- Publisher: Big Fish Audio
- Product: Vintage Horns 3
- Release: ViP Team
- Requirements: Kontakt v7.0 or higher
In an era of pristine, digitally-perfect sounds, something vital has been lost: character. The raw, untamed soul of live musicianship that defined the most iconic recordings of the 20th century is often polished away by modern virtual instruments. For producers seeking to recapture that magic, the search for authentic, breathing, and brilliantly imperfect horn sounds is over.
Funk/Soul Productions and Big Fish Audio are proud to present Vintage Horns 3, a groundbreaking collection of virtual instruments available as a free download. This library is not another sterile sample set; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to the heart and soul of horn soloists and sections from the 1930s through the 1970s. We’ve bottled the lightning of the eras that gave us Funk, Soul, Jazz, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, delivering it directly to your DAW.
Vintage Horns 3 embraces the human element. We’ve captured the honks, the squawks, the warbles, and the slurred notes that made the performances of legends so unforgettable. This is the sound of real players, with all their expressive nuances, breathing life into every sample.
The Sound of Legends, At Your Fingertips
We didn’t just aim for a “vintage” sound; we aimed for specific, iconic sounds. Our journey involved a deep dive into the work of musical giants. We studied the bold vibrato of Louis Armstrong, the lyrical genius of Charlie Parker, and the punchy funk of Fred Wesley. We analyzed the powerhouse horn sections that defined Motown, the intricate layers of Tower of Power, the raw energy of the J.B.’s, and the celebratory spirit of the Rebirth Brass Band.
This library embodies the distinct playing styles of masters like Eddie Harris, Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn, and Lenny Pickett. The result is a collection of instruments that sound and feel like they were lifted straight from the vinyl grooves of a classic record.
Key Features
- Authentic Era Emulation: Journey through five decades of horn history, from the smoky big bands of the ‘30s to the gritty funk of the ‘70s.
- Unrivaled Character: We’ve intentionally preserved the “imperfections”—the cracked notes, loose tuning, and expressive articulations—that give these instruments their soulful identity.
- Inspired by Icons: Each instrument is modeled after the tone and techniques of legendary horn players and sections, providing a truly authentic sonic palette.
- Seamless Hardware Integration: Enjoy a hands-on workflow with full Komplete Kontrol and Maschine NKS integration. Tweak, perform, and automate with tactile control.
- Modern Compatibility: Built for the modern producer, Vintage Horns 3 requires Kontakt 7.10 or above for full functionality.
Experience the Soul of Sound: The Instruments
Vintage Horns 3 is more than a tool; it’s an arsenal of inspiration. Each instrument is a world of character waiting to be explored.
Unleash Edgy Funk and R&B with a 1970s Solo R&B Alto Sax
Inspired by the searing leads of players like David Sanborn, this alto sax cuts through any mix with a sharp, assertive tone. It’s the perfect voice for high-energy Funk and R&B solos, and when layered with trumpets, it adds an unexpected punch to your horn sections.
Channel Gritty Rock & Roll with a Growling Solo Tenor Sax
Get the raw, soulful growl of legends like Jr. Walker, King Curtis, and Bobby Keys. This is the sound that powered countless rock and blues anthems, later immortalized by Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band. It’s tailor-made for gritty lead lines, expressive fills, and solos that demand attention.
Craft Lush Ballads with a Soulful Flugelhorn
Evoke the warm, velvety tones of Tower of Power’s Greg Adams and Mic Gillette. This flugelhorn is drenched in emotion, perfect for creating smooth, lush melodies in Soul, R&B, and Jazz ballads where heart and depth are paramount.
Drive the Funk Home with a Punchy R&B Trombone
When your track needs undeniable groove, this is your trombone. Inspired by the legendary Fred Wesley of James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic fame, its powerful, punchy delivery is the secret ingredient for authentic Funk and R&B horn sections.
Lay Down the Foundation with a Detroit Soul Bari Sax
Modeled after the formidable sound of Motown’s Mike Terry, this 1960s bari sax is all about a big, wide, and powerful low end. It anchors a horn section with authority, and as you push the velocity, it breaks into a rougher, edgier tone ideal for soulful solo work.
Explore the Edges of Jazz with a Dynamic Soul Jazz Tenor Sax
Capture the multifaceted style of the great Eddie Harris. This tenor sax fluidly transitions from soft and sweet melodies to a hard-edged, funky bite. Featuring unique altissimo (false fingering) effects, it’s a soloist’s dream for Jazz, Soul Jazz, and modern R&B.
Inject Bebop Authenticity with a Vintage Alto Sax
Walk in the footsteps of a giant with this alto sax inspired by the one and only Charlie “Bird” Parker. It sings with a smooth, lyrical tone at lower velocities and bites with a sharp, punchy projection when pushed, making it perfect for both intricate solos and tight sax sections.
Add Wild Expression with a 1960s Soul Jazz Flute
This is no ordinary flute. It delivers a rich soprano tone with two incredible surprises: wild flutter-tongue articulations and a unique set of “sung-flute” samples. It’s a secret weapon for adding otherworldly textures to Jazz, Soul, and Prog Rock productions.
Master Fusion with a Versatile Jazz Soprano Sax
Drawing inspiration from the pioneering sounds of Grover Washington Jr. and Wayne Shorter, this soprano sax is an instrument of dual personalities. It can be warm and gentle or cutting and wild, depending on your dynamics. It’s an exceptional choice for sophisticated jazz ensembles and expressive solo lines.
Bring New Orleans to Life with a Vintage-Toned Clarinet
Infused with the spirit of Sidney Bechet, Benny Goodman, and Barney Bigard, this clarinet has a rich, classic sound and expressive vibrato. It’s the definitive choice for New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland, and the swinging big bands of the 1930s and ‘40s.
Capture the Sound of the Bayou with a Raucous New Orleans Trombone
Inspired by the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, this trombone is big, brassy, and full of life. At higher velocities, it becomes wonderfully raucous, perfectly emulating the celebratory sound of a true New Orleans street band.
Anchor Your Rhythm with a Resonant New Orleans Tuba
Provide the essential low-end for any traditional jazz arrangement with this deep, resonant tuba. Inspired by the New Orleans brass tradition, it’s the perfect foundation for Dixieland, vintage big band, and classic jazz tracks.
Command the Stage with a Bold Soul Jazz Trumpet
Channel the edgy, confident sound of trumpeters like Lee Morgan, Nat Adderley, and Benny Bailey. This trumpet is bold and assertive, taking on a wild, character-filled tone at higher velocities that will make your solos and horn lines stand out.
Weave Melodies with a Pre-War C Melody Tenor Sax
Step back to the 1930s big band era with this unique saxophone. The C Melody sax, which bridges the gap between an alto and tenor, was known for its warm tone and wide vibrato. This instrument perfectly captures the authentic feel of pre-WWII jazz ensembles.
Unleash Latin Fire with a Growling Cuban Mambo Trumpet
This is drama, power, and passion in one instrument. Featuring a wah-wah cup mute and an aggressive growl, this trumpet is the quintessential sound of Cuban mambo and fiery Latin big band leads.
Evoke Classic Romance with a Smooth Vintage Jazz Trumpet
Inspired by the expressive, smooth style of Harry James, this trumpet is pure elegance. It’s the ideal instrument for crafting heartfelt Jazz ballads and adding a touch of vintage class to any production.
Get the “Wah-Wah” Sound with a Plunger Vibrato Trumpet
Capture the iconic “wah-wah” effect made famous by early jazz pioneers like Bubber Miley and King Oliver. This plunger-muted trumpet is essential for authentic New Orleans Jazz, Dixieland, and 1930s-40s Big Band arrangements, whether as a solo voice or a distinctive part of a section.
Your Sound, Your Control
Vintage Horns 3 is fully integrated with Native Instruments’ NKS standard. This means if you own any Komplete Kontrol keyboard or Maschine hardware, the experience is transformed. The most important parameters are instantly mapped to your hardware’s knobs and controls, allowing you to shape the sound, perform articulations, and automate effects with an intuitive, hands-on workflow that keeps you in the creative flow.
Get the Authentic Sound of Vintage Horns Today
Stop settling for lifeless samples. It’s time to inject your music with the raw emotion, undeniable character, and timeless soul of the most iconic horn players in history. Vintage Horns 3 gives you the tools to create with an authenticity that was previously out of reach.
Download Big Fish Audio’s Vintage Horns 3 for free and start making music with true character.