Alternative to String Sounds

[FunkyNepomuk]

Hey guys!

I'm currently rehearsing for a gig with two classical guitars. I will basically play background voicings and the bass. Until now I was using string sounds, since they have a clear bass sound and also very distinctive mid-range for chords and that sustain, which also comes in quite handy.
However, I'm really opposed to using string sounds as a keyboard player, its just not cool in my opinion, thats why I'm looking for some alternative sounds and I want to ask the community if you have any tips or suggestions for me.

Until now I tried the B3 organ and some rhodes and wurlitzer sounds. The B3 is just not as clear as strings would be and the rhodes and wurlitzer sounds don't have as much sustain as I would sometimes need.

I did not try any synth sounds until now since I have absolutely no experience with synths.

I'm using the Electro 3, so I have access to all the libraries, I don't have the synth section though.

Thank you!

FunkyNepomuk

[Mr_-G-]

I'm really opposed to using string sounds as a keyboard player, its just not cool in my opinion

I understand...
How about a split patch with tuned bongos for the voicings and tuba for the bass?

Now, being serious, I recently attended a contemporary music concert in which for one of the sections a pianist played "toy piano". She played about 6 pieces, in one of them, she had 2 toy pianos (one on top of another with even smaller keys, a la mini-mini-korg style!). It was great and made me think about the importance in experimenting with unexpected sounds. Perhaps using something unusual like sax and viola?
Please don't say this is not cool:

Edit: grammar!

[neolithic]

Buy an analog (or virtual analog) synth! The NLA1 for example Marlowes can whip up a cool string replacement I am certain!

[Mr_-G-]

I think he is asking for sounds ideas, not suggestions for an additional synth...

[neolithic]

I think he is asking for sounds ideas, not suggestions for an additional synth...

There's a rich goldmine of synth samples on the Clavia site - not the same as the real thing, but there should be some nice string alternatives like pads in there - Jupiter 8 ones for example. From what I recall they are mostly a bit 'harsh' so without a filter they may not be suitable - not sure if the Electro3 has any ability to filter samples?

[AinTziLLo]

I would you suggest to use the effects to get more character and sustain on rhodes and wurlitzer sounds; you can get wonderful strings replacement!

[azwel]

Strings with a slow phaser on it sounds cool,, i use that for trippy sounding stuff. It doesnt really sound like strings

[DJKeys]

I have a nice Analog sounding string patch, I can upload it if you like-

-dj

[rb4u1]

Some people will use a Rhodes & vocal patch together. If this is done well you can't tell where one ends s & the other begins.

[michael_C1]

The CP80 has an interesting sound, and combined with the onboard effects there's a lot of variation to be had.