does any1 know the best one?

Since you're probably looking for free stuff, try sfz and find some free soundfonts.

there was one here last week, it was some sort of chinese instrument... can't recall the name or find the download, but people were impressed with it,, I hope someone remembers now i'm curious

I believe it was the erhu. Search the forums here for it and it should show up.

But what instruments do you mean?
Kotos, various flutes, strings, etc?

If you are only needing to emulate them, than perhaps tweak some of their western analogues in a synth.

Otherwise, soundfonts may be the best route.

Oh, perhaps one of the Swarplugs might work for you.
My best guesses for ASIAN intruments, if that is what you mean.

If you want Sitars I would try EMM Knagalis from Dash. If you're looking for plucked strings I would go with SFZ and soundfonts. I like the soundfonts from www.SonicImplants.com

Nusoftings Harptime can also produce oriental sounds and sounds great..oriental harps, to be precise .
Ask Luigi of Dash and Nusofting to make you a bundle deal with Knagagaga...lis, you probably get two very good instruments at a very good price.
I think also that many VST (z3ta+, Linplug) support now Microtuning, so if you manage to understand hwo this works, they might give you what you search for.

Rich

Etnosphere is another option.

I agree Armadillo - but you forgot the 'h'.

Soundbursts 'Ethnosphere'.

www.swarsystems.com

this among other possibilities, just have a glance...

good luck !

J Dub wrote:

I agree Armadillo - but you forgot the 'h'. Soundbursts 'Ethnosphere'.

No, I didn't forget it. I just left it out to see if anyone would notice