Jasl-audio 'Striking Strings Glissandi': A Real-Time String Riser Toolkit for Cinematic Composers
Jasl-aduio, a virtual instrument developer founded by professional Dutch film composer Jochem Weierink, has announced the second anniversary sale of 'Striking Strings Glissandi (SSG)', its flagship Kontakt instrument originally released in 2024. Developed over three years, SSG was created to address one of the most challenging aspects of cinematic orchestral scoring: producing expressive and highly controllable string glissandi, commonly referred to as 'string risers'.
Unlike conventional orchestral string libraries designed primarily for melodic performance, Striking Strings Glissandi is introduced by jasl-audio as the world's first mod-wheel controllable string riser instrument, giving composers direct, real-time control over one of orchestral music's most dramatic effects. The instrument allows users to manipulate pitch, dynamics, articulations, and articulation transitions while performing, enabling composers to shape evolving string risers naturally rather than relying on static one-shot samples or time-stretched recordings. Control can be centralized through the modulation wheel or assigned independently to preferred MIDI controllers for greater flexibility.
One of SSG's defining features is its comprehensive articulation system, centered around the Glissando slider—the core of the instrument—which provides real-time control over string risers and can be linked to the Dynamics control for expressive performance. Users can create glissandi using six distinct articulations, including vibrato, tremolo, pizzicato, sul ponticello, sul ponticello tremolo, and staccato. The instrument’s crossfade system allows seamless real-time transitions between articulations, making it possible to generate up to 36 unique glissando combinations. Additional tools such as the Curve controller and Accent controller provide detailed control over dynamic progression and note-release intensity, while three recorded dynamic layers—pianississimo (ppp), mezzo-piano (mp), and fortississimo (fff)—offer expressive performance options.
The library also includes multiple instrument patches designed for different scoring applications, including Full String Ensemble, Upper Strings, Lower Strings, and a specialized Tonal-to-Cluster patch that smoothly transforms tonal textures into dissonant orchestral clusters. A built-in mixer enables users to blend close spot microphones with Decca Tree stage recordings, while jasl-audio's custom impulse response reverb provides additional control over the spatial character of the sound.
Industry reviewers have praised Striking Strings Glissandi for its focused design and innovative workflow. Sound On Sound described the library as an ingenious solution to one of cinematic composition's long-standing challenges, highlighting its ability to synchronize glissando movement with dynamics using the modulation wheel, while still allowing independent control when desired. The publication concluded that SSG is particularly valuable for film composers working in suspense, horror, and other tension-driven genres where expressive string risers play a significant role.
Beyond its primary role as a dedicated string riser instrument, Striking Strings Glissandi also offers a highly intuitive single-page interface and extensive real-time performance controls. It integrates easily with other orchestral libraries, allowing composers to blend expressive string risers into larger cinematic arrangements. In addition to creating dramatic tension effects, the library can also function as a playable string instrument capable of producing ambient textures, evolving orchestral soundscapes, and tonal cluster transitions, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of film, television, game, and media composition projects.
By combining detailed sampling, practical workflow design, and expressive real-time performance controls, Striking Strings Glissandi offers composers an alternative to traditional string-riser production techniques. Whether creating subtle orchestral tension or dramatic cinematic climaxes, SSG provides precise real-time control over string risers, offering composers an efficient and flexible solution for one of modern film scoring's most frequently used orchestral effects.
Product Summary
Instruments
SSG - Violas & Violins
SSG - Violas & Violins - Tonal to Cluster
SSG - Bass & Cello
SSG - Bass & Cello - Tonal to Cluster
SSG - Full Ensemble
SSG - Full Ensemble - Tonal to Cluster
Articulations
Vibrato
Tremolo
Pizzicato
Sul Ponti Cello
Sul Ponti Cello Tremolo
Staccato
Sample Specs
4500 Samples
3 Dynamic Layers
2 Mic positions
1 Custom-made IR
Features
The world's first Mod-Wheel controllable String Riser Instrument
Real-time Glissando Slider with optional Dynamics linking for expressive string riser performance
Independent or linked control of pitch, dynamics, and articulations
Six expressive string articulations, including Vibrato, Tremolo, Pizzicato, Sul Ponticello, Sul Ponticello Tremolo, and Staccato
Real-time articulation crossfading with up to 36 unique glissando combinations
Advanced expressive shaping with Dynamics, Curve, and Accent controllers
Four dedicated instrument patches: Full Ensemble, Upper Strings, Lower Strings, and Tonal-to-Cluster
Flexible mixing with Spot microphones, Decca Tree stage recordings, and custom IR Reverb
Ideal for cinematic scoring, suspense, horror, and tension-building orchestral music
We create virtual instruments for music-makers in need of more creative control. By combining smart scripting and musical sampling we strive to redefine the possibilities of the virtual orchestra so you can explore new creative territories.
It's our aim to find the perfect balance of usability and controllability. Our instruments are designed to perform under the pressure of a deadline, but also offer great customizability to shape the sound of your desire when time is more on your side.
We are thrilled to present you our very first sample library: Striking Strings Glissandi, the first mod-wheel controllable string riser instrument.
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