EastWest/Quantum Leap is shipping its Hollywood Strings (http://www.soundsonline.com/hollywood-strings) virtual (software) instrument. It’s a collection of orchestral string instruments with multiple finger positions for all sections, including open strings.

The range of positions purportedly allows composers to realize the true voicing and emotional content of a string section. Vibrato intensity and extensive dynamics, including five dynamics of up- and down-bowed sustains and notes, are also controllable by the composer. Multi-dynamic true legato has been sampled for all sections in three different categories: slurred, portamento and bow change.

Hollywood Strings comes supplied on a pre-configured hard drive. The list price is US$1,695; an introductory price of $1,495 expires May 15.