FINALE 2007

Yes, you can save libraries of expressions and other objects and open them in other documents. Just go to the File menu -> Save Library and then use the File menu -> Open Library to open them.

You can also save these expressions in the default document so that when you use the Setup Wizard, all of your expressions will automatically be included. To do this, open the Maestro Font Default.ftm template file from the component files folder, add the expressions, articulations, etc. that you want, and save the file back on top of that Maestro Font Default template.

You might also find it worth it to make an orchestra template with all of your sounds set up.

I myself am torn and this whole 2007 upgrade has prompted me to do some research.

I upgraded to Finale 2006 in February and have had nothing but issues with it. When I use softsynth, it plays notes that don't exist in the score, will sometimes repeat parts when there is no repeat or not play parts at all. Depending on whether or not my computer feels like loading all its RAM it will crash when I try to use GPO sounds. A Powermac G5 with 2.5 gigs of RAM should be more than sufficient to handle Finale. I check my system utility that monitors how much memory I'm using and I always have at least a gig of RAM leftover. WTF is it doing? ;)

So I feel burned from 06 and I'm afriad upgrading to 07 may make things worse. On the other hand it may make things better. I've even debated switching to Sibelius. I've wanted to learn it for my copying and engraving services so I can market myself as a user of both.

Has anyone else had problems with 2006 crashing? Is Sibelius more stable?

I've had 2006 crash once or twice, but I don't have the playback problems you seem to have. There have been a few isolated incidents of tracks coming in at the wrong time, but restarting the playback has always fixed it. I have a gig and a half of RAM.

I know playback is nice, but Finale's main purpose is to produce sheet music, is it not? As far as that goes, Finale is easily on par with Sibelius or any other engraving program, in my opinion. I've looked at engravings made by all sorts of programs, and all I see is slight differences in style, not differences in cleanliness or elegance. Finale makes some pretty awesome-looking scores.

I myself am torn and this whole 2007 upgrade has prompted me to do some research.

I upgraded to Finale 2006 in February and have had nothing but issues with it. When I use softsynth, it plays notes that don't exist in the score, will sometimes repeat parts when there is no repeat or not play parts at all. Depending on whether or not my computer feels like loading all its RAM it will crash when I try to use GPO sounds. A Powermac G5 with 2.5 gigs of RAM should be more than sufficient to handle Finale. I check my system utility that monitors how much memory I'm using and I always have at least a gig of RAM leftover. WTF is it doing? ;)

So I feel burned from 06 and I'm afriad upgrading to 07 may make things worse. On the other hand it may make things better. I've even debated switching to Sibelius. I've wanted to learn it for my copying and engraving services so I can market myself as a user of both.

Has anyone else had problems with 2006 crashing? Is Sibelius more stable?

Have you tried contacting MakeMusic's customer support? That seems like the first step.