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Sibelius Music Notation Software (Macintosh and Windows)

Whatever your musical style, Sibelius 5 makes writing scores a breeze - giving you more time to focus on the music. Stunning new features like Panorama mean you don’t need to think about pages while you’re composing or arranging. You can just let you creativity flow. Ideas Hub is a real first for music software. It lets you instantly capture your musical ideas, and then find them again in a second - so you’ll never lose another idea. Plus new, high-quality, built-in sounds play back your scores with astounding realism, because there’s no better way to perfect your music than by hearing it. Learn More...

    • New from $179.95
    • Educational save up to $380!
  • Installment Plan:Call for 4 payments!
    • free ground shipping
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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
Yes my product included accessories. The most useful features are the sound, the speed, and the comfort. I don't really think that there are any uneeded features in this program. To be honest, I didn't find any features that I thought would make this program better. I didn't use the program for guitars.

Quality:
Yes this product is made well.

Sound:
I think that the sound is very good, but the Kontakt Silver software that comes with it is not as good as Kontakt Gold. That is why I rated it an 8. The sound that comes with this program meets all my requirments, and I am happy with everything that is featured in the sound. Unfortunately, I am not that experienced in this program, but I can surely say that it is the best sound that I have heard compared to other programs.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The features are great for notation software but I wish it came with a way to make custom template scores. Far to often I have to open up a lead sheet and add the instruments I want because of the lack of that option. Its not a huge deal, however, which is why it still gets a 9.

Quality:
Ive had very few crashes and bug problems compared to my experiences with Macintosh and Encore. I'd give it a 10 but it does seem to crash sometimes whenever I accidently paste a lot of material in the wrong place...so again..9.

Value:
It is a little too high in cost for the typical musician. It should be around the $325-375 area. I know a lot of musicians who would like to buy it but can't afford it (without saving up for a few months) which = 9.

Desirability:
I like the way it works, especially compared to Finale 2004 which would take a few days just to figure out what it's menu does. So for PC, there's no other option as far as Im concerned.

Sound:
The sound depends on your sound card or midi face, but it plays most of everything you notate as you would want it. I cant get it to play manually inserted falls and rips and turns for some reason, which is why it gets a 9.

Support:
The help menu and the online help are great! No complaints here.

Overall:
This will last for a long time but I would recommend upgrading to Sibelius 3 (something Im planning on doing).

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
I have had previous experience with Finale and the tools are very useful. However, Sibelius is always one step ahead with innovative technology and new ideas to keep music notation quick and easy.

Quality:
The product is packaged very smartly and attractively. The box looks very sophisticated on the shelf and a great way to get people to pick it up. The packaging is sound and durable.

Value:
I do not know - I have not investigated prices thus far. However,although it seems like a lot of money to pay, it would be money well spent on a wonderful, good quality product.

Desirability:
It looks 'smooth and sophisticated' and it has a good name. It seems to be a top-of-the-range product and it looks just the part.

Sound:
Apparently, from what I have heard, the sound is quite impressive for a computer program. This seemes to be quite amazing technology and perhaps the $439.95 is worth paying.

Support:
I cannot really rate this aspect as I have not bought the product yet.However, the fact shipping is free proves good value and excellent service.

Overall:
As it costs such a lot of money to buy good notation software, I would not expect to buy another program ever...at least not for a good long while. I would probably end up buying an upgraded version of the same product if I was satisfied. A suggestion for the website would be a demo - but not one you could copy and use illegally or anything - just a guide or picture of the setup.

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