Wer gerne rumspielt ;-)

[matthiasL]

Hi,

im Acoustic-Player Forum ist folgendes aufgetaucht, ideal wenn man zuviel Zeit hat oder schon gut genug Gitarre spielen kann. Ich glaube die Hyperlinks gehen verloren, aber man kann ja googlen. VORSICHT LANG!

Viel Spass

ML

################################
The Kristal Audio Engine. A free and easy to use piece of software. Will record up to 16track's, has ASIO support, and you can use VST effects along with the good ones that are built in. And it has great support thru the forum, just like this site!

These 3 VST effects are the ones I use 99% of the time with Kristal, and I think they are must haves!

Kjaerhus Audio Classic Series

Digital Fish Phones (look to the left, the Fish Fillets rock!)

GlaceVerb, the best reverb I have found.

The following are a couple Audio Editors that I have used....

Tiny Wave Editor and Sound Engine Free

These don't have all the bells and whistles that Audacity has, but they import the files right back into Kristal, which means you don't have to line the tracks back up!

And this is a way cool plugin called VB Strip Tool. Striptool is a virtual channel strip offering various types of digital audio processing. This is a compleat channel that has a parametric EQ, compressor, and it sounds great.

Next is mine, and a few others, number one choice for a drum machine, and it is called Leaf Drums 2.33. When you add the ns_kit7free sounds to it you have the most realistic sounding free - to - use drum machine that you will find anywhere, and better than some you would pay for! This is a Shareware item, but read the Help file to see if you qualify for the "Free Use" clause.

I have also used Hotstepper and HammerHead with great results. Don't think that these are only the "rap-dance" type of drum machine software. Even tho they come with those sounds you can swap them out. All 3 work fine, and the last two are totally free.

By using all of the software listed above with the Kristal Audio Engine you can have a compleat 16 track home recording setup, with some nice sounding drums, for FREE!

The rest are some links to other VST effects that work well with Kristal. The links might be outdated, I didn't check them all. But the 3 listed above will give you most everything you need to make some good recordings!

A list of VST's....
http://www2.kvr-vst.com

Freeverb2, and others.
http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~thman/VST/vst-eff2.htm

MDA VST Plugins. The Combo one is nice.
http://www.maxim.abel.co.uk/vst/

Check out r8Brain. It does a good job of converting 48bit files to 44.1.
http://www.voxengo.com/downloads/

Some Wave Editors and Sample Tools
http://www.soundalot.com/freeware/wave/wave-b.html

Luxonix, a free multi effect (sounds good on guitar).
http://www.luxonix.com

A nice reverb that works well for back up vocals.
http://www.anwida.com/dxrevlight.asp

A BIG list of plugins.
http://www.kvraudio.com/allpluginsononepage.php

Another cool site
http://www.vstcentral.com/


==================================


MUSIC FREEWARE - A compilation of URLs from the great Celtic Guitar Talk forum. Many Thanks goes to Twelvstrum for this post.

**This was current as of 9-15-06**

Free music software ... there is a lot of it available, and this compilation of programs is in no way comprehensive. If you know of other music freeware that has helped you, then add some replies to this post and let us all know. The URL's are accurate as of March 2006. In some cases I provide two URL's and in other cases the URL's for different programs are the same because they are for a specific categorised page at a link site such as 'Freeware Home'. In a few cases, programs are free but are cut down versions of larger shareware programs. All, however, are fully functional, not time-bombed and with all their available options working.

The freeware is listed under the following headings:

Tablature Programs
Chord Players And Jamming Programs
Chord Display Programs
Drum And Rhythm Machines
Tuners
Unusual Metronomes
Composition Programs
Music Games For Children And Beginners
Media Viewers and Players
Fact-Filled Websites
Miscellaneous Musical Curiosities
Fractally speaking
Music fonts
And finally ......

As and when I hit upon new freeware, I'll add them to this compilation.

TABLATURE PROGRAMS

Tabledit
http://www.tabledit.com/download/downlo_e.shtml
The freeware version is purely a viewer - but it is exceptionally powerful. Not only is the tab being played very clear, there is also the option of a virtual fingerboard to assist learning. Tab cannot be edited, but midi settings can - although these cannot be saved unless you register. There is no time-limit or repeated nag screen with the freeware viewer. Massive support across the internet with literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of files. And if you're a Chet Atkins fan, there are whole libraries of tab for his work. Highly recommended.

For anyone who doesn't already know and who may only be familiar with TefView, the full version of Tabledit is phenomenally powerful and, with a converter (free only to registered users), it allows you to change Powertab and Guitar Pro tabs into .tef format. It's not -, but neither is it exorbitantly expensive. I'd say that it's a very good investment.

TefView file manager
http://www.tabledit.com/download/downlo_e.shtml
A handy little utility associated with Tabledit. It finds, lists and provides immediate access to all the tabledit (.tef) files on your computer. In that respect, it works rather like a font lister. Also available for MAC computers.

Powertab 1.7
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_p.html
http://www.power-tab.net/
Well supported across the internet. A very complete editor/viewer. The screen display is overly busy and as tabs play, there is no way to identify the part being played. Writing and testing tab is fairly easy. Probably the second most favourite free tab download. After this, it's Guitar Pro which isn't free.
There are a range of sites which hold Powertab files. As I find good examples, I will add them:

http://www.hotclub.co.uk/ptab/powertab.html

This next website has extensive files in both Powertab and Tabledit formats:
http://jazz.chansons.free.fr/guitarejazz2.htm

Blues tabs
http://www.bluestabs.net/
Massive archive of lyrics, chords and tabs in Powertab and Guitar Pro formats. Most feature musicians who play electric guitar.

Acoustic Powertab archive
http://www.acousticpower.com/
In contrast to the last website - this one accepts only acoustic powertab files. If anyone is a closet Chet Atkins - this is one of those sites where there is a HUGE archive.

Powertab Librarian
http://www.power-tab.net/area51.php
Still in Beta test mode and seems to only be for OS such as XP and beyond.

Bucket o' tab
http://www.harmony-central.com/Software ... ot250.html
http://www.antisleep.com/bucket/
http://www.freebyte.com/music/#free_notation
Now freeware - so ignore mentions of shareware. Not as well supported as it could be. Maybe this will change now it's freeware? Program needs VBRUN300.dll - but everyone has that anyway and it's easy to copy or acquire. It is easy to create tab with an unusual way to enter chords (created in separate window after pressing 'c'). The interface is considerably less crowded and messy than Powertab and tab with appropriate timings is very natural to create. I'm not sure if it works with 2000, XP or NT. As yet I have not been able to locate any significant archives of Bucket tabulations. If I do, I will add details.

Randytab
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_p.html
http://www.geocities.com/randyinc_nz/so ... tware.html
A basic but simple tab writer. Unfortunately not well supported across the internet. Useful for those learning to use tab and tab editors - a good starter before moving on to something as complete and complex as Powertab.

Tab player
http://www.simoneperandini.com/tabplayer.htm
Reads and (after a fashion) plays document-format tabs. An active virtual guitar fretboard is a useful bonus, as is the facility to slow down the playing speed. Timings are not represented, but for exploring and seeing fingerings, it is undoubtedly useful. With more development, this could be a very powerful program.

Cleve's tab viewer
http://tabviewer.helkvall.net/l
A very basic but tidy viewer. No sound capability but it is possible to notate tab if you wish. No intrusive or busy menus.

Easy Tab Maker Pro
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Mult ... r_Pro.html
http://www.topshareware.com/Easy-Tab-Ma ... -18448.htm
I have a problem with this software - not because it isn't free or doesn't work, but because it is ad-supported and to access it you have to accept the installation of the Zango search bar. On the flip side - the idea of being able to play your guitar into your computer and for TAB to be automatically created IS a tempting one. Personally, I advise caution, but if you want to investigate it, this is where to look. (And don't think you can download Zango and ETMP and then delete Zango without disabling ETMP. You can't. The two are tied together).


CHORD PLAYERS AND JAMMING PROGRAMS

Chordplay
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/Ch ... r_Windows/
A basic - almost crude - chord player, but VERY easy to use and absolutely perfect for beginners or children. The rhythms you can create are very simple, but the strength of the program lies in its ease of use. You literally write down what you want to hear, so a simple repeating cycle of C F G7 would be written as C / / / F / / / G7 / / / and that's it!Don't expect sophistication or the complexities of, say, 'Band in a box' - but for those two groups I mentioned, it is ideal, and if you want a quick way to experiment with chord progressions, it is equally useful.

Chord machine
http://www.mmmproductions.com/chordintro.html
A Macromedia Flash program that allows you to create sequences of chords to test or play against. It takes a few minutes to work out how to use it (Each coloured button refers to root notes in the order CDEFGAB). Click on these to access subsets of chords such as major, minor, 7th etc. These can be loaded into a grid. There is only one fingerpicked playing rhythm but this is still a very interesting and nice-sounding chord player. The acoustic guitar sound is especially accurate. Sequences can be saved and playing speed can be altered.

Digital Guitar
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia ... rist.shtml
The 5 fret version if completely free. Registration is needed for the 24 fret version. This is a powerful program and allows you to create rhythmic chordal (and solo) parts against which to 'jam'. Many options are included such as a scale finder, chord finder and a very detailed guitar tutor .... but not all these are available in the freeware version. The range of chords available for the jamming player is restricted but usable in the 5-fret version. Well worth evaluating.

Guitar Chord Crash Course (aka G3C)
http://hem.bredband.net/b157785/gccc.html
http://www.hotdownloads.com/index.php3?job=3&id=51621
Whilst usable as a free download, there are almost continuous small nag screens - but you can at least test the wide range of facilities. (metronome, chord playlist, chord identification ....) Registration is actually very - ($Cool if you choose to go down that road.


CHORD DISPLAY PROGRAMS

I doubt if many people need or use these now with so many good chord dictionaries available, but here are a couple of interest:

Nutchords
http://www.uptospeed.net/hoi/tradsoftware.html
http://www.uptospeed.net/hoi/nc32v120.zip
I think most people know this program. It's advantage is that it caters for both guitar and keyboard players as part of the same display. There are two versions, basic and advanced, but only the advanced has sound. I see no point in downloading the basic version anymore. Exceptionally easy to access or create a chord and both see it and hear what it sounds like. A shame the two displays remain separate (ie: create a piano chord and you don't automatically see the guitar
equivalent) - but that's my only gripe.

Chord diagrams 2.0
http://www.vocalist.org.uk/downloads.html
This little utility is perfect for the beginner or child who hasn't got a chord book close at hand. There is no sound, but the virtual fretboard diagrams are clear and with suggested fingerings shown using just the first 5 frets. The range of chords is small and limited to major, minor and 7th.

Barchord
http://www.soundalot.com/freeware/guitar/
A simple program that displays positions and note names for a good range of common bar chords. Probably a fairly redundant idea now as most people will use a book reference, but someone might find it useful.
In theory there should be a lot of interesting free software at this URL, but many links seem to be broken. Maybe they will come back on stream?


DRUM AND RHYTHM MACHINES

Drumflow
http://tnikolai.nm.ru/drumflow.html
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/DrumFlow/
A simple-looking drum loop creator that actually has a lot of sophistication once you explore it. The operative word here is 'loop' - you can't create complex drum tracks. Nevertheless, it is an excellent and flexible piece of software.

Hammerhead
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_p.html
With this drum machine, you CAN create full drum tracks. There are a wealth of resources that can be downloaded free from the website. The drum sounds really do 'rock' and you can create anything and everything from soft jazz to heavy metal rock rhythms. Amongst the resources and a lot of different drumsets and user sequences (some of which are freaky beyond belief).


TUNERS (No more than a sample of what's available)

Guitar tuner Lite
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia ... Lite.shtml
Macromedia Flash needed. There are many tuners out there, including some that work via microphone or direct connection of a guitar to the soundcard. This is simply the one I use. It is a basic EADGBE tuner; easy to use and repeats each note for as long as you need. Clean acoustic guitar sound.

Freetune 1.1a
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_p.html
Another useful tuner. This has the options to repeat each note 5 times and to tune to dropped D.

GCH Guitar Tuner
http://www.brothersoft.com/downloads/guitar-tuner.html
A straightforward EADGBE tuner, but useful in that one option is to play a continuous pitch-pipe tone. Versions for MAC and PC available at the listed URL.

AWS guitar Tuner
http://www.soundalot.com/freeware/guitar/
This version for PC. Interesting because it offers 10 different tunings, including DADGAD, Open E, Open A, Dropped D etc. Macromedia Flash needed. Plays piano sounds, not guitar. MAC versions are available elsewhere on the internet.
In theory there should be a lot of interesting free software at this URL, but many links seem to be broken. Maybe they will come back on stream?

Audiophonics digital tuner
http://www.daddydoodle.com/
Link at this site for a tuner which uses microphone or direct connection of your guitar to the soundcard.

Online guitar Tuner
http://www.get-tuned.com/guitar_tuner.php
Another member of this forum (Denis O) posted the above URL for an excellent tuner that also gives access toa wide range of alternative tunings.

UNUSUAL METRONOMES

Zetronome
http://www.youngminpark.com/main/?doc=b ... =zetronome
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_t.html
Not a spelling mistake. There are a lot of metronomes out there but this one is unusual because one option (C-Beat) blends the idea of a metronome with a drum-loop. You can thus create very unusual metronome rhythms, although the piano-roll style editor is a bit strange because it works vertically and not horizontally. Well worth a look.

Weird Metronome
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_p.html
Another unusual metronome that does more than just click or flash. There is the option to assign a different sound to each click and to even create your own unique time signature, no matter how weird.


COMPOSITION PROGRAMS

Anvil Studio
http://www.anvilstudio.com/
If you want to try using a full-blown sequencer, this one is free. Actually - it's the basic heart of the software that is free. If you want to, you can then buy extra facilities to extend its power and usefulness. A clever idea which allows you to test it fully before deciding what to do. The software is very powerful and allows you to create, load and save midi files. Standard notation is available and not just piano roll. Unusually, the option to create music by using a fretboard is included - although I can't now remember if this is part of the basic free download. (I'd guess that it is, to allow you to test it).

Rave midi sequencer
http://www.sonicspot.com/rave/rave.html
Another free midi sequencer for Windows 95 and 98. Not sure if it's OK with XP. Not quite as intuitive as Anvil Studio - but far less complex and this is a complete package. When reading midi files it tends not to recognise track labels, so a bit of trial and error may be needed to identify, say, main melody lines. Installation is easy. Some people have reported an error at setup which reads "Could not open the file named C:\DOS\Doshelp.hlp" but this does not seem to be a problem in Windows 98 and the help menus within the program are detailed, useful and fully accessible.

Finale Notepad 2006
http://www.finalemusic.com/notepad/
http://www.mrfreefree.com/free_software ... music.html
A notation composer and player. For me, the 2002 version was the best because it was cleaner and less 'fancy'. However, if you want a way to use point-and-click as a way of writing down standard music notation, then this powerful program is well worth looking at. With this 2006 version, TAB can also be created. Although provided as a 'taster' for their full, commercial software, it is complete and functional in its own right but it will only save in the .mus format and not .mid nor any common tab format. It is a large file - 30mb. Available for MAC and PC. To access it, you need to register with Finale (free). What I do is have a separate email address for just this sort of requirement. That way, any sales or survey email goes there and not into my main folder. The address is used to generate your serial number. This generally arrives within an hour or so. After that, you can use the program with only one nag screen at the start. Very professional-looking but still easy and intuitive to use.

Chords 1.0
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_t.html
http://www.chordsoftware.com/
This program is still under development but I feel that it is worth keeping an eye upon as it combines a lot of interesting and useful ideas into an intuitively simple format. It provides a way to create and test traditional notation very easily indeed with the option to enter chords as blocks or as arpeggios - a very unusual idea. I suspect that this will be a really powerful program in the near future for both beginners and more experienced players/composers/arrangers. This program is not related to 'Chord diagrams 2.0' in the 'Chord display programs' section. From my own contacts with the program author, I can confirm that he is especially responsive to any feedback that is provided. If you look at this software, I heartily suggest that you give him feedback and any ideas.

BabyJam Studio Pack 1
http://www.brothersoft.com/software-dow ... tuner.html
http://www.brothersoft.com/mp3_audio/mu ... 36326.html
A strange piano keyboard-based program, not suited for serious use but at one level it's fun for beginners and children. Tunes or riffs (not chords) are entered using a simple script - not unlike 'Chordplay'. There is also a more advanced level where more complex scripting is needed. A virtual keyboard is also included. I suspect that this is one to play with rather than develop to any great extent. It's certainly unusual.

Easy Music Composer (free version)
http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~mcs/emc.html
http://www.freewarehome.com/index.html? ... sic_t.html
http://www.freebyte.com/music/#free_notation
The cut-down version is free but still fully functional. This is another very unusual piece of software. By creating a sequence of chords, the program will then 'compose' a melody. In fact, it uses a jigsaw method to draw from a range of preset patterns - but these often produce interesting results. It's also possible to 'lock' parts that you like and to then re-compose the parts you don't. You can also enter your own melody lines manually. Highly unusual and can also be used as an aid to duet or 'duel' jamming ..... but that isn't its primary purpose and you may have to adjust the tuning of your guitar as it doesn't claim to be pitch perfect.

Sawcutter 1
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/SawCutter/
Utterly unique. This is for the techno-heads out there. Sawcutter 1 is free, but Sawcutter 2 has to be registered. Impossible to describe accurately. Think of it as a way to create electronic music by using a mixture of point and-click and drawing. Extended pieces of music can be created. Not for everyone, but so unusual that the only way to understand it is to have a look - or maybe view the manual for Sawcutter 2 which has all the facilities of Sawcutter 1, and a lot more besides:
http://www.cuttermusic.com/Manual.htm

ProTools Free
http://www.digidesign.com/ptfree/
http://www.uptospeed.net/hoi/tradsoftware.html
Available for the MAC or PC, this cut down but otherwise fully functional version of the software is both VERY powerful and sophisticated. I suggest you read the descriptions and specifications at the above URL before deciding whether to try it or not. Be aware that your computer needs to be up to scratch to run it.
Three downloads are available - the software (10mb), the documentation (5mb), a demo file (17mb). To access the download you have to provide basic information and an email address although this is not needed as a means of acquiring a registration key.


MUSIC GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND BEGINNERS

Notecard
http://familygames.com/freelane.html
(Scroll to the bottom of the screen.) A note recognition game which uses notation, piano keyboard or guitar fretboard displays. It does no more than show a note and require the player to click on the appropriate part of the display - but it is still fun and useful for a learner. (For the guitar, the right hand part of the screen is clicked to identify an open string). What lifts this little utility above the rest is the fact that there are the three styles of display. Each game is played against a timer.

Musicreading
http://www.freewarefiles.com/program_16_167_4236.html
http://www.nonags.com/nonags/edu32.html
An excellent game-based program for teaching children or beginners the rudiments of music. Topics include: Note recognition, learning piano keys, fundamentals of rhythm, intervals, major scales of C, D, Eb, F, G, A and Bb. Clear displays, good sound and well-structured activities with many well-graded levels. Some games just move from level to level until you choose to stop.

Notecracker *
http://www.happynote.com/free-game-note-cracker.html
A 'breakout' style game in which musical rests are associated with their note equivalent. Aim of game is to knock out all the staves and rests with a bouncing ball - and to keep dislodged notes in the air. Tricky. I advise changing the background to something plain by using the 'backgrounds' menu. Choices are in French, but the game text itself isn't.

Notes in space *
http://www.happynote.com/computer-game- ... space.html
An 'Invaders' type game. Quite tricky and challenging. Arrows move the spaceship. Space fires the gun. Up arrow lets you change the type of note to the one you want to hit. Needs fast reflexes.

Musical Tetris *
http://www.happynote.com/free-tetris-game.html
A Tetris game in which the falling 'bricks' are notes which have to be stacked in the correct columns. Harder than it sounds because there are 'bombs' everywhere. Speed increases with difficulty levels.

* One word of warning: Make sure you close all three 'Happynote' programs properly or they have a habit of showing their endscreens next time you boot your computer.


MEDIA VIEWERS AND PLAYERS

Acrobat reader
http://getfreedownloadz.com/index.asp?P ... 92d&sft=12
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
Essential for reading .pdf document files. Some TAB and music notation on the Celtic Guitar website is available in this form. I'd advise you to right-click and 'Save as' any .pdf files. Then open them separately with the reader.

Macromedia Flash Player
http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/dow ... kwaveFlash
Essential these days for animated displays and quite a lot of software in this compilation. You probably already have it, but if not, it's at this URL. Unless you also want a Yahoo toolbar, remember to de-select that option.

RealPlay
http://www.msia.org/live/rp-install.html
Again, you probably already have this. Like 'Flash' it's pretty essential these days, especially for any software that includes video. The URL given isn't the main download site. This site provides a good description of how to go about installing RealPlay. As for a basic free version of Realplay itself, also try these URL's
http://uk.real.com/player/?&src=ppc_goo ... .rm.hd.def
http://www.download-it-free.com/real%5Fplayer/

Windows Media Player
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... echnology=
Everyone with a PC has this - but maybe not always the most up to date versions for 9x or XP. Get them here.

Apple Quicktime
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html
http://www.apple.com/au/quicktime/win.html
Another player that is useful and which may or may not be up to date on your system.

Noteworthy Player
http://www.noteworthysoftware.com/player/
Just as Finale Notepad is the free player associated with full Finale software, so Noteworthy Player is freeware associated with Noteworthy Composer. Available in 16 and 32 bit versions from the above URL. One advantage of Noteworthy is that it will play and show midi files. However, in my opinion, 'Anvil Studio' is better because you can both create and play.


FACT-FILLED WEBSITES

Frets.com
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/pagelist.html
http://www.frets.com/
This website is an absolute treasure trove of information about every possible aspect of guitar care, maintenance, repair and upkeep. Full of hundreds and maybe thousands of pages of articles, tutorials, explanations, illustrated tours and fascinating facts. If there is anything you want to know about how to look after almost any type of fretted instrument - it will be here.

Guitaropedia
http://www.daddydoodle.com/
A websiite full of links, articles, lessons etc. One to explore at leisure and especially useful for the beginner and intermediate player.

Want to know how to write TAB?
http://www.olga.net/faq/tabbing.php
It's possible that some newcomers to tab might want to know how to write it down by hand - or how and why some conventions are (or are not) catered for. This site gives a good grounding in the basics.

MISCELLANEOUS MUSICAL CURIOSITIES

Fretboard warrior
http://www.soundalot.com/freeware/guitar/
A simple game with 3 timer options (2 - 5 - 10 minutes). Notes are played and shown on a virtual guitar neck. Click on the name of the note. Certainly improves your ability to recognise notes along the full length of the neck - but the display is rather dark which is a shame.
In theory there should be a lot of interesting free software at this URL, but many links seem to be broken. Maybe they will come back on stream?

TS404
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/TS404/
http://www.threechords.com/hammerhead/ts-404.shtml
A techno-pattern creator. This well-known program allows you to experiment with techno-loops, oscillators, attack, decay etc. etc. .... all the toys of the Tangerine Dream of Kraftwerk crew. It's a shame extended pieces can't be created, but there's a lot of fun to be had playing. Best to have a soundproof room or headphones though, or you could end up annoying everyone around you!

Mousmuso
http://www.busker.net/mousmuso/
http://www.busker.net/mousmuso/demo.html
http://www.cnet.com.au/downloads/info.htm?swid=9637292
A real oddity. Think of it as a virtual harp in which the 'strings' can be set to combinations of chords and which you play by 'strumming' with your mouse. Unique idea.


FRACTALLY SPEAKING
There are several music-creation programs based on fractals (including at least one that uses the Mandelbrot set). Here are just three of the ones that are most widely known.

Fractmus
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/FractMus/
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/doklands/fract.html
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Mult ... ctMus.html
Surely everyone knows this program? It's been around for years and is probably the best known, cost-free way to experiment with music generated by using fractals.

Music in the numbers
http://reglos.de/musinum/
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/doklands/fra
A fractally-controlled music generator which allows you to make changes as you listen. Unusual and interesting if fractal music is your thing. It is extremely simple to experiment and create attractive (or bizarre) music within 10-15 minutes. Many of the examples that come with the program are strange, but there are a few more melodic or ambient creations in there. You can upload your own compositions to the author if you wish.
The first URL is the homepage where you can find out a lot about the program.

FMusic 1.9
http://www.fractal-vibes.com/fm/index.html
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/FMusic/
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/win95/COMPU ... MPOSITION/
An unusual, not especially intuitive but nonetheless interesting way to explore fractal music. The 1st URL is the main homepage and this is where you can access information and help. (The program itself has no 'Help' feature).

Oblivion
http://www.lightlinks2000.com/Musicsoft2.htm
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/doklands/fra
Another fractal music creation program which generates random MIDI music.

MUSIC FONTS

Frets font
http://simplythebest.net/fonts/fonts/frets.html
http://www.fontfreak.com/ding-f.htm
Well known set of fonts commonly referred to as Fonts A, Fonts B and (surprisingly) Fonts C. Useful if you want to prepare music, tab or lyric sheets with a word processor.

Tablature fonts
http://www.princegeorge.com/georgemusic/tablatur.html
A highly unusual free set of fonts for those who want to write tablature for bagpipes, tin whistle, recorder or harmonica. I'd never seen anything like this before and even though I don't play these instruments I tested the recorder font. I found that font sizes needed to be quite large (16 was about the minimum for on-screen visibility). Limited use - but might be a valuable resource for anyone interested in writing guidelines for playing music on these instruments.

Musiqwik and Musisync fonts
http://www.icogitate.com/~ergosum/fonts ... fonts2.htm
One font for notation work, the other for showing rhythm. At the same URL are other music fonts such as Bongo (drum notation for rhythm), Fretqwik, Notehead and Musitone. Most of these fonts are best used with a magnifying character mapper. A free mapper is also available at this URL although personally I didn't like the way it worked. I also wasn't sure about the useability of Fretqwik, but the others looked interesting. All fonts are illustrated with screenshots.

AND FINALLY .....

FlexiMusic composer for kids
http://www.fleximusic.com/kidscomposer/overview.htm
http://www.brothersoft.com/home_educati ... 29600.html
This program is NOT freeware ($12 to register, about 7.25 GBP) but for any of you with young children, this may be of some interest.

RMCA (Realtime Midi Chord Arranger Pro)
MAAS (Midi Auto Accompaniment Section)
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepage ... mcapro.htm
This is another shareware program, but it is such an unusual and effective idea that it may offer something that you would find useful ---- You use it to extract basic structures and rhythms from midi files so that they can be transformed into jamming and accompaniment tracks for your own use. A virtual keyboard lets you shift a rhythm through your own choice of chords. I use the registered version of this software. From memory, I think the unregistered versions can be used without time-limiting but with the 'Save' option disabled. A lot of 'styles' can be downloaded free - but I can't now remember if they work with the unregistered software. However, there is enough scope with the free downloads for you to evaluate its usefulness.

[jo]

Danke Matthias für die lange Liste!
Macht sich immer bezahlt, in mehr als nur einem Forum mit zu lesen.

[Bernd C. Hoffmann]

Finale Notepad gibt es auch als deutsche Version: www.Klemm-Music.de