Berlin Strings
Special Bows 1
Unlock new textures with Special Bows 1—a dedicated collection of unconventional articulations and playing styles.
From sul tasto’s subtle warmth to sul ponticello’s icy edge, these non-standard techniques can evoke singular moods
and inspire your compositions in unexpected ways.
With 8 first violins, 6 second violins, and 5 violas—all captured in situ with multiple mics, for a vivid,
realistic soundstage—Special Bows 1 can add unexpected nuance and depth to your arrangements. For even more
striking results, pair it with the celli and basses of Special Bows 2. Together, they’re anything but your
typical string section.
Highlights
About the playing techniques
The unusual playing styles in Special Bows 1 can be used to evoke
specific moods and achieve surprising expressive effects.

New colors for your strings
Special Bows 1’s extended timbral palette can be used alone, paired with Special Bows 2,
or combined with Berlin Strings or Symphonic Strings to create a comprehensive, adaptable
ensemble of uncommon depth.
Like all products in the Berlin Series, Special Bows 1 was recorded at Berlin’s Teldex
Scoring Stage with all players seated in their traditional orchestral positions. Multiple
mic placements (Decca Tree, AB omni, a choice of spots, and surround) ensure a balanced,
spatially coherent sound that gels beautifully with other Orchestral Tools collections.
Specifications
- Kontakt version: Works with Kontakt 5.5.1 full (Please note: Kontakt versions bought after Mar 23, 2021 can be upgraded to SINE for a support fee)
- 24 bit / 48 KHz patches
- System requirements SINE:
- Mac OS 10.13, i5, 4 GB RAM (16+ GB recommended)
- Windows 10, Intel Core i5 or similar (Windows 7 is not officially supported)
- Interfaces: VST, AU
Pop EDM Leads
Native Instruments - Balinese Gamelan
Native Instruments - GEORGE DUKE SOUL TREASURES
Teletone Audio – Golden Age Grand
Native Instruments - Evolve Mutations 2
Festival Techno
Native Instruments - Discovery Series Cuba
Emergence Audio Quantum Steel Tongue
TAQS.IM Kontakt Pro Library
Crocus Soundware - LIMINAL Bundle
Vocal Future Pop
NITELIFE Audio Altered Drum And Bass
Strezov Sampling – Taikos X3M
Spitfire Audio – GAZE
Deep Jazz House Vocals
Hip Hop Vocals 2
Hip Hop & Soul Guitars
Audentity Records - Modern Hip Hop
Output - Analog Strings
Native Instruments - Emotive Strings
Jimpster - Deep House Manoeuvres
Spitfire Audio - Spitfire Solo Violin
Soul House Vocals
Hybrid Future Afrobeat
Native Instruments - Session Guitarist - Picked Acoustic




I was blown away by the unique sounds and textures I was able to achieve with this set of special bows. Definitely worth the investment!
The samples in this collection were of excellent quality and provided a unique sound that added depth to my compositions – would definitely recommend!
The Special Bows collection has really enhanced my string compositions, providing a range of unique and inspiring bowing techniques. Overall, I am impressed with the quality and variety offered in this sample library.
The sound quality is top-notch, really impressed with the range of articulations. Would highly recommend to any composer or producer looking to add depth to their orchestral scores.
I am blown away by the realism and expression these bows bring to my compositions – definitely a game changer for my orchestral arrangement.