Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why do good string samples still sound stiff? Guy Bacos rebuilds each line of “Capriccio for String Quartet” and reveals the programming changes that make a MIDI quartet breathe. Compare rough and refined versions of Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, and Cello - then hear the complete Synchron Solo Strings (sordino) performance.
🎻 Synchron Solo Strings (sordino) Bundle
https://www.vsl.co.at/products/synchron/solo-strings-bundle-sordino?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=2026-08_special_sy_solo_strings_sordino&utm_id=c1rzxsw4&utm_content=main_description
✅ *NEW* Synchron Solo Violin 2 Sordino
✅ *NEW* Synchron Solo Viola Sordino
Also featured:
➡️ Synchron Solo Violin 1 Sordino
➡️ Synchron Solo Cello Sordino
🎧 Prefer uninterrupted listening?
Watch the standalone performance of “Capriccio for String Quartet”:
youtu.be/bQlmGgjgPBo
Good samples alone do not guarantee a convincing performance.
In this before-and-after masterclass, Guy starts with a deliberately stiff version of his string quartet. He then refines each instrumental line separately, showing how a handful of musical programming decisions can transform the complete mockup.
The video covers:
• phrasing each quartet voice independently
• refining articulation choices
• shaping dynamics and velocity crossfades
• adjusting attacks and releases
• creating lighter and more natural tremolo
• layering separate accents where needed
• improving the relationship between the four instrumental lines
• comparing the rough and polished quartet
• hearing the complete finished composition
The release of Synchron Solo Violin 2 Sordino and Synchron Solo Viola Sordino completes the quartet alongside Solo Violin 1 Sordino and Solo Cello Sordino.
The techniques shown here are demonstrated with Synchron Solo Strings Sordino, but the broader lesson applies to orchestral MIDI programming in general:
Treat every line as a musical performance—not simply as notes sent to a sample library.
Chapters:
00:00 Why programmed solo strings sound mechanical
00:58 Violin 1 — rough phrasing
01:39 Violin 1 — refined articulation and expression
02:22 Violin 2 — unrefined programming
02:58 Violin 2 — lighter tremolo and added accents
03:34 Viola — rough middle voice
04:17 Viola — refined phrasing and movement
04:59 Cello — unrefined foundation
05:42 Cello — dynamics, attacks and releases
06:23 Full quartet — before and after
06:55 “Capriccio for String Quartet” — complete performance
09:26 Conclusion and credits
Follow our journey
➤ Discord: discord.com/invite/mBd6kRHedA
➤ YouTube: youtube.com/ViennaSymphonicLibrary
➤ Facebook: facebook.com/viennasymphoniclibrary
➤ Instagram: instagram.com/viennasymphoniclibrary
➤ TikTok: tiktok.com/@viennasymphoniclibrary
⸻
🏆 About Vienna Symphonic Library
We’re a team of passionate musicians, engineers, and creators based in Vienna, dedicated to capturing and developing the finest orchestral sounds. For over 20 years, VSL has been setting new standards in virtual instruments and sample libraries—empowering artists around the globe to turn their ideas into cinematic, emotional, and unforgettable music.
🎻 Explore our libraries: https://www.vsl.co.at/search?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=2026-08_special_sy_solo_strings_sordino&utm_id=jm3j84h7&utm_content=main_description
#Orchestration #MIDIProgramming #SoloStrings #VSL
Why do good string samples still sound stiff? Guy Bacos rebuilds each line of “Capriccio for String Quartet” and reveals the programming changes that make a MIDI quartet breathe. Compare rough and refined versions of Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, and Cello - then hear the complete Synchron Solo Strings (sordino) performance.
🎻 Synchron Solo Strings (sordino) Bundle
https://www.vsl.co.at/products/synchron/solo-strings-bundle-sordino?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=2026-08_special_sy_solo_strings_sordino&utm_id=c1rzxsw4&utm_content=main_description
✅ *NEW* Synchron Solo Violin 2 Sordino
✅ *NEW* Synchron Solo Viola Sordino
Also featured:
➡️ Synchron Solo Violin 1 Sordino
➡️ Synchron Solo Cello Sordino
🎧 Prefer uninterrupted listening?
Watch the standalone performance of “Capriccio for String Quartet”:
youtu.be/bQlmGgjgPBo
Good samples alone do not guarantee a convincing performance.
In this before-and-after masterclass, Guy starts with a deliberately stiff version of his string quartet. He then refines each instrumental line separately, showing how a handful of musical programming decisions can transform the complete mockup.
The video covers:
• phrasing each quartet voice independently
• refining articulation choices
• shaping dynamics and velocity crossfades
• adjusting attacks and releases
• creating lighter and more natural tremolo
• layering separate accents where needed
• improving the relationship between the four instrumental lines
• comparing the rough and polished quartet
• hearing the complete finished composition
The release of Synchron Solo Violin 2 Sordino and Synchron Solo Viola Sordino completes the quartet alongside Solo Violin 1 Sordino and Solo Cello Sordino.
The techniques shown here are demonstrated with Synchron Solo Strings Sordino, but the broader lesson applies to orchestral MIDI programming in general:
Treat every line as a musical performance—not simply as notes sent to a sample library.
Chapters:
00:00 Why programmed solo strings sound mechanical
00:58 Violin 1 — rough phrasing
01:39 Violin 1 — refined articulation and expression
02:22 Violin 2 — unrefined programming
02:58 Violin 2 — lighter tremolo and added accents
03:34 Viola — rough middle voice
04:17 Viola — refined phrasing and movement
04:59 Cello — unrefined foundation
05:42 Cello — dynamics, attacks and releases
06:23 Full quartet — before and after
06:55 “Capriccio for String Quartet” — complete performance
09:26 Conclusion and credits
Follow our journey
➤ Discord: discord.com/invite/mBd6kRHedA
➤ YouTube: youtube.com/ViennaSymphonicLibrary
➤ Facebook: facebook.com/viennasymphoniclibrary
➤ Instagram: instagram.com/viennasymphoniclibrary
➤ TikTok: tiktok.com/@viennasymphoniclibrary
⸻
🏆 About Vienna Symphonic Library
We’re a team of passionate musicians, engineers, and creators based in Vienna, dedicated to capturing and developing the finest orchestral sounds. For over 20 years, VSL has been setting new standards in virtual instruments and sample libraries—empowering artists around the globe to turn their ideas into cinematic, emotional, and unforgettable music.
🎻 Explore our libraries: https://www.vsl.co.at/search?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=2026-08_special_sy_solo_strings_sordino&utm_id=jm3j84h7&utm_content=main_description
#Orchestration #MIDIProgramming #SoloStrings #VSL
