15 Free String Machine VST Plugins

Nabla offers an authentic recreation of the 1979 KORG Delta String DL-50, capturing the charm of classic paraphonic synths. It combines synthesizer and string sections with up to 64 voices, plus modern touches like panning, delay, and “GOD Mode” for full polyphony.

The plugin includes filters, modulation controls, and onboard effects that shape wide, vintage tones with ease. Its phaser, ensemble, and EQ features make it simple to build lush pads or warm leads while keeping the retro sound character of the original hardware.

Synth Strings offers classic 70s-inspired tones built from the iconic Solina String Ensemble. It delivers warm pads, bright stabs, and vintage textures recorded at Spitfire HQ. Each sound blends analog depth with a smooth, modern feel, perfect for adding rich layers to any track.

The plugin includes adjustable filters, reverb, and modulation controls to shape tone and character easily. With options for attack, decay, sustain, and release, users can create both soft atmospheres and bold leads. Synth Strings works well in disco, funk, or cinematic-style music.

Deputy Mark II is a virtual synthesizer that recreates the sound of vintage string machines and early polyphonic synths. It includes both polyphonic and monophonic sections, with built-in ensemble and phaser effects that bring warmth and movement to pads, leads, and textures.

It features up to 61-voice polyphony, dual oscillator banks, and a flexible filter system for shaping classic tones. With MIDI control and a resizable interface, Deputy Mark II gives music creators an authentic retro sound that fits easily into modern studios on Windows or macOS.

Cheeze Machine 2 offers the classic warmth of vintage string machines with a modern touch. It delivers over 60 patches, including string ensembles, pads, leads, and effects, giving producers a wide range of retro-inspired sounds for smooth backgrounds or melodic layers.

It features expanded oscillators, convolution reverb, and a vintage-style chorus to add depth and texture. With full 64-bit support across major plugin formats, Cheeze Machine 2 brings classic string tones into today’s studios with rich sound and simple creative control.

Esline offers a detailed recreation of the classic Arp Solina String Ensemble, bringing vintage 70s and 80s tones to your digital setup. It features six instrument layers, including violin, viola, trumpet, horn, cello, and bass, for a smooth and classic string sound.

With 16 editable patches, MIDI learn, and automation, Esline supports creative control and sound shaping. Built-in effects like phaser, echo, and chorus give depth and movement, making it easy to create warm, nostalgic textures for retro or modern productions.

Horus offers a mix of classic string machine warmth and polysynth power. With 64 voices and four oscillators ranging from 4’ to 32’, it creates rich pads and layered tones. Filters, LFO modulation, and formant shaping let producers sculpt detailed and evolving sounds easily.

Built-in effects like chorus, auto-wah, phaser, and stereo delay add depth and motion to any track. Full MIDI learn support allows flexible control, making it simple to shape sounds in real time. Horus is a strong choice for crafting lush, animated textures in electronic and ambient music.

Horus mkII offers a modern update to the classic string machine, adding new tools to shape smooth, rich pad sounds. It features four oscillators, 64-note polyphony, chorus, phaser, stereo delay, and advanced modulation options for creating deep, layered tones.

Its new design includes waveform choices, mono mode with portamento, and flexible vibrato controls through wheel or pedal. With improved patch management and full MIDI learn, Horus mkII gives music creators more control to build wide, evolving textures that fit any ambient or cinematic track.

Performer Free offers an authentic recreation of the classic Crumar Performer instrument using physical modeling technology. It captures the warm brass and string tones of the vintage keyboard while staying true to the look and sound of the original hardware.

Designed for Linux users, Performer Free is available in VST2, VST3, and StandAlone formats. It automatically adjusts its interface for smaller screens, making it practical for Raspberry Pi setups and compact workstations.

Strings Q3 offers three main sound types—Pad, Strings, and Orchestra—designed for shaping smooth and expressive tones. It includes Attack and Release controls, a three-band EQ, and full stereo output, letting you balance warmth, depth, and clarity for your tracks.

With built-in rotary, spatial, chorus, and reverb effects, Strings Q3 gives wide control over sound movement and space. The velocity switch adds extra play dynamics, making it easy to create soft backgrounds or bold string layers that fit many music styles.

Orpheus II offers a vintage-style polyphonic synth experience with two ensembles and 128 voices. It blends analog warmth with modern flexibility through features like unison, drift, and mono mode with portamento. The result is rich motion and texture suited for pads, drones, and evolving soundscapes.

Its effects section includes chorus, phaser, reverb, delay, tremolo, and auto-pan for extra depth. The modulation matrix and patch management system make it simple to shape and store your favorite tones. Orpheus II is well-suited for creating dreamy, atmospheric layers and ambient backgrounds.

Orpheus offers rich string and organ sounds in one plugin. It uses two sound generators with three string types and an organ, giving up to 128 notes of polyphony. Features like unison, drift, and mono mode with portamento help create deep and moving tones.

Its effects include resonators with LFO controls, EQ, chorus, delay, auto-pan, and tremolo for shaping wide ambient textures. A built-in patch system with a clear display makes saving and recalling sounds simple, making Orpheus a strong tool for pads, leads, and layered tones.

easy-mr. stringer offers classic string machine sounds with simple tools for shaping tone and movement. It features two oscillators with seventeen string waves, adjustable octaves, two filters, one LFO, and Built-in effects like phaser and double delay for smooth, vintage textures.

It supports mono and poly modes, twelve voices, and sixteen presets for quick access to retro tones. With ADSR controls, glide, and velocity response, creators can build lush pads or melodic lines that fit styles from 70s soundtrack vibes to modern synthwave tracks.

Surya offers lush and evolving string sounds through subtractive synthesis and dual oscillators. It gives warm tones that work well for ambient, cinematic, or experimental tracks. Designed for Windows in 32-bit VST format, Surya brings layered textures perfect for drones, pads, and soft melodies.

It includes tools like filters, LFO, chorus, and reverb to shape sound depth and motion. With adjustable envelope controls and built-in EQ, users can fine-tune tone and dynamics. Surya’s clear layout makes exploring detailed sound design smooth and focused for creative music production.

Tapeotronic is a free Mellotron-style tape keyboard plugin for Windows that recreates the classic sounds of flute, strings, and choir tapes. It includes 16 patches, along with controls for tone, tuning, and a bias knob that adds realistic tape warmth and character.

Tapeotronic offers quick control through attack, release, and volume knobs, letting you shape the vintage feel to fit your track. With MIDI learn and automation, it connects easily to your setup, providing a focused way to bring retro tape textures into modern productions.

D-String is a vintage-style string machine plugin by EFM that recreates the warm and layered tones of classic hardware string ensembles. It includes adjustable controls for filter, vibrato, and modulation, plus a joystick for expressive tone movement and shaping.

D-String offers a smooth, slightly resonant filter that adds clarity and depth to the sound. With multiple signal generators and an envelope section, it can create lush pads or subtle background textures. It’s a simple but effective tool for bringing rich string sounds to your tracks.