Produced for Spectrasonics by Bob Daspit and Eric Persing with Hans Zimmer acting as executive producer, Hans Zimmer Guitars is a two-disc set featuring multisamples of various stringed instruments, most of which belong to the guitar family. All the guitars were played by Bob Daspit and, judging by the sleeve notes, great care was taken in choosing the best-sounding instruments of each type. Certainly the results bear this out, as the quality and consistency of the sampling is excellent. Most samples feature velocity switching in up to four layers, and everything is designed to be played Ð there are no instant-gratification loops.

Disc 1 comprises finger-style guitar (including harmonics and effects), a similarly presented jazz guitar, mandolin (with chords as well as multisampled notes), lap steel guitar, amped guitar and electric sitar. I've always felt that guitar sounds are amongst the most difficult to sample, because unless they're played just right, they end up sounding something like a piano. Nevertheless, these sounds are as good as they come, and even the steel guitar is quite convincing if you play the right phrases and use your bend wheel carefully. The amped sounds, which were recorded using a Matchless amplifier, are more James Bond or Twin Peaks than Van Halen, while the electric sitar is surprisingly delicate and musical.

Disc 2 starts with the Oud, an ancient lute-type instrument, followed by Saz, Cumbus and the Yali Tambur. For me, these all fall into the "Eastern guitary thing that buzzes in an interesting way" camp. Next up are the South American Charango, Cavaquinho and Cuatro, complete with chords and effects as well as the main multisamples. A flamenco-style Nylon Guitar brings the library to a close. Although only 15 types of instrument are covered, the excellent quality makes this a must-have disc for anyone needing first-class plucked instrument sounds. Because of this, and the fact that guitars are so difficult to multisample convincingly, this collection deserves all five stars.