Change Instruments Mid-Score

JimmyGahl

I thought it was possible to change instruments mid-piece on a staff. An example, I’d like to change a bass line from "Grand Piano" to "Wurlitzer" and back several times in a piece. I searched the old manual, but couldn’t find anything. I’d appreciate any help. Thank you! Jimmy

Support

@JimmyGahl
Yes, we apologize that we've been so behind on the manual!

You can certainly do something similar to changing the instruments, which is termed Change of Visible Parts. This is a newer feature documented in the Release Notes, under Version 6 > Part management and display.

- First open the Measure Dialog at the measure where you want to change which instruments are visible in the full score.
- Next, choose Bars > Staff/Part Layout
- Then choose Change of Visible Parts
- You can now select which of the listed parts are visible or invisible from the menu that will appear, as illustrated below


- To apply your changes after choosing which parts are visible, make sure to choose Apply at the navigation bar. The Apply option will appear after having chosen one or more parts/instruments.

JimmyGahl

Hi… I’m puzzled by your reply.  You said, "You can certainly do something similar to changing the instruments," Can one actually change instruments mid score? Yes or no, please.

I tried to follow your directions. Went to measure where I wanted to change instruments in the bass line. How do I open the MEASURE DIALOG box where I want to change instruments? Jimmy

JimmyGahl

Hi Again. Please forgive me, but I suddenly realize I don't think I’m not running the latest version of SP. I did participate in the beta testing for a long while, but somehow the Test Flight program got disconnected and I don’t have the latest u-date. Could you please tell me how to get the latest version and I’ll try your original suggestions on changing instruments mid-score. Jimmy

Support

@JimmyGahl

Could you please tell me how to get the latest version and I’ll try your original suggestions on changing instruments mid-score. 

Sure thing. We've sent you a TestFlight link. This feature hasn't changed but there was a bug in iOS 18 fixed in the beta, with the Measure Dialog, where an unrelated option/row was not visible.

 How do I open the MEASURE DIALOG box where I want to change instruments? Jimmy

These are the precise steps illustrating how to find it:
- First open the Measure Dialog where you want to change which instruments are visible. 
This only allows you to change which instruments, out of the instruments in the entire score, are displayed, starting at a particular measure. This is not exactly the same as changing the instrument that is assigned to an existing instrument/part # per se, though it allows you to achieve the same result in practice. We hope you will still find it to be of use.

- Choose Staff/Part Layout, as highlighted:

- Then choose Change of Visible Parts, as highlighted:

JimmyGahl

Hello, I installed TestFlight and it recognized me and the Sept 24 update of SP. But the message came up that installing the version might result in losing data. 

What data might be lost? I’m a cellist with text and pencil markings on all my scores. (My SP scores have my cello part and accompaniment parts with text fingerings,  bowing directions, and red pencil helps on each piece.) Will those might be lost? Jimmy

Support

@JimmyGahl
Loss of data after updating, including on TF, generally isn't a significant issue, though you should back up your files just in case!

JimmyGahl

First, let me say a sincere "Thank You" for taking time to work with me. 

I’ll start by saying I can’t perform publicly any more so my personal goal in all this was to use SP’s Clap Hand percussion instrument to simulate applause, without adding another staff to the score. Trying what you suggested did not work. 

So, what I did was start a new score of only Clap Hand and using various note values (8th, 16th, 32nd with triplets, etc. at a speed of 110-120 bpm) sort of gets a simulated applause. (Still working on the right note combinations.)

Then I add a new Hand Clap staff at the bottom of my scores and copy/paste the applause routine at the end. I use a pedal to start/stop SP. So, if I have a good play, I reward myself with applause. (No bows!)  😅

I have to say it’s helping keepan old guy interested in playing his cello and it’s much appreciated. The end! Amen

Support

so my personal goal in all this was to use SP’s Clap Hand percussion instrument to simulate applause, without adding another staff to the score. Trying what you suggested did not work. 

Yes, unfortunately, the Change of Visible Parts feature doesn't allow you to change the instrument that is assigned to an existing staff/part. And so adding a new instrument is the only way to effectively change instruments that are visible in the middle of the score. 

First, let me say a sincere "Thank You" for taking time to work with me. 

Anytime, Jimmy!