TubeNet

Does anyone know a Finale website that corresponds to SebeliusMusic? I'm very impressed with what Sebelius is doing to support their software.

Unfortunately, Finale hasn't been quite as well supported. In the long run, I've found that the useability of Sibelius software is slightly easier, even though I'm a Finale person myself. I'd be interested to see something come up though.

If you are not familiar with the Sibelius Music website at http://www.sibeliusmusic.com/, check it out. As a dedicated Finale user, I only recently decided to look at it and I was so impressed that I down loaded Scorch. I believe that Finale has missed a great opportunity to support their users...

...ERGO I am looking for a similar site for Finale-ites. So if you know of a similar site for Finale users let me know about it.

I am an advanced Finale user and the forums mentioned above are almost never useful to me, though I appreciate the help.

Wade, baby, I already knew you were "the elephant." If forum members don't know Wade, don't be mis-led by his location. Wade's the man!

If you are considering Sibelius or Finale as a purchase, download both demos and see which one fits you the best.

I use Finale 10+ hours a day and prefer it over Sibelius. I haved Sibelius to accept files from writers and clients, but after receiving them I print them out and re-enter or import into Finale. I do think Sibelius is a fine program but not for me for many reasons.

Make sure you try each demo for a period of time. Don't judge a book (program) by its cover. Both programs claim they do this and that, but there are many features that just don't work or are buggy. Both programs claim it is a easy to do this and that, but that is not alwasy the case.

Both programs a have a large user base to ask questions. Forums, phone calls to support, email lists etc.

If anyone has specific questions about Finale, please feel free to post opr email me.

I have used Encore since 1996 and have purchased every upgrade since. Around 2000, Encore closed up shop, and then there were no upgrades for Windows XP. Only out of desparation to get some scores printed, I bought Finale 2001. I hated it! I even bought Finale 2003, which is the last one I bought becuase in 2004, Encore was back in business under the umbrella company Gvox and I got my upgrade for Windows XP. Gvox is going a good thing with Encore and I would suggest checking it out. EASY to use in comparision to Finale.

George

geomiklas wrote:I have used Encore since 1996 and have purchased every upgrade since. Around 2000, Encore closed up shop, and then there were no upgrades for Windows XP. Only out of desparation to get some scores printed, I bought Finale 2001. I hated it! I even bought Finale 2003, which is the last one I bought becuase in 2004, Encore was back in business under the umbrella company Gvox and I got my upgrade for Windows XP. Gvox is going a good thing with Encore and I would suggest checking it out. EASY to use in comparision to Finale.

George

I agree with George that Encore might be easier to use. I would download as many demos as possible including Encore, Notion, Berlioz, Lilypond, etc. Find out works best for what you need to do.

I just wish I could find a program that did everything Finale, Sibelius, Encore etc., but all rolled into one!

I use Finale 2004 to engrave composed music to pay my rent while at school. I started with 2002 and moved up. The composed I normally use needs special engraving techniques to get what he needs done. Everything needed is in Finale. I am super confused with Sibelius, not because it's inferior, but because it is completely different from the way Finale works. I do not believe that any of the main notation programs do something the others do not; their features just may make certain things more readily available. The way I see it, notation and engraving is like learning a new instrument. Whatever program you choose depends on what you think you may like and then you work on improving it. One professional copyist/engraver may choose Finale, while another one Sibelius, etc. I chose Finale because that was the first program I was introduced to, and the first one I got my hands on. The whole "what notation program is better?" search is a bit of a wild goose chase in my opinion. It's like trying to find the perfect horn. To learn something more, I will be learning basic things in Sibelius this week during spring break. It's something I think, as a copyist, is something I should learn.

Nick

BopEuph wrote:l...I am super confused with Sibelius, not because it's inferior, but because it is completely different from the way Finale works...I chose Finale because that was the first program I was introduced to, and the first one I got my hands on. The whole "what notation program is better?" search is a bit of a wild goose chase in my opinion...

Nick, This is a fair statement. It probably applies to my statement above as well.

George

The thing about Sibelius isn't the support, it's the ease of using the program. I began using the Finale program when it came out and I bought a Macintosh computer at the time (20 years ago) because Finale was only doable on a Mac. Well, I am still a 99% Mac user, but now I use Sibelius because it's so much easier.

Nobody has mentioned it yet so I will. How about
http://www.finalemusic.com/showcase/fs_home.asp
While not as many listings as the Sibelius site, this is an outlet for those who tinker with Finale to share their efforts.

Finally!

Thanks scouterbill.

I too am looking to buy a notation program. I have worked briefly in the past with both Finale and Sibelius (earlier versions) and found Sibelius easier to work with BUT incapable of creating graphic or avant-garde notation. Is this still true? I think I would prefer Sibelius but need the ability to create and print avant-garde (mainly graphic) notation.

Any help will be appreciated, as always!

Thanks