Finale

[colcifer]

I posted these questions in the BG section but got no help so I thought I'd try here (you guys are more fun anyway).

Basically, I've had all the demos and love having a score-writer but need a few things answered before I buy one. Here are my questions:

1) Why is Finale $400 more than Allegro? I didn't come across any added features and that there's a new version now isn't really that big a plus when you consider that nothing you do with it is back compatible.

2) Where's the fun stuff? Despite my best efforts, I could not trick, force, or bribe my computer to do: poly-rhythms, poly-tempos, time signatures with odd numbers on the bottom, pitches with out rhythmic markings, or anything but the most common chord extensions. Sometimes I do piano pieces where the two hands have different time signatures or tempos which I really, really haven't been able to get Finale to do.

3) What's with the scanning thing? When you scan something in lead sheet format each line is "read" as a new instrument (though it does sound pretty rad). Am I doing something wrong?

4) When you've had it open for a while (might just be my computer) it forgets to sound the first few (an ever increasing number) of notes during playback.

5) On occasion (again, it might just be my computer) it will interpret every click on the "paper" as "play from this measure" making it impossible to get anything done.

I love Finale most of the time but I'm having a hard time overlooking these problems.

So: What am I doing wrong/What am I not seeing that justifies the cost?

I'd rather not compromise but I do need a scorewriter as I don't have the handwriting or patience to do a proper copying job.

Thanks very much for whatever information you have. Advice based on experience with it as a composer or student would be particularly helpful.

-c

[Marton]

I haven't used it much, but problem number 4 happends a lot on my computer.

[TroyK]

I've used both Finale and Sibelus and I've several cheap or free versions. I have issues with all of them, but at the same time find them indispensable tools of the trade. I dont' know what your background or usage is, but I think that both were basically designed for orchestral scoring and they assumed that since we were simpler beings, we'd have everything we needed. There are some clear and simple things that I want to do that I have to lie and cheat it to make happen. I could certainly talk them through a system that was more targeted for me.

I also think there is a learning curve with each and if I knew them better it would help. But, most of what's in there to work through I don't actually need, so...

A friend of mine swears by Note Flight or Note Flite which is free and he says awesome. I don't want to look since I'm working with a full version of Sibelus now, but you might check it out before you buy.

[TheSuzie]

Originally Posted by colcifer

1) Why is Finale $400 more than Allegro? I didn't come across any added features and that there's a new version now isn't really that big a plus when you consider that nothing you do with it is back compatible.

Because having the latest version of Finale is absolutely required in order to be a professional arranger or copyist working with major talent, studios, broadcast operations etc. In many cases it is a condition of employment and may even be in the contract. At the very least the music director is going to ask if you have the latest version of Finale before you are hired.

Peace,
S

[TroyK]

I don't know, I've seen a shift to Sibelus over the last decade.

[TheSuzie]

May be true but all the old timers I know have to make sure they they get their newest version of Finale installed before work starts on the new TV season each year. Of course the old timers I know are all being hired by other old timers...

S

[Boira]

I can't help you with Finale.
But I've been working with Sibelius for some years now and I'm happy with it so far. I use it mainly for piano scores.