Quality free softsynth

[dkerwood]

I direct a pops choir, and have been doing MIDI sequences for accompaniment tracks. I've had some good success routing the MIDI through a decent keyboard for better sounds, but it's a bit of a pain to haul around the keyboard all the time.

Can anyone recommend a good sounding free (or super cheap, I'm a teacher) softsynth for my laptop that can produce a more realistic sound than my stock GM bleeps and bloops?

[dementedchord]

1st... you might not be aware but most manufactures have reduced rates for teachers... because it gets students interested in the product and there's a familiarity component to future buying decisions...

google KVR they have lotsa good stuff listed...

NI a few months back released a free copy of their new player which included a major block of sounds... again a teaser edition...