Author
Topic: Instrument Change Problem

FeelBeale

I'm on a MacBook Pro, Lion 10.7.4
Finale 2012 w/ 2012a Templet
VDL 2.5.2

     I'm having a frustrating problem changing instruments mid staff.  In 2012, as you know, there is a new way to go about all this withe the Score Manager window.  (I love this by the way, took them waaaay too long to figure this out).  But I digress...  I'm working on some drumline stuff, I'm trying to change my Rack Combo A to Cymbal Rack Combo mid staff.  I have both loaded into my VDL (ch 11 & 13), but I can't get it to change in the playback or the mapping.  I tried using the expression tools, nothing.  I tried playing with the --->expression tool--->VDL instrument change and VDL midi--->edit--->Playback, nothing worked there either.  But for some reason  I can change my marimba part to a vibe part by only apply an expression.  I can't get it to go to a Cymbal Rack Combo either, as if the marimbas were going to go to suspended cymbals. 
     So I'm stumped and have spent the better half of my writing day trying to figure this out.  I'm assuming I'm missing a step with my midi channels or something.  I really don't want to use layers.  Can someone PLEEEEEEASE help me out?  Thanks!

TBoliske

Rather than assigning the racks to different midi channels, use an empty bank then load the instruments into different patch slots. They would be using the same midi channel and the expressions would instrument change expressions would be patch changes. You would still need to use the Percussion MIDI Map expressions. There is some information in the ReadMe about this, I would also suggest using the Finale Help Menu for mid-score instrument changes.

I'm in and out of the forums for the next couple of days but will check in and assist if possible.
Ted Boliske

Mac OS 10.12, 10.14, 10.15, Win7, Win10
VDL2.5.5, Finale 2010-14.5, Finale 25-27
Kontakt 4-6, various other soft synths