Contact: Vir2 Instruments, www.vir2.com
Format: Plug-in virtual instrument with sample library; standalone; (Mac) VST, RTAS, AU; (Windows) VST, RTAS, DXi
Price: $299 list

In addition to samples of acoustic guitars and some bonus material (acoustic bass, banjo, and ukelele), there are “chord banks” for 6- and 12-string guitars that provide expressive playing options. Up- and down-strokes, single notes, mute strums, and body knocks are mapped across their own octaves, while the lowest octave provides keyswitches for playing different chord types. (Other presets use this keyswitching feature as well.) Creating a convincing part takes some practice — but it’s easier than learning how to play guitar.

The samples are all top shelf, and several presets include “reality enhancers” like adding in fret noise and slides. Furthermore, you can do things guitars can’t do, like play harmonics chromatically with ease. Fun stuff? Yes indeed. —Craig Anderton