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
Native Instruments - Dopamine
Native Instruments - Analog Dreams 2.0.1
Sonokinetic – Watchmaker
Audiofier - Micron Series Morse Zone
Latin Pop Anthems 2
Native Instruments – HYPHA
Native Instruments - Session Guitarist - Strummed Acoustic 2
CineSamples - Deep Percussion Beed
Sonica Instruments – Koto 20
Soniccouture - Polarity Tension
Jimpster - Deep House Manoeuvres
Native Instruments – UTOPIA
Sonuscore - Nordic Spheres
Strezov Sampling – Diamond Jazz Orchestra
Emergence Audio Quantum Steel Tongue
Native Instruments - Emotive Strings
UK House Anthems
Findasound - Oriental Soloist 2
Sonokinetic – Modal Runs
Bailando Reggaeton 2
Rasta Mc Vocals Vol 3
Singomakers: Tropical Reggaeton
Cinematic Ambient Melodics
Native Instruments - GEORGE DUKE SOUL TREASURES
The 25th Hour Vol 1
Native Instruments - Action Strikes



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.