Help Me Choose

[Marvellous G]

After using Guitar Pro to write a bunch of songs with various instruments, I've realised it's about time I properly recorded them.

So I was wondering, what would be the cheapest way to record songs that included orchestras, saxophones, xylophones, synths, bass and stuff like that?

I suppose what I'm looking for is basically a keyboard or something that has loads of different instrument presets of an acceptable quality, that I can connect to my laptop, and then overdub actual guitar over.

I'm pretty ignorant at this, as I've been looking at some Korgs and Rolands but I don't actually know if they'll be able to do, for instance, the sound of a string ensemble or a saxophone well enough because I'm a fool. Any suggestions?

[Marvellous G]

Ok, to narrow it down and hopefully get some answers, I've decided to go for a MIDI keyboard and some notation software or something.

I'm thinking a Korg Nanokey and then one of Sibelius, Konakt or Finale.

Any ideas?

[Dr. DTVT]

MIDI keyboard is the way to go.  As for what kind, it depends on what features you are willing to pay for.  Trying to create custom tones will require a beast of a keyboard, which will run you a lot of money.

Protip 1:  Ask Orbert, he's our resident keyboard expert.  I'm just somewhat knowledgable.

Protip 2: This should be in the Musicians sub-forum.

[PixelDream]

Buy Omnisphere. Jordan Rudess used it on BC&SL (the intro to ANTR uses the 'Burning Piano' patch), and the choir is all Omnisphere. The orchestra sounds are awesome as well.

[drummerThatShreds87]

Agreed. Omnisphere is fucking ridiculously realistic. My friend torrented it and makes some good stuff with it.