Unless you have a publisher requiring EPS, PostScript is dead, one reason why newer printers don't advertise whether or not they support it—most don't. PDF is current and far better.

If the object is to save money over inkjet, that reason is a few years out of date. Some newer inkjets have far lower operating costs with excellent quality, are faster and the inks don't run if the page gets wet—ever.

I use an older version of this one that I bought 3 years ago. Not the only game in town as this review mentions.The review also gives a general overview of what's available these days.

https://www.pcmag.com/review/365131/brother-mfc-j6945dw-inkvestment-tank-color-inkjet-all-in-one 

I wouldn't trade it for any laser printer unless the deal included enough cash to let me buy another. My wife is also a musician and school teacher who prints 200–300 pages a week. I print charts for a few composers, choirs and ensembles I work with and couldn't be happier.

Thanks for the reply. I won't have access to the Canon laser printer (that printed open note-heads wrong) until after the holidays. I don't remember whether I did the test print directly from Finale or a PDF--probably direct from Finale. I gather from your reply that any decent printer will print correctly as long as you print from a PDF. Thanks again for the information. Ralph

Something like that. Thanks for clarifying. Your OP lead with your expected solution without mentioning the problem. Now that you’ve told us what’s wrong...

Since 25, true black output on a Mac can only be achieved via PDF — tons of threads on that one. Printing directly is greyscale which inkjets handle without issue. In many cases, it’s difficult to tell the difference unless you A/B the output. This is likely your issue. Use the Graphics menu Export as PDF and see if the note heads now print correctly. Why MM changed printing like that — and only for the Mac — has never been explained.

There is a long running series of threads with a user who has a Brother laser that just doesn’t behave for Finale anymore without a PDF workaround. Without that, his output is unacceptable.

Another clarification please. Is using the Graphics menu--export as PDF, the same as selecting Print, then save as PDF?

… Is using the Graphics menu--export as PDF, the same as selecting Print, then save as PDF? …

You are using Mac Finale, right?

Both methods will give you a PDF file, but the two PDF files will be different.

“Printing” to PDF will give you a PDF file which is in colors = not true Black-and-White.

Exporting as PDF will give you a true Black-and-White PDF file.

Also, the file size will be smaller.

Thanks for the clarification. This is the first time I've tried the graphics export route and notice there is a choice of resolutions available. If I don't know what the resolution of the printer that I'm sending the file to is, I guess using 1200 dpi is the best choice? Or will someone with a 300 dpi printer have a problem?

… Thanks for the clarification. This is the first time I've tried the graphics export route, and notice there is a choice of resolutions available. If I don't know what the resolution of the printer that I'm sending the file to is, I guess using 1200 dpi is the best choice? Or will someone with a 300 dpi printer have a problem? …

You are still talking about exporting as PDF, right?

There is no “resolution” in an exported PDF file.

An exported PDF file is a vector graphic. This means that the print data describe the page contents in mathematical formulas. The PDF file will always print on any printer at the best resolution the printer can produce.

On The Other Hand, file formats like SVG, PNG, &c.are bitmap graphics that describe the page contents dot-by-dot: “This dot is Black, …”.

For bitmap graphics you can choose a resolution.

Beware that the file size will increase considerably, as you choose a higher resolution.

Ah, thank you. I had jpg selected instead of pdf.

What Peter says.

Thank you Mike and Peter. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

I finally was able to compare printing from Finale directly plus to PDF on my Canon D530. (I used the graphic export to PDF.)  Both are the same--half notes and whole notes on staff lines are slightly too low.  Everything prints correctly on my old HP 1300, whether direct or PDF. This tends to refute the idea that a PDF of music will print correctly to a non-postscript printer. Or, am I still doing something wrong? Thanks for any help, and Happy New Year. Ralph

I can tell that you really, really, really want PostScript to be the issue. But the rest of us are printing fine.

Have you sent this to MakeMusic Support?

You asked for recommendations on a new PostScript printer. There’s the HP Design Jet plotters and thermal transfer commercial printers. Other than that, as far as I can find, no one makes them anymore.

No Mike, I really, really, really just want to print half notes and whole notes correctly on a different printer. I was just making an observation. Thank you for all your input.