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HANS ZIMMER GUITARS VOL. 2
Sound on Sound April 1999
-5 STARS
Produced for Spectrasonics by Bob Daspit
and Eric Persing with Hans Zimmer acting as executive producer,
Hans Zimmer Guitars is a two-disc set featuring multisamples of
various stringed instruments, most of which belong to the guitar
family. All the guitars were played by Bob Daspit and, judging by
the sleeve notes, great care was taken in choosing the best-sounding
instruments of each type. Certainly the results bear this out, as
the quality and consistency of the sampling is excellent. Most samples
feature velocity switching in up to four layers, and everything
is designed to be played - there are no instant-gratification loops.
Disc 1 comprises finger-style guitar (including harmonics and effects),
a similarly presented jazz guitar, mandolin (with chords as well
as multisampled notes), lap steeI guitar, amped guitar and electric
sitar. I've always felt that guitar sounds are amongst the most
difficult to sample, because unless they're played just right, they
end up sounding something like a piano. Nevertheless, these sounds
are as good as they come, and even the steel guitar is quite convincing
if you play the right phrases and use your bend wheel carefully.
The amped sounds, which were recorded using a Matchless amplifier,
are more James Bond or Twin Peaks than Van Halen, whi!e the electric
sitar is surprisingly delicate and musical.
Disc 2 starts with the Oud, an ancient lute-type instrument, followed
by Saz, Cumbus and the Yali Tambur. For me, these all fall into
the 'Eastern guitary thing that buzzes in an interesting way' camp.
Next up are the South American Charango, Cavaquinho and Cuatro,
complete with chords and effects as well as the main multisamples.
A flamenco-style Nylon Guitar brings the library to a close. Although
only 15 types of instrument are covered, the excellent quality makes
this a must-have disc for anyone needing first-class plucked instrument
sounds. Because of this, and the fact that guitars are so difficult
to multisample convincingly, this collection deserves all five stars.
Due to hardware and software limitations,
the Akai version of Hans Zimmer Guitars Volume II contains two CD-ROMs.
The Roland format version requires only one CD-ROM for the same
amount of material.
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