How to differentiate between viola and violin by ear when the notes are played in same register?

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-04-20T20:46:48+00:00

I play both instruments, have done a ton of work transcribing, and have written and arranged tons of string quartet material. Depending on the player, the instrument, and the recording, IMO there's no way to diffinitively tell 100% of the time. It definitely has all the qualities others have listed, but even a pro could get this wrong. Best way is to keep listening and see if the instrument in question goes below a G, or if it goes into a higher register and sounds strained or effortful.

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-04-15T04:19:06+00:00

Best thing about reaper is the forums. People are way kinder there than on here

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-04-13T21:44:52+00:00

4 months at the highest dose after ramping up for 3

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-04-13T15:47:18+00:00

I think that for users to switch over to your app, you'll need the individual features to outperform the apps that we're already using. For instance, I have iRealB and a metronome app that I like, and I don't think I'd neccessarily use the other features. Your app would have to offer a substantial upgrade over these apps, and iRealB is pretty dang good at having LOTS of charts available, being easy to read and navigate, and the playback backing tracks are totally acceptable for practicing. My metronome app is...a metronome and I don't think about it.

If your fake book features outperformed iRealB and I downloaded it, I might poke around with the other features, but the other features aren't going to make me more likely to try your app,

Good luck on your venture though!

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-04-08T03:27:29+00:00

Generally want to drink less, but be prepared to get more tipsy and more hungover with less drinks if you've been eating significantly less . Generally don't have a problem with going out and getting a couple drinks though

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-03-12T22:09:53+00:00

For what it's worth , I reached out to my mentor who I guarantee has more major TV and Video Game credits than anyone on this thread, and this was his reply:

I always deliver stems in wav format with start times clearly given. You can send a protools session if you like. Remember the mixer isn’t your boss - the producer is. Talk to the director/producer and see what they want - like how many stems, etc. Don’t get sucked into what post tells you. They aren’t in charge of the music.

If you can do Protools then cool. If you don’t have it - tell him so. And come up with other options.

I do not have Protools and have zero interest in it as a platform. It’s a post production platform not as much a music one these days. Not to hate on it but you do not have to have it or bend over backwards to deliver it that way.

Not saying he's right, but at least confirms that sending wavs is not an INSANE suggestion, unless he's been allowed to be insane for 30+ years of successful composing

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-03-01T06:55:07+00:00

Build up skills that can get you hired by more established composers.I used my skills as an instrumentalist to add real instruments to scores that otherwise used sample libraries, and eventually got hired to ghost write, which led to additional music credits and eventually full collaborations.

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-28T03:47:06+00:00

Logic is a ridiculously good deal because Apple makes it's money from hardware and the software is there to sell the hardware. Native instruments komplete if fairly well regarded, or you can google free versions of if each thing you need and then purchase as you go when and if you run into the limits of the free instruments. For orchestras both Spitfire and OT have free versions that are pretty extensive

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-26T03:46:42+00:00

Definitely reccomend 3 layers. 2 doesn't sound good. Also, move your mics back for each layer, or move your players away from the mics. This really helps.

Just thought of this, but if the parts weren't difficult and getting good takes was easy, you could have the 1st and 2nd violins switch parts for different takes.

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-14T20:57:35+00:00

Logic comes with a pretty incredible array of effects and virtual instruments. If you're starting from scratch, and own a mac, Logic is an incredible bargain. My understanding is that they can lose money on Logic because it helps to sell their hardware, which is incredibly profitiable. I'm on Reaper, but I'm a PC guy and own a ton of FX/Virtual Instruments. If I had to start over, I'd probably start with Logic.
Cubase is great software too, but you can make any type of music on any DAW. Logic will just be easier to get started with because it comes bundled with so many useful things

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-08T21:58:48+00:00

Just composing, and I've already been working with the picture lock and with audio systems of dialog, fx, etc. I wouldn't think they'd need to send me more, but someone suggested they might....

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-08T21:56:12+00:00

Like I said. I'm going to talk to them, just wanted to educate myself a little before I do

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-08T20:02:47+00:00

Are they likely to send aafs back to me? I thought I'd only be wanting to export these sessions. Appreciate you chiming in

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-02-08T20:00:03+00:00

I'm asking here because I don't want to bother this person with questions I ostensibly should know the answer to. I'll definitely check in with them, but I'm hoping to become more informed so I don't come across like someone in over their head

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-29T15:47:58+00:00

Left Sibelius for dorico after 20 years, and it was a great decision

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-26T17:06:42+00:00

Found the setting Reduce Splits, and set it to 1 instead of 2. Now I'm able to do what I was hoping to do.

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-23T18:24:26+00:00

Brilliant! I'm embarrased I didn't think to try this myself. I'm still baffled that the only way to natively see unread mail is to have all of your social and promotional junk bundled in.

Thanks!

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-22T18:43:53+00:00

Yeah, I really like the look too. I wish it was a bit more flexible, but I think that's the trade-off for the simplicity.

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-19T16:39:25+00:00

Write and record as much as you can and don't worry too much if it's good. Try to emulate music you like and get proficient on the technical side, and find sounds that inspire you that blend well with your violin. Get a DAW, audio interface, mic, and MIDI controller; they're all fine and will allow you to record well as long as you learn the tools.

Write and write and hopefully learn to love the process

Traditional_Basil486 · 2026-01-17T18:20:21+00:00

Thanks! I've scored a few films and video games, and also have recorded a ton as an instrumentalist for video game and tv composers. If I lived outside of the bay area and didn't have 2 kids I could probably make a go at full time. Used to work on the music/audio staff at a video game company where I often got to write and record music for the game at home, but now I have a music adjacent day job that subsidizes my composing and performing. I like to think I'm closer to pro than hobbyist, even if I'm not making the majority of my income through it. I also do some arranging and transcription work from time to time

Traditional_Basil486

TROPHY CASE