RealStrat
by MusicLab · Instrument · Sampled Stratocaster electric guitar
Not rated yet
RealStrat is MusicLab's sample-based model of the Fender Stratocaster, played from a MIDI keyboard with guitar-specific articulations and techniques.
It includes a rhythm library, automatic chord voicing for 30 chord types and more than 200 effect presets, for $139.
Best for: Guitars. Genres: Pop, Rock & Indie, R&B & Soul.
Keywords: guitar instrument, sample-based, clean, leads, sequencer, chord generator, CPU-light, monophonic, open source, simple.
What it does
RealStrat is MusicLab's sampled Fender Stratocaster, played from a MIDI keyboard or programmed in a DAW. Like the rest of the range, it focuses on making guitar chords, strums, bends and slides easy to perform from keys.
- Standard and Elite: Standard is the original RealStrat model with new playability features and full backward compatibility; Elite is a new sample set recorded from each of the three Strat pickups, with four patches and two tunings for each.
- Three ways to play: live from a MIDI keyboard, as MIDI recorded or programmed in your DAW, or through the built-in song sequencer.
- Articulations: techniques such as unison bends, legato slides, hammer-ons and harmonics, triggered by gestures, key switches, velocity, mod wheel, sustain pedal, aftertouch or MIDI CC.
- Chord voicing: the patented voicing engine plays 30 chord types in all inversions, extensions and alterations from simple keyboard input.
- Song sequencer and rhythms: build a full arrangement by entering chord symbols and choosing from 1,250 pre-recorded rhythm patterns.
- Amp and effects: the open-source Guitarix amp is included, with more than 200 guitar tone presets.
The current version is RealStrat 6. A fully working 15-day trial is available.
When to use it
RealStrat is the MusicLab pick for bright single-coil electric parts, from clean funk rhythm to crunchy leads, played from a keyboard without a guitarist. Compared with RealLPC it has a brighter, more open tone, while RealLPC is warmer and better for heavy riffs. Compared with RealTele it has the classic three-pickup Strat palette rather than Telecaster twang. Unlike Heavier7Strings, which targets seven-string metal, it covers general pop, rock and funk guitar, and unlike Kontakt-based guitar libraries it needs no sampler.
- Best for: clean funk rhythm, pop and rock parts, Strat-style leads and quick guitar demos.
- Genres: pop, rock, funk, R&B and blues-tinged styles.
- Look elsewhere if: you want an acoustic guitar (RealGuitar), humbucker weight (RealLPC) or modern metal tones (Heavier7Strings).
- Tip: Sound On Sound suggested keeping some Attack for physicality and shortening Release for fast passages and trills.
What producers say
RealStrat has a long record of strong reviews for playability and realism.
- Sound On Sound (Nick Magnus, 2008, first version) wrote "I unequivocally love this plug-in," praising convincing bends, slides and hammer-ons and low CPU and RAM use; his wish was for more guitar models.
- KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews, praising the easy key switches, convincing articulations, CPU efficiency and fast support.
- Criticisms: a KVR user found the learning curve steeper in version 5 and the Elite set larger on disk.
Where to buy
- MusicLab: $139
Tutorials and reviews
- RealStrat 5 Review & Demo
- MMTV: MusicLab - Composing with RealStrat
- RealStrat 6. Groovy
- RealStrat 5 ELITE
- MusicLAB "RealStrat"
Similar plugins
- Ample Guitar SC by Ample Sound · Sampled electric guitar (Fender Stratocaster) · $149
- RealTele by MusicLab · Sampled Telecaster electric guitar · $139
- Ample Guitar TC by Ample Sound · Sampled electric guitar (Fender Telecaster) · $149
- RealLPC by MusicLab · Sampled Les Paul Custom electric guitar · $139
- Virtual Guitarist SPARKLE 2 by UJAM · Electric rhythm guitar instrument · $121.36
- RealRick by MusicLab · Sampled Rickenbacker electric guitar · $139
- Ample Guitar LP by Ample Sound · Sampled electric guitar (Gibson Les Paul) · $149
- Ample Guitar Peregrine Falcon by Ample Sound · Sampled electric guitar (PRS Custom 24) · $149
- Guitarist by Sugar Bytes · Virtual rhythm guitar · $129
All orchestral & other instruments