Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software

Subject: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 02:44 PM

I have a small project with a couple of Folktunes which I collected, but which are not set the way I want them

I already own and have both the Midi Keyboard - old Win 3.1 type - a working prehistoric Soundblaster and Win95 all working happily together; but I never did get that freebe Upgrade Cd from Creative Labs.


So I got a trial version of Noteworhy, and now though I can nearly get something done, the Fonts suck, and the results are nearly as bad as the old software I own, Dr T's. BTW most of this old Software does load and happily run in the Win32 OS, just run Progman to install it NOT the other shell.

Any of you folks got a decent Midi Keyboard- Midi tune editor that will allow me to arrange - and print the results in neat readable format,- ie big fonts - PS I do not need any fancy chords or lyrics editors in it at this time.

If so what is it, alternatively would you like to trade.

I have - don't need - Math Cad, have but don't use Music Match and many other fancy but - to me - useless expesive CDs.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: Ed.
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 04:09 PM

Assuming that I'm correctly understanding your question, you might try outputing Noteworthy files as pdf using pdf995 (which is a free download). This gives an option to scale the 'image' (font size) to whatever you wish.

There's more information in this thread (about 2/3 of the way down).

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 04:31 PM

Sorefingers -

You might try Notepad just to see if you like a more "commercial" interface. There's a free download, or you can pay for a CD. I haven't tried it, mainly because the previous "free" version wouldn't export midi; but it appears that they have added that to the current downloadable,

The upgrade version, (Notepad Plus) about $25 US, is also available from this site, but even in the upgrade it's my impression that it's a fairly limited program. I'd recommend trying the "freebie" first, to be sure you like the interface.

This is from the guys that make PrintMusic, which is the one my "other" uses happily, but it's about $70 US. I find even PrintMusic a little "crude" for making good looking notation, but you get into quite a few more $bucks$ to get something much better.

Of course, if you can make Noteworthy work, you'll stay compatible with a lot of 'catters.

There's also a "freeware music software" site (or two) that I've visited, but I seem to have misplaced the link. Someone will probably beat me back before I can find it, but I'll take a look when time permits. I haven't found a freeware, or even shareware, program that meets my a.r. requirements, but this is an area where it's only your needs that matter.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 05:08 PM

Thank You for the suggestions. I can already use Win3.1 software written BTW many years ago, but the people who made it don't want to sell the upgrade for Win95, instead they merged into a new company, Voyetra.

Both the Midi Keyboard software - GUI - and Dr Ts Quickscore are now owned and sold by these people. There is no difference at all between the old Midi interface and the new, - I have installed the old Win 3.1
stuff on my 95 machine and it runs just fine - the Score Editor of Music Maker ( Quickscore under a new name with some modifications for Win32 ) is more or less the same thing.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 05:12 PM

And I forgot to add if anyone out there wants a freebe of Dr T's - not supported any longer - for Win3.1 BUT WITH SOME ELEMENTARY CARE IT WILL RUN UNDER Win32, I will post the file, under 1 meg, on a site they chose.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: vectis
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 07:32 PM

If you are running an old version of Noteworthy there should be no problem. Hell the early versions ran without any sound card.
I think you've either got a TOO recent copy and your software can't hack it. More likely is that you've got conflicts and need to sort out the system.
I use a steam driven midi to input to Noteworthy with no problems. Mind you. I paid for a licenced copy so I get lots of free upgrades. Best few quid I paid up in my life.
Maybe that's a road you could explore....

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 08:50 PM

Sorefingers -

Maybe I'm reading your first post wrong, but I had the impression all of your stuff is working - you're just not satisfied with the printout that you get from Noteworthy. (?)

So what you're looking for (1.) is someone to suggest how to change the fonts (and font sizes) in Noteworthy? (And maybe change some other stuff?)

Or you're looking (2.) for someone to set up and print a couple of things for you?

Or you want (3.) suggestions about another program with more versatile layout and printing?

My comment about "interface" was in reference to how things look on the screen - and what tools you have to make your music look the way you want. Didn't intend to suggest you have a problem with your "software interface," since you seem to say everything works.

If Noteworthy isn't doing what you want, there are lots of other programs. It's a good program, but it's your needs that determine whether it's the right one for what you're trying to do right now. The "lite" version of Notepad is a free download, and might give you an idea of what's in "current" software. There have been some improvements(??) fairly recently.

The "pdf solution" to "print bigger notes" may work. You might also look at your printer settings/options and see if there's a "rescale to fill page" and then tell it you're printing to a larger page than you actually are using. (I won't tell your printer you lied.) Some printers can resize, and some can't. You probably won't be able to get a lot of enlargement that way, but it might be enough to help.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 10:33 PM

Yeah you got the idea John. Once bitten twice ...etc.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 10:35 PM

Almost forgot an even better solution
is
http://www.gre.ac.uk/~c.walshaw/abc2mtex//INTRO.html

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: Shuffer
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 05:28 AM

If you want to change the font sizes in Noteworthy Composer you can do it in Page Layout where you will find lots of options to change fonts, font sizes, the parts of the score you want to print and the size of the notes. I generally print out with the font size for the notes set at about 30 points which gives a nice large and clear print out ( just right for oldish eyes :>))

Hope this helps

Geoff

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: CapriUni
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 10:37 AM

Sorefingers... I think Noteworthy deliberately limits the printout options in the free version so that you'll have a reason to pay the $39 for the upgrade.

I did, and I'm very happy with my decision. Not only did my already-downloaded version kick into full mode without my having to do anything but type in a code, but they mailed me a cd rom and a hardcopy instruction booklet so I'd have back-up.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: pattyClink
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 03:21 PM

I'll second that, Capri. Dollars well spent. The full version can use ANY font loaded on your windows system.   There's a lot of strange tricks to learn with this software but the capabilities are really strong.

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: Big Mick
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 04:01 PM

Let me add a third to that. Since I paid the $39.00, I have used this stuff in a number of projects. I am even getting really good and fast at entering the notes into the score. The shortcuts are very logical.

Mick

Subject: RE: Tech: Help with Noteworthy Software
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 08:26 PM

Thank You for the kind thoughts and help but,

in that case, since the machine is not nor will it ever be networked send me the secret letters :)

Then I can find out if it is all that folks are saying; why it may even earn it's keep which would result in me sending the dough.

In the meantime I am installing Ghostscript and the TeX stuff so that I have a real alternative!

Thank You