EastWest Hollywood Fantasy Strings — Free Download

Purpose

Hollywood Fantasy Strings is the first volume in the Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra series, designed to bring ancient and folk string sounds to fantasy film, television, and game scoring. It replaces traditional orchestral sections with period instruments: viola da gamba ensembles stand in for celli, hardanger fiddle ensembles for violins, and lutes and dulcimers are recorded in trios for a sparkling stereo image.

The library aims to bridge the gap between standard orchestral writing and world instrument authenticity. Every instrument was recorded in Studio One with the same microphone placements as Hollywood Strings, allowing composers to blend both libraries seamlessly. This purpose-built approach avoids the need for solo folk instruments that struggle to cut through a large mix, offering instead a cohesive ensemble that earns its place in cinematic arrangements.

Key Capabilities

The library includes true legato and numerous articulations across six ensembles plus two solo instruments, covering everything from intimate passages to epic statements. Four microphone positions—Close, Mid, Main (Decca tree plus outriggers), and Surround—give full control over stereo imaging and depth, letting you tailor the sound from dry detail to lush ambience. These positions match the Hollywood Orchestra series, so templates remain consistent.

Mood switching is a central feature, offering Soft for intimate writing, Classic for traditional orchestral color, and Epic for a big cinematic sound. The user interface color reflects the active mood, making it easy to navigate. A suite of effects and innovative tools in the Opus engine further expand sound design possibilities, allowing for creative shaping beyond raw samples.

Workflow

In practice, you would load the library within the Opus player, then choose an ensemble or solo instrument from the browser. Select the desired microphone mix—close for detail, mid for clarity, main for a unified stage sound, or surround for depth—and blend them to fit the arrangement. Use articulations per phrase, switching between legato for melody and staccato for rhythmic drive.

Moods let you shift the overall character without re-tweaking effects: pick Soft for a quiet folk cue, Classic for a conventional orchestral blend, or Epic when the scene demands power. Because the library was recorded in the same studio as Hollywood Strings, you can layer it directly alongside your existing orchestral template, knowing the acoustics will align.

Applications

Hollywood Fantasy Strings is built for fantasy and medieval scoring, whether for films, TV series, or video games. Use the traditional ensembles to evoke ancient settings—viola da gamba for a Renaissance court, hardanger fiddles for Nordic themes, lutes and dulcimers for a delicate, sparkling texture. The hurdy gurdy adds rustic character, while the massive string sections suit battle sequences or dragon-flight scenes.

The library also works for any project needing authentic period strings, such as historical dramas or folk-influenced compositions. Its flexibility with mics and moods allows soft, intimate moments and bombastic, cinematic swells within the same cue. Recorded to integrate with Hollywood Strings, it’s a practical extension for composers already using that series, providing a seamless tonal match while expanding your palette with unique colors.

Key features

• Includes 147 instruments and samples across 6 ensembles and 2 solo instruments
• True legato and numerous articulations
• Four microphone positions: Close, Mid, Main (Decca tree plus outriggers), and Surround
• Three moods: Soft, Classic, and Epic, with a color-coded interface
• Recorded in Studio One with the same setup as Hollywood Strings for easy integration
• Effects and tools available in the Opus engine

Best for

Best for fantasy, medieval, or film and game composers who need authentic period string ensembles with modern orchestral power and seamless integration with Hollywood Strings.