Ample Sound Ample Guitar PF v4 [WiN-MAC]

• Product: Ample Guitar PF v4
• Publisher: Ample Sound
• Version: 4.0.0
• Format: Standalone, VST2, VST3, AAX, AU
• Requirements: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.15 or later
• Source: amplesound.net/en/pro-pd.asp?id=3

Ample Guitar PF v4 sets the gold standard for virtual electric guitars, combining meticulous PRS Custom 24 sampling with groundbreaking composition tools. Riffer 4’s piano roll interface and chord track functionality revolutionize guitar programming, while the comprehensive effects suite delivers professional results.

The Ultimate Virtual Guitarist? A Deep Dive into Ample Guitar PF v4

As a producer and guitarist, I’ve spent years searching for a virtual instrument that can truly capture the nuance and soul of a real electric guitar. The challenge is immense: realistic articulations, fluid legato, and an intuitive way to compose convincing parts. This is the high bar I set when I began testing Ample Sound’s Ample Guitar PF v4, a flagship instrument that promises to deliver the authentic sound of a PRS Custom 24 with groundbreaking composition tools.

My goal here is to give you my honest, first-hand account of whether this instrument finally closes the gap between sampled sounds and a real-world performance.

Key Takeaway

Ample Sound Ample Guitar PF v4 sets a new gold standard for virtual electric guitars, combining meticulous sampling of a PRS Custom 24 with the revolutionary Riffer 4 composition engine. Its exceptional articulation variety, polyphonic legato, and the game-changing piano roll and chord track in Riffer 4 make it an indispensable tool for producers seeking truly realistic guitar parts.

What’s Inside This Flagship Instrument

This is a comprehensive and deeply sampled collection, weighing in at over 20GB. The free Version 4 update is a major overhaul, featuring a new 5K-optimized GUI, an enhanced tab player, and the star of the show, Riffer 4.

• Instrument: A beautifully sampled PRS Custom 24 Artist electric guitar.
• Articulations: A massive collection of over 14 techniques, including sustain, palm mute, hammer-on/pull-off, legato slide, harmonics, and even slapping.
• Riffer 4: An advanced composition environment with a 264-measure piano roll, a chord track, snap-to-grid toggle, and a full CC automation editor.
• Built-in Effects: A studio-quality effects suite with amp models, an 8-band EQ, a compressor, a 6-tap delay, and a convolution reverb.

In the Studio: The Riffer 4 Revolution

While the sound quality of the PRS samples is pristine, it’s the Riffer 4 engine that completely transformed my workflow. This isn’t just a basic step sequencer; it’s a full-fledged guitar composition environment.

The new piano roll view and chord track are genuine game-changers. I was able to sketch out a complex riff, assign a chord progression to the chord track, and then change the entire key of the performance with a single click—all while Riffer 4 automatically adjusted the fingerings for me. The ability to program up to 264 measures with detailed CC automation for bends, modulation, and velocity allowed for a level of realism I’ve never been able to achieve so quickly in a virtual instrument.

The articulations themselves are incredibly realistic. The poly legato support for hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides across multiple strings simultaneously is something I’ve rarely seen implemented this well. The velocity-sensitive palm muting and natural harmonics respond beautifully to playing dynamics, making the instrument feel truly alive under my fingertips.

My Honest Look: Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The revolutionary Riffer 4 with piano roll and chord track is a game-changer for composition.	The large download size (20GB+) really requires an SSD for optimal performance.
Exceptional articulation variety and realistic poly legato support.	The complex and deep interface may overwhelm beginners.
A professional, studio-quality effects suite with excellent amp modeling.	To get the most out of it, there is a significant learning curve.
The v4 update is a free and substantial upgrade for existing owners.	The CPU can be intensive, especially when using multiple effects.
A highly accurate tab player with excellent Guitar Pro import functionality.	The advanced features may be overkill for producers who just need simple chord work.

My Recommendation: Who Should Buy This Product?

Ample Guitar PF v4 is a professional-grade tool for serious music production. I would highly recommend it for:

• Producers and Composers who need ultra-realistic electric guitar parts and don’t have access to a session musician.
• Songwriters who want a powerful tool to sketch out complex guitar ideas with authentic articulations and effects.
• Film and Game Composers who require detailed, nuanced guitar programming for their scores.
• Guitar Players looking to expand their tonal palette or use it as a powerful composition and recording tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Verdict

Ample Sound’s Ample Guitar PF v4 is, without a doubt, the new gold standard for virtual electric guitars. The meticulous sampling of the PRS Custom 24 is stunning, but it’s the groundbreaking composition tools in Riffer 4 that truly elevate it to an essential instrument. The piano roll interface and intelligent chord track functionality have revolutionized my guitar programming workflow.

For any serious music producer looking for the most realistic and powerful virtual electric guitar on the market, this is a must-have. The fact that the v4 update is free for existing users makes it an exceptional value and a testament to Ample Sound’s commitment to their products.