Which notation software should I get?

[misrule]

Hi, folks --

Can anybody recommend notation software to convert my random plunks into printed music?

To be honest, I don't know where to start -- so any suggestions would be welcome. I was looking at something like Finale SongWriter.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

Edited December 3, 2007 by misrule

[queenofthedepths]

I just checked that out and the playback sounds very impressive! At the moment I use guitar pro for everything, but now I'm considering getting this (I'll probably use them together then)

[misrule]

[quote name='queenofthedepths' post='98153' date='Dec 3 2007, 02:23 PM']I just checked that out and the playback sounds very impressive! At the moment I use guitar pro for everything, but now I'm considering getting this (I'll probably use them together then)[/quote]
Sorry, how did you check it out?

By the way, I got the sheet music for that Zep track we talked about earlier. It's a long way from the tab version -- and it's actually quite tricky, at least to an incompetent like me.

Cheers

Mark

Edited December 3, 2007 by misrule

[queenofthedepths]

[quote name='misrule' post='98160' date='Dec 3 2007, 02:26 PM']Sorry, how did you check it out?

By the way, I got the sheet music for that Zep track we talked about earlier. It's a long way from the tab version -- and it's actually quite tricky, at least to an incompetent like me.

Cheers

Mark[/quote]

Sorry about that... I generally assume that if I can't tell the difference, it's accurate enough - meaning that most of the bass lines I KNOW are probably a far cry from the original

As for checking out Songwriter, they have a demo on their website [url="http://www.finalemusic.com/SongWriter/Sound.aspx"]http://www.finalemusic.com/SongWriter/Sound.aspx[/url] Always check out a software demo before buying, if you can!

[steve]

Hi Mark,

Have you come across Finale Notepad, its free once you register.

I've only been using it for a couple of days, but seems to do everything I need ok. [url="http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/"]here's the link[/url]

[Bilbo]

Sibelius is fantastic if you (your family) can afford it.... last price I saw was £287 but I reckon you might get it for less if you shop around. It really is powerful....

[mr.sibs]

[quote name='bilbo230763' post='98174' date='Dec 3 2007, 02:50 PM']Sibelius is fantastic if you (your family) can afford it.... last price I saw was £287 but I reckon you might get it for less if you shop around. It really is powerful....[/quote]

+1, its the industry standard for notation, and is amazing, but very expensive

[misrule]

Thanks, guys -- particularly for those links. I'll have a look.

My family might not want to spend £287. But we'll see if Sibelius is worth it ...

Cheers

Mark

[aj5string]

[quote name='misrule' post='98236' date='Dec 3 2007, 04:32 PM']But we'll see if Sibelius is worth it ...[/quote]

It is

[synaesthesia]

I have used various versions of Encore, Finale, etc.

Used to use Allegro, but now I use Finale Printmusic, from the Finale family. About 55 USD online or 55 squid here.

I chart all my arrangements on it, and I can change keys if I want, and it always looks like 'fakebook' with the jazz font, which is for many people easier on the eye, You can play into it but that works best for higher register instruments, and it does midi.

[misrule]

Thanks -- I've not had time to really investigate yet, but I shall in the next few days.

Cheers

Mark