but I did a few mock ups using some old church type music. It was actually fun slowly working on it. Now in my old age I don't if i have the patience anymore
I know the GPO sounds are not the best but I always thought his idea of building the orchestra instrument by instrument was great for educational purposes. I learnt a lot by experimenting with it.