Hi all,

I've searched the forums and googled to find answers but haven't been able to find a solution, which I think might be very simple.

I'd like to add sounds to existing VDL Percussion layouts in order to eliminate instrument changes when possible. I have gone into score manager and edited the VDL layouts and added what I need, however, the instrument doesn't play back or register on my midi keyboard.

For example:
I'd like to add Triangle to Rack Combo A. I have added and edited the notes in this layout, but am not sure how to get playback in this group. 

(On a side note, I used to use Rack Combo B for triangle, but it seems to be gone from this layout now?)

Also, in Rack Combo A, the VDL user manual and percussion layout editor state that there are 6 different types of suspended cymbal sounds - only one of which is triggered on my midi keyboard. What am I missing here?

I've recently upgraded to Finale 2014 and VDL 2.5.5 with all the most recent templates, and am trying to transition away from using layers for all non-pitched percussion changes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

VDL 2.5.5
Kontakt 5
Finale 2014d
Mac Yosemite

The best solution is to use the Change Instrument Utility. This allows you to change the percussion layout AND the percussion midi map. changing the percussion midi map is the crucial step. Just adding instruments to the layout does not add it to the midi map. The midi map controls playback, the layout controls the visual display.

Hi Ted,

Thanks for the quick reply!

Yes, I agree, I've been utilizing the change instrument feature recently and like it.

I am still curious about the customization of a perc layout - I posed the original question because I did run across some threads that mentioned customizing some of these VDL layouts for the sake of not having to deal with things like mid-measure instrument changes.

Is it possible to add specific instruments to the midi-map to achieve playback? If so, how do I do that or is there a resource with specifics? At this point I'd just like triangle to be in one of the rack combos, very simple.

Thanks!!

         

The Concert Band, Metal, and Rack Combo B all contain triangles.

You can edit the percussion midi maps but any changes you make will be permanent. Meaning that if you add or remove an instrument the file will be that way for all future template files.

It is possible to create a custom percussion midi map containing sounds from different instruments. For example, if you want to combine the Snareline and Solo Kevlar that might be possible. This only works if the sounds used do not have any duplicate midi numbers. Once you create a custom midi map then you can change instruments with text expressions. You will however still need to change the percussion layouts. There would be no need to create a matching custom layout.

The Change Instrument Utility is still the simplest solution.