I have taken somewhat of a hybrid approach:

1. I have pretty much eliminated brass and woodwinds from my arrangements as I have yet to hear really convincing midi originated sounds.

2. I got so frustrated trying to find convincing midi and samples for bass guitar that about 15 years ago I decided I just had to learn how to play. This was one of the most satisfying decisions I have ever made in my music hobby. As an existing guitar player it wasn’t a huge leap. Should have done this sooner but no regrets whatsoever.

3. Drums. After years of frustrating keyboard entry and grid entry. I sprung for Jamstix. Big step up in realism but still not what I was hoping for. 2 years ago, I bought EZDrummer 2 and I haven’t looked back and have never been disappointed with the results. Incredibly realistic. Excellent tweak ability. Easy to use.

I play all my keys and guitar parts and avoid quantizing if I can stand what I’ve played.

Scott