After several years of holding the format close to its chest, Ableton has opened up the creation of its Live instruments to third-party sound designers for the first time. Released under the banner of Partner Instruments (MSRP: $29-$79 each), the series initially brings a total of seven different audio designers to the table, each with its own new range of instruments for Ableton Live. The variety is impressive, ranging from bowed pianos and gamelans to a wide array of drums, guitars, percussion kits, and found-sound libraries, all from the likes of top-notch creators Flatpack, Soniccoture, Puremagnetik, Sample Logic, SonArte, and Toontrack. These make for easy, affordable ways to bring some fresh, fully integrated instruments to your Live library.