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If you’ve abandoned using Encore, what software are you now using for notation? How would you compare the ease of use (especially compared with Encore).
Still using Encore with Windows (in the meantime Windows 11, no problems)…
I had also Finale (some years ago) and Sibelius (still have), and tried also many others, but I always still use Encore, as it is – for me – the fastest way to notate, whatever I need.Confirm!
I’am still using Encore with Windows 7, no Problems.
I’ve tried ‘Song Writer’ the little sister from Finale but I wasn’t able to create scores without a helping book.It was similar with Musescore or Dorico. Far too complicated for me. I’ve probably gotten too used to the ease of use of Encore. I love the lyrics input. On the other hand, I also have a lot of Encore scores that I don’t want to convert into a program that I then don’t like to use.
So I’m waiting for “better times” 🙂I was hoping to read replies from folk who are using alternative software- not those of you still using Encore.
Your statement is not entirely correct.
We have tried alternatives, but have not found any where it would be worth changing.When converting the old Encore files, a lot of information such as lyrics and dynamic accidentals are lost. Which would mean a lot of rework until the files were up to date again. And all this with a program that you have not (yet) fully mastered.
You have to keep in mind whether it’s worth all the effort.
I think it’s worth a try for Mac users, but not for Windows users at the moment.Who would have thought that Finale would disappear from the market and join Steinberg’s Dorico?
The software preferred by Encore users is Overture from Sonic Scores. This is said to be very similar to Encore, which is not very surprising as it is from the same developer.
But Overture users are also eagerly awaiting version 6.
As you can see, it is not so easy to leave the beaten track and embark on something completely new.Good luck in your search for an alternative. Let us know if you find something useful.
It depends. Encore 5 for a lot of my church work but its amateurish printout is unacceptable for publication.
I’ve been using Finale since 1988 for heavy lifting, publication and large works. I’ve had Dorico, MuseScore, Notion 6 and Overture 5 for many years. Now that Finale is EOL, time to explore Dorico Pro 5 seeing that I own a copy.
MuseScore 5 will be big but it isn’t here yet. They want it to be the de facto notation app for Hal Leonard Publishing, acquired by Muse Group 10 months ago. Whether 5 allows me to take it seriously remains to be seen. MS4 is not very good but it is no longer horrible, IMO.
I bought a new iMac with an M1 processor and discovered that Encore doesn’t work on it. I needed to buy an old iMac to run Encore. Today I have 2 iMacs in front of me. One alternative for editing Encore and a new one for all other activities. Tired of waiting for Encore 6. Losing all patience.
I bought a new iMac with an M1 processor and discovered that Encore doesn’t work on it. I needed to buy an old iMac to run Encore. Today I have 2 iMacs in front of me. One alternative for editing Encore and a new one for all other activities. Tired of waiting for Encore 6. Losing all patience.
I converted to Notion 6 for Desktop by Presonus
I’ve had N6 for years. The included VIs are nice but incomplete. I’m not a fan of the workflow but I used it with one of my clients until he finally upgraded his copy of Sibelius earlier this year. Now we use MusicXML 4.0 and I do his work in Finale 27.
On the Mac, Notion 6 cannot use 64bit only VIs and so many of my libraries and instruments no longer support 32/64. Fender promised Notion 7 “coming soon” November 2021 but I’d settle for an update to 6 that adds 64 bit binary support. Heck, if LilyPond freeware could do it a month ago, surely Fender can, right?
I’ve had the Notion apps for iOS and iPadOS since the beginning when they were the same. They are updated regularly as of last week but it’s looking to me that Fender is not seeing a future in desktop notation. If I’m wrong, I’ll be glad to try Notion 7 if it ever exists but I am not holding my breath.
Can’t even laugh at you Encore addicts any more. JUST too sad. Still have Encore 5.0.4 Just don’t use it. Too outdated. Can’t handle xml or even do grace notes easily. Been using Finale with ease with brilliant results. Same with Sibelius. Moving on to Dorico now. I’m 72 and don’t mind the some learning curve to engage a great new ( and most modern) software available. Since Dorico has a completely functional trial, why not download and check it out while you wait months and years for Encore 6.0?
And since it will need to compete with the powerhouses mentioned, what on earth would make you think the new re-written Encore will be simplistic? With no learning curve? AND will you be expecting some level of support? Will I download and check out Encore 6.0 if it has a trial version. Sure. When it is available in fall of 2025. or maybe fall of 2026? And like Mr Halloran, I use Finale and Sibelius no problem. Wish they had a laughing tears emoji I could close with.And since it will need to compete with the powerhouses mentioned, what on earth would make you think the new re-written Encore will be simplistic?
In my conversations with Don, I’ve tried to emphasize that competing with the powerhouses as you call them is not what most of us want. I had similar conversations with Richard, too.
Finale has been doing my heavy lifting since 1989 and will probably continue to do so—it runs great over Sequoia and I’ve made an external drive that will boot any Mac made between 2012–2025 to run 27 if that’s what I want.
I’ll check out MuseScore 5 when it’s released and may see if I can get used to Dorico, seeing as I have had a license since 2018. Never had a use for Sibelius and not about to start now.
I hope you are not amused by what I am telling you about Encore, because it is very true. I am a choir conductor and I started digitizing scores in 2003 with Encore. I immediately realized that with this software I could not write the scores as I wanted, because it had and has many shortcomings (graphical and sound). Well then: At the end of 2004 I discovered an (apparently) amateur program (Harmony Assistant). It is a program with a very affordable license and lifetime. To this day I am fully satisfied. It is an incredible tool for choirs. Tremendously intuitive and very complete in all its sections. It imports and exports in more than 25 different extensions (including all Encore files).
I also have a license for Overture 5, for other works, but Don has abandoned us.Translated with DeepL.com
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