Does it not seem odd?

[ebiggs1]

Does it not seem odd? To continue my frustration with Finale and the playback it provides, let me ask.

You spend the big bucks, what $500+ bucks now for Finale 26. Then you need to spend another $200 to $300 for better more complete add-on sounds. And, a couple hundred bucks for a plug-in that will create a clean layout. All to do what Finale 26 should do out of the box.

[Michel R E]

the sounds are purely optional.
some people don't use them.
some people use sounds other than the GPO sounds.

MakeMusic offers a basic subset of the GPO sounds freely with Finale (and since when does the upgrade cost $500?)

As for Perfect Layout, well, its optional as well. It's not like you can't get the same result without using the plugin. Sure it makes some things easier, but still, Finale WILL do those things out-of-the-box.

So I don't consider the sounds you purchase to be something that "Finale should do out of the box".

[Jay Emmes]

As for the 'perfect' layout: Finale does not do that 'out of the box' or in any other way. You can check every box on 'Avoid Collision Of:' (Document Options - Music Spacing), but Finale will still produce per staff collisions all over the place. The fact that there is an option to check these boxes suggests that Finale is supposed to provide a collision-free layout, though, but it doesn't.
Avoidance of vertical collision isn't even an option in Finale, so I'm not sure how Finale does provide that 'out of the box'.

[ebiggs1]

the sounds are purely optional.
some people don't use them.
some people use sounds other than the GPO sounds.

MakeMusic offers a basic subset of the GPO sounds freely with Finale (and since when does the upgrade cost $500?)

As for Perfect Layout, well, its optional as well. It's not like you can't get the same result without using the plugin. Sure it makes some things easier, but still, Finale WILL do those things out-of-the-box.

You answer surprised me Michel. From some replies you made that I read by you indicated to me you would agree. However, here is my take on your reply to my "little" frustration rant.

Sounds that are included should work. They should work without extraordinary measures from the user. At least that is how most software works. The fact some don't need them or don't use them is immaterial to whether they should work or not.

Some people don't buy Finale on the upgrade plan. Some have to buy it retail like several of my friends did recently. I really don't know what they paid but I suspect it was plenty. They bought it because of my recommendation which I will never do again. I am sorry I did. I also got the school district to buy Finale 26. That exceeded $500 dollars by a wheelbarrow full.

As to Perfect Layout, MM could just add it as a plug-in. Use it or not, it would be there. They did it for JW and Patterson and TG Tools. They can, should, do it for Perfect Layout. It is obviously something MM hasn't got the ability to do. Don't give me the BS that it would raise the price. It did not significantly increase with the addition of the other plug-ins.

I have two good friends, both good composers, Gavin Lendt and Dr. Gary Ziek (ESU), that are Sibelius users. They are having a field day with my frustrations and Finale 26. If I thought it wouldn't throw me back a year or so, I just might switch this time for sure!

[zuill]

From my experience, Finale is a better bet than Sibelius. It is more difficult to learn, but it gives more control in the long run. If one is happy with "out-of-the-box" simplicity, then maybe Sibelius is better. If one needs customizable engraving control, Finale might be the better choice.

Zuill

[ebiggs1]

Oh, I won't switch. I just go off once in a while because Finale never seems to work the way you expect. I agree if you can figure out how Finale can do anything.
Plus I don't see the new MM folks as helpful at all. Matter of fact I place them in the incompetent level. That is the big difference now and old folks like Yvonne and Justin and the others. Call'em up get right on the phone. Now more than a week gone by and MM hasn't even acknowledged my tech support query. I suspect they won't!