Free Clef

5.0 stars

"MuseScore is the best score writer in my opinion"

February 20, 2010  |   By msmiddleton

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

Intuitive-able to use it right away to write some complex scores without tedious tutorials. The "local" manual that downloads with MuseScore is easy to navigate Exports in several formats. MuseScore has an autosave that you can set.

Cons

I couldn't figure out that I needed to drag things over from the palette but I really like that feature now that I understand it. The instruments were limited but I acquired some of the free sound fonts and have all that I need and more.

Summary

I haven't tried them all and I haven't tried the highest levels of the paid versions. However, I have tried Finale Notepad, Sibelius First, NtEd, Forte Free (also good), NoteEdit, and a couple of others I can't remember. MuseScore is the most reliable, inuitive, and functional score writer/editor of them all. Kudos!!!!

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2.0 stars

"Easy music notation to use to write tab."

July 6, 2009  |   By Jstaman466

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

The great thing is that it's free the pros is there's no restriction on measuring settings it's OK for someone like a beginner who is beginning to write music notations or songs.

Cons

You are very very limited no sound, no chord symbols and It's hard to add notes above or below the staff lines it's good for a beginner.

Summary

It's a very simple program I need a software program that I can write sharps and flats go above the staff line and below the staff line. There needs to be a lot more added to this program and you need to have a very good working knowledge on writing notes and Tab, also no text not enough space for accidentals sharps and flats it can be made a real good program but it will take some work.

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2.0 stars

"SImple, cumbersome, and silent."

January 22, 2009  |   By Exitof99

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

Being free is top. The software allow you to create sheet music with in different keys and has the basics covered. XML import/exporter. Open source which is good for programmers interested in contributing.

Cons

No sound for playback, No copy/paste, fixed measure width, unintelligent editing (you can put anything anywhere regardless), Adding new measures requires editing XML, Ugly print out.

Summary

The use of this program is severly limited by its shortcomings. Regardless, this can be useful if you are mindful and knowledgable about writing sheet music and do not need to hear what you are doing. This is the digital equivilent to writing sheet music with pen and paper - you will need to play it to hear it.

The note range is high-C to low-A at first use, but changing the spacing between the staves will allow for more notes.

Measures are a set width which can be changed univserally. Entering notes in a measure will accept notes beyond the time signature, so you could have 20 whole rests in a 4/4 measure. On top of this, notes are separated equally, but as the measure will not expand for a busy measure, notes can crash in to each other.

The print out is a mess. The staff lines are hairline in width, as are any markings with two notes. The font used for the clef markings and time signature looks like someone used a warp feature (probably intentionally to avoid copyright issues with the font).

This is an open source, and the source can be downloaded from the freeclef.org website or sourceforge.com. If you are up to the task, you could improve on this frame.

Is you need something for quick and dirty work, this might be an option. Personally, I suggest installing a demo from a commercial package before using this.

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3.0 stars

"Simple to use but very limited"

November 20, 2008  |   By graham1952

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

Simple to use

Cons

Very, very limited in what you can do. Musescore - http://musescore.org/ - is also free and MUCH better.

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4.0 stars

"Cute little music notator (notes only) for free !"

November 2, 2008  |   By kalimerrrro

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

Type any kind of bars you like. Not restricted to a specific measure setting. No pretensions, the features that are there work. Point and click to make your score.

Cons

No keyboard shortcuts makes for tedious note entry. Difficult to target notes above or below staff. No copy paste function. No text or chord symbols. Accidentals are semi smart: after a C# you can't put a natural in front of the C in the next bar.

Summary

If you come from Cubase or Logic, you won't like this. But if you simply need a quick and light program just for jotting some notes and make a print out, this is your program. It would stay on my PC if I could add text and/or chord symbols.
Thanks for programming this and sharing for free. I look forward to the next update!

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2.0 stars

"Minimal music writing"

May 12, 2008  |   By antyx

Version: Free Clef 1.01

Pros

Free. Easy to use. More or less works. Can be used to write chords as well as single notes.

Cons

Stems on notes come and go unexpectedly, and can't be manually added. Barred (connected) eighth notes? Forget it. Does not allow enough space for accidentals (sharps and flats) sometimes, and can't be adjusted.

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