I think I understand, jg, thanks! I'll give it a try!

I'm in the same boat...looking for some high quality samples.

Here's a Celtic sample CD I found from zero-g. The link is to East West Samples, which includes an amazing sounding demo.

Zero-G Celtic Sample CD

This version is a less expensive AUD/WAV. But there is also a GIGA sample CD available for $50-100 more.

Less expensive is definately relative!

I found the GIGA version for $129.95, and I'm sure you can probably find it in the $100 range as well.

Ok so I have a question of my own now. What exactly is the difference between a WAV sample CD and a GIGA sample CD? Am I correct in assuming that the GIGA CD would allow the samples to be used as playable instruments, whereas the WAV CD would just have Drum-loop esque samples? I'm new to the Sample CD realm, so pardon my ignorance.

ORIGINAL: superdan54

I found the GIGA version for $129.95, and I'm sure you can probably find it in the $100 range as well.

Ok so I have a question of my own now. What exactly is the difference between a WAV sample CD and a GIGA sample CD?

WAV Sample CD's are actual recordings of loops or individual "hits" of various instruments that you can copy into your project (or trigger from a sample player capable of importing WAV files)...

GIGA Sample CD's are in the GigaStudio Format (gsf) and can only be used with sample players that can load/play GigaStudio samples...This is a very compicated subject; CLICK HERE to find out more about how GigaStudio samples work...

Am I correct in assuming that the GIGA CD would allow the samples to be used as playable instruments, whereas the WAV CD would just have Drum-loop esque samples? I'm new to the Sample CD realm, so pardon my ignorance.

See my previous response above...But yes, (if you have the proper sample player) the Giga CD would allow you to play the same notes/expressions as a "real" instrument (with a MIDI keyboard controller) in real time or recording the MIDI data track and bouncing to Audio...You'll need enough HD space to load the files from the Giga CD, and you'll want to have the DFD (Direct-From-Disk) extension installed...You don't want to even BEGIN to try to play the samples from the CD...You need to have the files installed on one of your hard drives (preferably an external one with plenty of storage space)...

Hope this helps a bit!

Thanks Papa, that's exactly what I needed to hear!

Always glad to be able to help.

BTW, GigaStudio is an excellent product...A bit on the expensive side for the "hobbyist" but the samples are truly believable (if you're a competent MIDI player with a versatile keyboard)...

For a comprehensive resource on learning all the intricacies of orchestrating/arranging MIDI tracks, THIS BOOK is an excellent addition to any MIDI musician's library...

For beginners and intermediate level MIDI users, THIS BOOK is a great choice to take your skills to another level...

Now then, back to this thread's original topic...superdan's link to the Zero-G Celtic CD is a great lead...I listened to the demo and I was impressed--I also read the review and was a bit disappointed to read, "...and although one-shot multisampled instruments are provided, the bulk of the material is recorded performances for you to loop and edit."...Nonetheless, what I heard sounded excellent...I'm sure it's well-worth the $147.60 (where'd they come up with that price?) investment and I have added it to my "Consider this for near-future purchase" list...

I also found THIS GigaStudio Sample CD of Rare Instruments from East West Quantum Leap's library collection...Listened to the demo and was really impressed...This one's $249.95 and is shipped on 3 CD-ROM's (can you say, large file sizes?)...I've also added this to my "Consider...." list...As a user of EWQL's Symphonic Orchestra sample library, I would not hesitate to purchase any EWQL product...

The demo presentations of both libraries are impressive, I will probably end up buying them both (as my budget priorities allow)...I should mention that I was really impressed with the 6-string acoustic guitar samples I heard on the Zero-G demo...

And on that note, I shall uncork my bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream and prepare for a good night's sleep...

Let's resurrect this subject!

I found a free soundfont of some bagpipes that isn't too bad. I've also done a lot of research on it since this subject arose and have found some very interesting stuff.

First of all, bagpipes only have 9 notes that are played and music for them is written in the key of A. However, A on a bagpipe actually SOUNDS like Bb.

The soundfonts I have found which are "fairly authentic" have only 9 notes to play (plus they give you a couple of Bb (A) notes lower on the scale for the "squeeze bag effect" as Robert put it).

I have been searching for a soundfont which was actually recordings of someone playing a set of pipes instead of a synth, but I have not found that yet (at least not in my budget...some of the stuff that papa and others were talking about in this thread might be exactly what I was searching for, but I can't afford it just for this one song...maybe later).

Anyway - having said all that, here is a "decent" bagpipe soundfont which is "authentic" in that it gives you only 9 notes + some "squeezebag notes".

Now...here's the BAD part: The soundfont has its data recorded in the correct frequency. In other words, if you are reading sheetmusic written for bagpipes (in A), then you will have to transpose the notes because A in the sheetmusic = Bb on the MIDI controller!!!

Here it is if anyone is interested:
http://www.sf2midi.com/index.php?page=sdet&id=5956

This website also has a sf file called, "bagpipes" - but it is not quite as good as this one is.

Ceud Mile Failte

You can enter the bagpipe part as-written, and then just use the Key+ control in the MIDI track to make it sound right.

Good point!