Soft String Spurs

A collection of three distinct viola sample instruments including harmonics and swells.

The story

Welcome to Soft String Spurs, a sample library of my viola. There are 3 main components to this collection of sounds; the Core, which has 4 dynamic layers (Levels 1 and 2 were recorded using a mute, Levels 3 and 4 were recorded without a mute), Harmonics (4 time-stretched and manipulated natural harmonics) and Swells. I recorded this diatonically, recording 4 bows per sample, using a combination of AKG C451B close and AKG C214 stereo room mics for width. To enhance the sound further, I also recorded multiple layers. Level 1 has just a single recording and Levels 2, 3 and 4 have 3, 4 and 5 layers respectively. The samples were produced with minimal compression, EQ and reverb to allow you to have flexibility with the sound, but I must say they take very well to delay and reverb, as outlined in my YouTube walkthrough and tutorial below. The dynamics of the Core library can be faded between using the Mod Wheel and the volume for the Harmonics and Swells can be adjusted with CC21 (Spitfire’s vibrato control). The combination of these plus CC11 Volume controller allow for easy use of all three instruments simultaneously. I hope you enjoy this submission!

Reviews

  • Wow

    That's it, wow. Absolutely beautiful and perfectly unique! Wow

    — Aaron NewberryCreator on 22 January 2023
  • Finally

    Thank you Dan finally strings that sounds like strings...Greetings from a prof violinist.

    — Raven on 08 May 2026
  • Master

    Dan you have nailed it an absolute Genuis,I prefer this to soft strings well done

    — Todd on 25 December 2025
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By Dan Keen

  • Sample Packs: 16
  • Pack downloads: 161.0K
  • Followers: 6,056

London-based composer, producer, musician and logophile

Demo