Morning everyone,

Here is a track I've been working on for a few weeks, but I am at a loss with the violin that comes in towards the end. 

https://soundcloud.com/mark-stothard/in-danger

I need some help on what instrument to use in its place as it doesn't sound right.

I've tried everything from duduk, erhu, cello and flute, but nothing seems to fit as they clash with the trumpet that comes in shortly after.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.
Mark

You mean in that last segment of the song? from 2:30 on? 

Sometimes it's not a clash to some ears ... just yours. As the mixer, you are more critical than someone else listening. If anything, I think it may be more in the notes being played as opposed to the actual instrument choices. 

Re-work the melody they are playing..... I'd start by removing certain notes. I tend to overplay in things like that as well.  The easy fix is to use the delete tool  as you listen in staff or PRV. not everything clashes or conflicts.... so remove the notes that do.

Less is more.

It doesn't sound bad with the violin there, but I think I know what you mean. Might sound odd, but a distant muted trumpet was the first thing that sprang to my mind as a possible replacement. That said, I think it's more a case of the notes being played rather than the sound itself. I also think many wouldn't notice anything if you hadn't pointed it out, but I know that I am the same with these things - when they bug you, they bug you and it won't go away.
 
Either way, it's still good. I wouldn't know where to start with stuff like this. Thanks for the add on Soundcloud btw - I will return the compliment when I go on it next, but truth be told I only really use it as a host for this place, so if you ever put anything up there it may be a while before I get to it.

I like the piano. Very Riders on the storm. I agree w/herb but maybe try a monophonic synth?

Have you tried a flute or two?

Sounds great and is an inspired piece.

I would think of dumping the trumpet altogether and going with something that fits the rhythm more, like a jangling bouzouki?

You can get arrested for jangling your bouzouki... Then you have to walk around and inform your neighbors? Very uncomfortable feeling, and no one trick or treats at your house. Be VERY careful when and where you  jangle your bouzouki, there are cameras everywhere these days. WAIT!!?? Are we talking about the same thing?

I think the Violin and Trumpet sound fine, i think the keyboard sound that starts about 2.04 is what doesnt fit. Thats just my opinion. Great piece!

Nice. Is that Stylus for the perc?
I think the sound of the violin sounds great. The problem is that it is a midi performance. You could spend a couple more months tweaking and have it still sound like midi or get a real violinist to play it. To me the part lacks dynamics. I like the piece.

The best thing you can use for dynamics on a midi instrument is "a breath" or "wind controller." You can control the dynamics, softer or louder, you can play an instrument (like a violin) with much more realism as opposed to only on the keys. You can do it with a volume pedal too? Wind controllers are cooler though.