I'm wondering if I should just pull the trigger on buying Reason since it seems to have everything I need and some interesting possibilities to add as refills (the piano bass and drums refill for example).

whereas the free versions of Sampletank and Kontakt don't really give me an idea of everything they include (yes, I've checked out the lists of instruments available for download for them). I've been leaning towards Reason since its 30-day trial gives me access to the complete set of sounds, loops, patterns, etc. Reason and Kontakt are roughly the same price whereas Sampletank 4 Max is about $100 cheaper until March 5. I find myself trying to decide which of the following to choose: Reason 10, Sampletank 4 or Kontakt 6. It's only for hobby purposes, nothing professional or live. These are mainly for rhythm section, piano, pads, etc. What I don't have and want to get is a good set of samples, instruments, loops, patterns, etc. I also have a small M-Audio mini keyboard as a controller plus an old Korg M1 I may press back into duty as a MIDI controller, or possibly sell and invest in a new full-sized controller keyboard. I play electric and acoustic guitar and have an interface (Steinberg UR44) for recording. I'm comfortable with audio software since I do a lot of digitizing vinyl records and audio restoration so I have a decent array of VSTs, editors such as Adobe Audition and iZotope RX, and also have Reaper for a DAW. I'm getting back into it now and looking to invest a few dollars in some software. as a hobby, back in the 80's but got away from it. I used to be very into MIDI and home recording with multitrack cassette, etc.

Sampletank 4 vs kontakt