Chinese Percussion [SINGLE-SHOTS]

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Ok let me say up front that I am deeply disappointed and frustrated, and the post may come out as rude (so I apologize). Beside the fact that I am newly registered (my brother-in-law posts here and recommended this site for me, but I am in no mood to become part of the community until I get rid of this 'problem' and frustration I have now; please understand). Also this could have gotten into "VST" forum as well, not just limited to samples.

I'm tired of sample libraries with a lot of hype that only give out loops and a few single-shots. I'm tired of 'demos' on their sites using the very best loops to make it sound great, only to find out how limited they are for me. I'm tired of wasting money, and time searching, for these. I'm tired of getting a sample library and finding out this big disappointment that I had wasted more than half of my money on LOOPS (they usually give single-shots as well but like 20% of the entire library lol!).

I want single-shot Chinese percussion (and possibly other chinese instruments). NOT LOOPS. I don't want big ass sample libraries with ridiculously amount of samples and huge space and huge price. I don't want to purchase 10 different "ethnic" sample libraries, just because every one of them has different chinese instruments among a buttload of other "ethnic" stuff. It just drains my budget and nerves, and I need it for a lot of other tweaking plugins I have in mind right now. But not just percussion, although that's the biggest disappointment in my agenda. But other Chinese Instruments as well. I'm tired of having to purchase a big ass sample library only to use 1-2 instruments from it that are Chinese, and not even as good as the hype around it, and most certainly, NOT WORTH MY PENNIES (which were probably spent on the other instruments which I don't need!).

Then I decided to Google like crazy. And I got over this site called 'chineekong' or something like that (do a Google search if you want to find it yourself). Then I said "hmm VST instruments, could this be like Syntheway stuff, but with Chinese instruments? Awesome!" (me saying this as I had pleasant experience with Syntheway's products, because they offer a simple demo version for their VSTs; and yes, I wasn't satisfied with it, but they sounded well made -- just not what I needed! at least I didn't lose anything except time, but got a little experience). Anyway the point is, I've been wasting TWO HOURS searching continuously for demo versions and couldn't find them. Maybe just my dumb luck, but could it be that they don't offer them? I'm not even sure if they are loop-based or not, because the former will infuriate me beyond comprehension if I get the chance to buy it and find that out. Meanwhile, this post isn't necessarily about that ChineeKong thing mind you, it's also about hearing other users' opinions on the whole thing -- because I hope at least HERE I can escape from that stupid hype and study experiences to find out if they are worthwhile or not. But this could still lead me to a disappointment without any kind of testing beforehand.

The Kong Audio thingies seemed too good to be true -- but I couldn't find any demos of their VSTs like say, Syntheway stuff (which is way cheaper, so in this case I'm just paranoid). I know it's not their fault because almost everybody else doesn't either -- but I hate that marketing hype and am personally disappointed as previously said. Syntheway at least gave me the chance to evaluate those things they give and thus I didn't turn out to purchase the things, they just didn't fit what I had in mind. (don't get me wrong, they sound ok, but not what I need). And most importantly those chineekong VSTs were exclusively designed for chinese stuff as far as I could understand -- no 90% of it full of samples I won't even use. At least it's what they claim on the site, which could again be a marketing hype or something like that.

But no, with big ass sample libraries, they give out the best loops in the demos, only to realize myself later that it won't fit with what I had in mind, or that it's only loops! Even single-shot samples mostly annoy me, because I find out that in the demo they used some other product beside that gave it the effect, or that they used some special plugins, or that they are REALLY hard to use for ME (I'm not exactly pro...), or just any combination of frustration and losing time and money.


So with the marketing hype out of the way, can anyone suggest me good stuff out there with this? At least asking this on a well-known forum like this may give some insight but please DO NOT DARE TO POST HYPE IF YOU WORK FOR THE RESPECTIVE COMPANY THAT MAKES THE RESPECTIVE SAMPLE LIBRARY OR VST YOU'RE OVER-HYPING. Mind you, please DO post and explain how it is done even if you work for it, but without the hype-magic "this sample library will add exotic touch to your collection and you will never put it down again" or other stuff like that because I have become allergic to it and to so-called "demos" (in .mp3 I mean, not evaluations). I don't need Stormdrum or mega libraries which have some chinese instruments among a crapload of others -- the price is way out of my league only to find out it isn't as great in the chinese chapter as the hype is about, or at least not worth my money for ONLY THAT and I wasted money for 90% of what it constitutes and is made of.

Don't get me wrong I'm sure they are worth every penny for someone who uses them properly, but I don't NEED that much and will probably not use them -- so it's like wasted money lol!


or am I too dumb to find Kong Audio demo versions of their VSTs? because if this is the case I will hit myself in the foot, and bite my tongue for sheer stupidity, and promise to never EVER question any hyping around on any forum and real life like this, and seek some therapy :P (lol well you get the idea)

:x

PS: I apologize if my post was a bit rude, you just can't imagine how disappointed and pissed I am right now.

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1. Calm down
2. Let that keyboard cool off a little
3. have a beer or something
4. Search here at KVR for Doru Malaia ethnic percussions. You might still be able to buy it from his widow. Lots of great stuff, Chinese and other, dirt cheap. Only problem is to be able to buy it.
5. Email the guys at Kong Audio. They'll tell you what to expect. There's no demo for ChineeKong AFAIK, only demo loops they made with it.

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Maybe you could edit that post and keep the 10% that is relavent and people might actually read it.

The Kong audio stuff is good. They used to offer demo versions, at least the flute and er-hu.

This is from the Kong Audio site;

http://www.chineekong.com/chineekong.htm

They also have a forum here at KvR.

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Also it's pretty clear on ChineeKong's page:

"*IT'S NOT A LOOP CD. Some users thought ChineeKong was a loop collection. In fact, it contains mostly one-shot samples with some unique performance phrases."

And if it is not in it's freebies/demo page then it doesn't have a demo. Unfortunate, but sample developers rarely give demos of their libraries, freebie like this are somewhat more common.

EW's StormDrumm2 has just gotten an expansion focusing on Chinese instruments, however, you need SD2 for that. Single shots with midi performances.

True Strike 2 also features ethnic instruments, some Chinese too. Once again, single shot samples with s few performance phrase loops.

Other than Chinee's I don't know of a sample library focusing only on Chinese percussions.

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I understand your frustration, but enough to read the whole post...

Check out Soniccourture for Guzheng samples (not percussion, but you did say "possibly other Chinese instruments" so here's an "other" possible instrument to check out. These guys are great and provide great quality.

Image

http://www.soniccouture.com/pages/guzheng.php

They also have a description on the history of the instrument, so pretty cool.

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+1 on ChineeKong, it's great
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While I can relate to your frustration, you have to understand things from a commercial perspective. There is no way anyone can know exactly what kinds of samples you want, only YOU know that. No one would put together a sample pack with only samples you like, because most likely, many other people would find it didn't suit their needs. So you're asking someone to put together a sample pack that would sell ONE unit, yours. It's like asking a clothing manufacturer to sell clothes that fit you perfectly right off the rack while forgetting about everyone taller, shorter, fatter, skinnier than you.

Chinese percussion is a pretty narrow category, not many would spend the time and money to put together a quality collection for such a narrow market. Count yourself lucky as apparently ChineeKong has attempted to fill this narrow market. So look for something that's in the ballpark and understand that some samples will be what you're looking for, others will not. The only way to get the sample pack that has everything you want and nothing you don't is to do it yourself, by sorting through alot of available samples.

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chj wrote:While I can relate to your frustration, you have to understand things from a commercial perspective. There is no way anyone can know exactly what kinds of samples you want, only YOU know that. No one would put together a sample pack with only samples you like, because most likely, many other people would find it didn't suit their needs. So you're asking someone to put together a sample pack that would sell ONE unit, yours. It's like asking a clothing manufacturer to sell clothes that fit you perfectly right off the rack while forgetting about everyone taller, shorter, fatter, skinnier than you.

Chinese percussion is a pretty narrow category, not many would spend the time and money to put together a quality collection for such a narrow market. Count yourself lucky as apparently ChineeKong has attempted to fill this narrow market. So look for something that's in the ballpark and understand that some samples will be what you're looking for, others will not. The only way to get the sample pack that has everything you want and nothing you don't is to do it yourself, by sorting through alot of available samples.
Not entirely... I'm not the OP, but my biggest frustration in looking for samples, is that too many companies fail explain if they are selling one-shot samples or loops. What comes to mind right now, only because I just purchased form them is Prime Loops... For each product, they clearly specify exactly what your are getting and if its a collection of both loops and one-hit samples, its broken down into how many of each. I wish more companies would operate like that so there are no surprises.

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but my biggest frustration in looking for samples, is that too many companies fail explain if they are selling one-shot samples or loops
Fair enough. I guess I overlooked that particular gripe.

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For VSTi, the Kong Audio stuff is really very good. I have all their VSTi and will purchase anything they make. Maybe you should try the Kong Audio forum here.

This sample collection of both one-shots and loops is also pretty good and has some Chinese instruments that Kong Audio doesn't have, but the articulations are limited: http://www.discoverysound.com/en/DFSD630/

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grey g wrote:I am in no mood to become part of the community
That's good news.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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taijiguy wrote:For VSTi, the Kong Audio stuff is really very good. I have all their VSTi and will purchase anything they make. Maybe you should try the Kong Audio forum here.

This sample collection of both one-shots and loops is also pretty good and has some Chinese instruments that Kong Audio doesn't have, but the articulations are limited: http://www.discoverysound.com/en/DFSD630/
Interesting site, have you ever boughtnything from them? Is it a reputable store?

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Wow, so many posts here, I feel bad now for being so rude (well yesterday I was in a bad mood not just because of this). Sorry again.

elxicano, that guzheng seems cool enough. What I like about that library is that it comes only with that so I know my money won't be wasted on stuff I won't use. Thanks for the heads up! I'll definitely check it out.

The only downside to the Mini-erhu on the Kong Audio site is that it's actually a free VSTi, not a "demo evaluation", meaning it is pretty limited in articulations and I can't test it if it fits. It sounds wonderful but erhu is one of the instruments that I already have -- not very good sampled, but similar to Mini-Erhu (their full Erhu VSTi might offer more articulations than what I already have but meh).

chj, yes probably you're right but when I am in a bad mood I get the feeling the whole world is against me lol :tongue:. Anyway, I doubt that a "full chinese library" would not sell, some people are interested in it. I don't ask for something especially for me, but just some chinese library instruments (especially percussion, single-shots!) I think many people are interested in one.
elxicano wrote:Not entirely... I'm not the OP, but my biggest frustration in looking for samples, is that too many companies fail explain if they are selling one-shot samples or loops. What comes to mind right now, only because I just purchased form them is Prime Loops... For each product, they clearly specify exactly what your are getting and if its a collection of both loops and one-hit samples, its broken down into how many of each. I wish more companies would operate like that so there are no surprises.
I fully agree. In fact, I would appreciate more if they even pointed out the small flaws or disadvantages in something, it would truly win my interest and make me check it out a lot deeper since they're honest and I know that probably what they else say is honest as well. (I know this isn't a commercial tactic for the "masses" but it's not like expensive stuff like many big sample libraries are for 'everyone'; those who purchase it are already kinda experienced...)
Teksonik wrote:That's good news.
heh I realize I may be a burden on it here man, so sorry again to everyone, although I was kinda frustrated yesterday (searching endlessly with Google and staying so much in front of the computer READING isn't exactly one of my points... plus the patience which I lack :p).

Anyway there seems to be some fine suggestions here, and I just found out (thanks to someone here) that Kong Audio guys have a subforum here. I might as well ask them if there's any demo. Cheers.

I'll post more along the way if I go into a dead-end or too many choices (I wish that were the case with chinese instruments though, seems it's the opposite).

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dacaumodo wrote:
taijiguy wrote:For VSTi, the Kong Audio stuff is really very good. I have all their VSTi and will purchase anything they make. Maybe you should try the Kong Audio forum here.

This sample collection of both one-shots and loops is also pretty good and has some Chinese instruments that Kong Audio doesn't have, but the articulations are limited: http://www.discoverysound.com/en/DFSD630/
Interesting site, have you ever boughtnything from them? Is it a reputable store?
I purchased The Legend of China from them several years ago. It's still the same price. I think they are a reputable dealer. I prefer the Kong Audio stuff for Chinese instruments, but there is a big difference in price with this sample set.

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taijiguy wrote:
dacaumodo wrote:
taijiguy wrote:For VSTi, the Kong Audio stuff is really very good. I have all their VSTi and will purchase anything they make. Maybe you should try the Kong Audio forum here.

This sample collection of both one-shots and loops is also pretty good and has some Chinese instruments that Kong Audio doesn't have, but the articulations are limited: http://www.discoverysound.com/en/DFSD630/
Interesting site, have you ever boughtnything from them? Is it a reputable store?
I purchased The Legend of China from them several years ago. It's still the same price. I think they are a reputable dealer. I prefer the Kong Audio stuff for Chinese instruments, but there is a big difference in price with this sample set.
They have some really nice ethnic vocal samples and you can buy them as single shots. Pity they don't seem to have something like a prepaid account so you do have to buy the samples one by one, and they don't do Paypal (I suppose the fees would be too high for single shots samples anyway).

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