Strings have always been the bread and butter (LSO), bagel and shmear (NYP), or beer and polish (CSO) instruments of the orchestra. Capable of unmatched versatility and diverse character, the strings have always been the backbone of the symphony orchestra, being able to give a rich spectrum of sound from gentle and light pastoral passages to dark and aggressive timbres. These characteristics are so much evident that even a single note from a violin could yield such a perfect cinematic effect that you will rarely hear the absence of strings from Hollywood film soundtracks. This versatility of expression and character, however, has been the bane of most virtual instrument makers. These aspects of performance are so difficult to replicate that early attempts have sounded very synthetic despite advances in sound synthesis. Getting closer to cinematic greatness, the announcement of EastWest/Quantum Leap Hollywood Strings as a new virtual instrument bounds to be the answer to every composer's hope of having a virtual orchestral instrument with unprecedented expression and versatility.

With this project being headed by award-winning individuals such as Doug Rogers, Nick Phoenix, Thomas Bergensen, and Shawn Murphy, Hollywood Strings bring together impressive sound quality and never-before-seen groundbreaking features that cannot be found in other virtual instruments. Finger position, for the first time is now controllable by the user, making the instrument sound like it can play as far up the strings as desired to deliver that uniquely realistic Hollywood sound. Other controllable expressive options include vibrato intensity, extensive dynamics, as well as legato. Extensive multi-dynamic true legato, in three categories (slurred, portamento, bow change), has been extensively sampled in all sections giving this instrument unsurpassed legato performance. To add more flavor, Hollywood Strings even has five user-controllable microphone positions that includes main pickup (Decca tree), mid pickup, close pickup, surround pickup, and a vintage 1945 RCA ribbon room pickup.

For serious composers requiring very accurate articulation and expression on virtual orchestral instruments, Hollywood Strings is a must-have. Announcement regarding pricing and release information will be given out soon.