The story
This instrument is pretty much exactly what its name suggests: a fake (synthesized) dulcimer although I do hope it sounds like a real one. It is an instrument I particularly appreciate, so I tried to make my own in Vital and was suprisingly really happy with how it turned out.
There are two articulations: one shot and tremolo. The Vital preset files are included for both, along with the sampled versions.
Unfortunately I had to make the Tremolo version using SFZ, because Decent Sampler doesn’t yet support crossfades as far as I’m aware.
I also included an impulse response (sampled in Vital) for some additional splosh.
Reviews for Fake Dulcimer
- Sound
- Character
- Playability
- Inspiration
- GUI
Leave a review to let others know what you thought of the instrument!
Cool sound, interesting take on sampling
While I wouldn't say this sounds particularly like a dulcimer, it is a really interesting, playable, and unique sound. It's well recorded, and well programmed. The inclusion of the original Vital patch makes it instantly tweakable since Vital is free. It's also nice that there's a Decent Sampler patch for those who don't have Vital and maybe don't want to get into one more VI. While I've seen other people use something autosampler on hardware synths, i don't know that I've seen anyone use it on a VI, which makes this a rather unique contribution to PB. overall, this is a great sample pack and a worthy download!
Very sensitive velocity...
I've seen some reviews saying how this is a good thing, but the velocity track on this instrument is very sensitive, with the quietest notes being almost inaudible. Otherwise it's a really well-sampled instrument with a great sound. Good work!
Maybe too dynamic?
Although fake and synthesized, it sounds good and it has been sampled really well. It is really dynamic too, although some of the low velocity layers are very quite, to the point that sometimes it feels there are dead notes while you play. It sounds great though, and not too fake for sure. Also the wallpaper is a greek bouzouki, not a dulcimer!
You have achieved Dulcimer sound
For a synthesized sound, I think you did a great job. I used the Decent Sampler version, so I'm not able to comment about the tremolo, but the plucking sound is very nice. The GUI and controls a minimal, but to be played solo as a straightforward dulcimer, it works well. I'll add the same remarks as other reviews, the dynamics are a bit too extreme. I like having more dynamic layers than not enough, but I had to manually edit or play with very subtle intensity changes, otherwise quiet notes were very quiet. I can compress it to even it out a bit, but I think that change would do wonders.
Simple Yet Effective
A simple yet effective "Dulcimer" type sound. Not much in the GUI department, but the inclusion of an attack and release knob is greatly appreciated.
