Please add my vote to this package. Of the packages I own it is by far my favorite. Everytime I begin writing a large orchestral piece, I end up finishing it as a Piano and Solo Strings piece. The realism of this package is to die for. Just the other day my mother came to my house for a visit while I was working on creating a template in MIR. The only thing I had loaded up was Pianoteq and Solo Strings Violin (so just two tracks). Knowing she would have no idea what the hell I am talking about, I still decided to show her the amazing creative ability presented to you when using crossfade and expression.
I began playing a melody with the Solo Violin and started pumping my expression pedal and blending the crossfade on some top notes to make them soar with intensity. Within 15 seconds her eyes were filled with water and the only thing she could say was, "that is so incredibly beautiful". She then stuttered to get out that "it just grips you and rips at your heart". This is a woman who is 60 years old and has been a musician and dancer her whole life. This package has the ability to turn the most simple melody into a world class performance if you put the time into it to make it sing. If you're to lazy to do any of the above then it is your short coming that is at fault, not the contents of the package.
Solo Strings was the best investment I have ever made in samples. But in my opinion to get the full potential you need both the standard and extended library. I struggled a bit until I gave in and bought the extended package. I am so glad I did. I just can't seem to get away from using this package in 100% of my works. By adding in some of the nice full string samples from Special Edition I haven't come across a need for others yet. I simply won't praise a product that is undeserving. This product deserves the praise it gets. (Another item of praise is epic horns in my opinion).
Maestro2be