String ensemble

[zerrat]

How many string instruments (viola, violin, cello etc) do you use for a string ensemble?

 

[deRaNged 4 Phuk'dup]

depends, there's different setups. Different ways they can be sectioned off.

 

[zerrat]

Ok. Can u give any examples? What are some widely used setups?

 

[jimmythesaint]

Depends how big the ensemble is really.

A string quartet is usually two violins, a viola, and a cello. A quintet, two violins, two violas and cello or two violins, viola and two cellos. A sextet, two violins, two violas, two cellos.

You can have variations on all the above depending on your needs. I usually find four voices enough for the kind of stuff I write, usually with voice one doubling if it's triads, but yeh it's all on you and what you're trying to do.

 

[zerrat]

Well I produce rnb/pop, so it's for background strings, short stab-like sounds and so. Can I use two identical violins in the ensemble, or should they sound different. And last question: Is a soundfont ensemble great enough quality for my kind og needs?

 

[deRaNged 4 Phuk'dup]

For RnB stabs a good Staccato string is all you need most of the time. The trick isn't layering multiple strings, just play chords instead of single notes.(If I understood what you're trying to do correctly).