Sibelius v Finale

Last year, I invested in Finale 2009 and have found it rather tough going compared to my favorite Noteworthy. I now see that Sibelius are on to a bit of aggressive marketing, offering a substantial discount to Finale users to come over to Sibelius 6. I'm wondering how Sibelius 6 compares with Finale 2010. In other words, should I up date to Finale 2010 or take the plunge and update from Finale to Sibelius 6. Another possible option would be to go for a Sibelius 5 at an even bigger discount. One argument in favour of my getting Sibelius is that I already have PhotoScore which apparently can be saved directly into Sibelius without going through MusicXML.

Cheers,

John.

Sibelius 6 has some new features, particularly magnetic layout, that make it very attractive, especially for the price they offer Finale users. The down side is that you have to learn a new program; it can take quite a while to become fluent with it.

If you do switch, be sure to take advantage of the quick start tutorials on the Sibelius web site, and definitely spend the extra money to buy the manual.

Wait about a month for NOTION3 to come out....you'll be MUCH happier...both features wise-and $$ wise:)

I hate to sound mean, but there are MANY threads about this.

The short and sweet answer, without any angry backlash is: download the demo for both programs, play with them and see which you like better.

I personally use Sibelius 6 because of the magnetic layout (so sexy!) and ease of use, but many finale users will point to finale's fine tweaking abilities that can be make or break for many a composer. Depends on what you want to do.

Sorry to sound like a bastard. Hope this helps :D

Many thanks, folks, for all your helpful suggestions. I've decided to order the heavily discounted Sibelius 5 to try it out and to see how it blends in with the PhotoScore Ultimate that I already have. If I'm happy with it, I can then save up for an up date to Sibelius 6.

Cheers,

John.

I'm going to close this thread (many, many iterations of this exact same thread...).

However, I'm mystified as to why you would need to upgrade if your current product already works. If you have Finale 2009, you don't need to upgrade to Finale 2010 (unless there is a specific feature you're looking to upgrade in the new version). Your Finale 2009 still works, you know.

I'm equally mystified that you would consider changing to a completely different program with a completely different workflow after only a year.

Pick a program, stick with it. Otherwise you're never going to have any facility with either; you're just going to keep bouncing between "whatever's hot this year according to XX" and never actually learn how to use the tools you have... and waste a lot of money in the process.