What do you notate with (writing utensils)

[Scalestein]

When you transcribe a song into standard notation, what type of writing utensil do you use? I use a Staedtler mechanical pencil. It's a solid pencil but it writes a bit thin.

[DocBop]

I use a mechanical pencil, but use soft lead to get dark lines. Most mechanial pencils make models with 0.7 thickness lead too. Other times I will just do it on the computer so I can hear back what I write to see if it sounds right. There is a free product called Finale Notepad that I use and is good and can playback what you write.

[lemur821]

Usually a wooden pencil, since I've got a lot of them. I'll use a mechanical pencil if it's within arm's reach. I've also been known to write in pen.

[fcleff]

Mechanical pencil with 0.7 or 0.5 lead, preferrably. I'll really use anything at hand. Then I put it in Sibelius.

[meev991]

I use the computer =)

[ryco]

#1 wooden pencil and a big Staedler white eraser

[Fassa Albrecht]

If it's a rough copy then I'll try and use pencil- easier to rub out if I make a mistake. For neater copies I use either a hard pencil or a black fountain pen.

[DJ-Jazzy-Jay]

I use a little thing called a "keyboard".

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by DJ-Jazzy-Jay

I use a little thing called a "keyboard".

Do you rub the black keys on the paper, not sure how where you stick the paper

[Scalestein]

In my head I thought everyone was going to say 'black feather fountain pen and an ink well on parchment' but I guess that is only in movies. I think I need to check out these 'keyboards' I'm hearing about; are they similar to surfboards?

[WillPlay4Food]

Well, you surf the web with your keyboard, right?

[Scalestein]

...you just blew my mind. I'm now calling my keyboard a surfboard forever.

[meev991]

Originally Posted by Scalestein

...you just blew my mind. I'm now calling my keyboard a surfboard forever.

lol

i'm totally going to the beach with my keyboard now

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by Scalestein

...you just blew my mind. I'm now calling my keyboard a surfboard forever.

Keyboard, Fretboard, equal Surfboard. Aw skimming over the sea of cosmic notes making music of universal love.


Dam I stopped listening listening to Journey and Stix decades ago and still infected.

[Pilgrim]

I carry a clipboard with sheets of blank musical paper. I have a good old #2 pencil clipped to the board, and I use it.

And at home, I have Finale Notepad, which is freeware that lets you create good looking musical notes on your computer.

[Blake Bass]

I use the Encore notation software. It's easier than using Finale or trying to decipher my chicken scratch.

[cowsgomoo]

Originally Posted by Scalestein

When you transcribe a song into standard notation, what type of writing utensil do you use? I use a Staedtler mechanical pencil. It's a solid pencil but it writes a bit thin.

I used to use a mechanical pencil but I now notate on computer using Sibelius... and I find it ten times easier and ten times more pleasing to look at...

and easier on your fingers than holding a pencil for hours on end

[Grant22]

Does anyone know if a finale notepad file can be inported into the full version of finale?

Grant

[JimmyM]

Yes.

[Grant22]

Originally Posted by Grant22

Does anyone know if a finale notepad file can be inported into the full version of finale?

Grant

Can it go from PC to Mac?
Grant