This thread is related to my recent "Jazz Big Band" thread. However, I would like opinions regarding two specific products.
 
I am trying to decide on a virtual instrument I can use in Sonar to beef up the horn sounds in my tunes. Probably the most common way I will use these is in Pop/Rock...Think Chicago, Blues Brothers. I also have some tunes in the works that are more Jazz-oriented. The two products I am focusing on are Garritan JABB3 ($130) and Big Fish "First Call Horns"($200). Price is a factor, with about $200 being at my upper limit.
 
I have been somewhat leaning toward the Garritan because of the price and the fact that the package includes a few non-horn instruments (basses,brush set and some woodwinds) which I could use...But I have seen a couple less-than-flattering brief mentions of JABB3 online that give me pause.
 
First Call Horns seems like a good product, but is pricier, only has horns, and (very important) I need to verify that it will work with Sonar.
 
I am having trouble finding neutral, detailed reviews, or audio examples of the Garritan JABB3 product. Anybody out there have an opinion regarding sound/ease of use etc. of JABB3, or "First Call Horns" for that matter?
 
Thanks-
 
 

First Call Horns is just a Kontakt library so there's no reason it shouldn't work with Sonar.
 
Have you looked at Session Horns Pro from Native Intruments?  Some good stuff there, and I especially enjoyed the Groove 3 tutorial by Eli Krantzberg.

JonD
First Call Horns is just a Kontakt library so there's no reason it shouldn't work with Sonar.
 
Have you looked at Session Horns Pro from Native Intruments?  Some good stuff there, and I especially enjoyed the Groove 3 tutorial by Eli Krantzberg.

I did indeed look at Session Horns Pro....I didn't include asking about it in my post because - sad to say - I feel it is out of my price range . About $300 as I recall.

Chris Hein horns compact? Not sure of the price but I chose it over Garritan