Customer Reviews

PrintMusic 2004

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The manufacturer's description of this software reprinted on amazon's website and on the software box states that one of its key features is that you can "Scan sheet music for transposing or rearranging." I bought the software based in large part on this representation. I realized there was a potential problem when I found that the manual that comes with the program has nothing on scanning. I then followed the "help" suggestions contained on the disk to scan a page of a perfectly legible printed part in 6/8 meter. I ended up with a part in 4/4 that added rests and dotted notes to make up the difference in the time signature. The scanning software also changed the key signature arbitrarily at various points, left out whole measures and changed others. When I tried to convert the scan into 6/8, it added even more wrong data. I tried calling the "free" telephone support, which is a long distance call. They weren't able to help over the phone, and offered to try to work with the file by email. Ultimately they told me that only their professional software would properly convert a scan of this music. I told them that this appears to be a serious bug -- how can you represent that your software scans music, when it turns every 6/8 part into a 4/4 part and you end up having to edit virtually every measure? I haven't gotten any response.

For the price you pay, you really get an outstanding program. Upon getting it, I dove straight into the most complicated stuff I could possibly think of composing, and it assisted me through it all beautifully and simply. (I had no need for the scanning or MIDI features, so I have no comment on those - the "click" entry is that of which I speak.) Once you devote a little time and figure out how it works, you'll have no problem with it. (A book over a hundred pages in length accompanies the program). This product is perfect for any non-professional composer who is looking for a sound program whose price isn't outrageous.

For the price, the product is very good; however, the main reason I bought it was due to its Human Playback feature, which for the most part works very well but occasionally "wobbles" or makes "static"-like noises. The HP.dll file was updated in the Finale 2005 product, but this update-file is not compatible with PrintMusic! 2004. I'm still awaiting word from customer support regarding any possible HP.dll updates for PrintMusic! 2004.

Using other opinions, I decided to purchase this software. I had never used music notation software before, but this is really easy to use. It has a lot of good features. Sometimes it can be confusing, but that's solvable by reading the helpful manual. I am very impressed with this software.

If you're buying this for the scanning feature you may want to reconsider.

I tried the demo version of Print Music 2006, which, near as I can tell, is the same as the purchased version but with limited output.

I was mostly interested in the ability to scan sheet music so I could transpose for different instruments, and do some minor arranging.

First off, the program tells you to only scan "clean" original copies of printed music, not photocopies... okay... So, I scanned an almost new copy of concert band music. As another reviewer noted, the software changed the time and key signature, and put in notes and rests in place of other notes, etc. Trying to correct it was an exercise in frustration...

The music writing capabilities have powerful features, but there is a rather sharp learning curve, and the software seems to be quirky, and not very intuitive. It's a good value for the price for the music notation capabilities, but it's not easy to use for a "beginner" like the company's hype would lead you to believe.

Frustrated in Utah

This software is a demo. This is shareware and doesn't print anything unless you connect to the Internet. You can only activate it twice. Product activation is wrong. Save your 75$ and download the Demo for free.

It's easy to use, but some short cuts are hard to find.