I use a Soundblaster PCI 128 soundcard which has 3 sets of soundfonts. I use the 8 Meg library ( 2 or 4 exists), and have the midi setup as GS Midi. I get roughly 300 instruments compared GM's 128. The sounds are not too bad. ( see last paragraph for more info ) Has a decent 12 string guitar, for example.
I play guitar. I used to play, and now play, record, etc for self entertainment / hobby. I work in the music business. I program original songs, and some of my favorites I can't find on the net.
I use JAZZ++ as my midi editor and player (free ware from
www.jazzware.com) Jazz has some audio functionality, but I'm not using it. I create backing tracks ( drums, bass, strings, etc).
The one problem with the SB PCI 128 is the reverb and chorus are either "on" or "off" right across the board. There is no settings for individual instruments / midi channels. Reverb ON just plain sucks for drums or bass tracks.
I am planning to upgrade to a SB Audigy on a new PC, which will give me individual control, plus addition effects ( distrortion, flanger, pitch shift ) I also believe the card comes with an additonal library of soundfounds ( either 16 or 32 meg )
FINAL WORDS ... for me, soundfonts gave me a cheap alternative to drums machines, synths, etc. becuase it came free with the soundblaster, and the JAZZ midi editor was free. The sound quality is pretty good.