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I am a live sound guy.
Just got Pro tools LE. I want to play around with recording at home.
Wife says I can Have a little money for toys to go with it.
I am not sure what is the best bang for buck.
So I am doing a little survay on what everyones must have list is.
make it a good list so I can print it off to show her. That way I can use it as leverage for more funds ;}

What do you want to do with Protools? How do you plan on recording? That would help people give you ideas on what to buy.

I have a singer who wrote enough songs for a good demo
I have all the hardware I need
we will be recording vox, acu gtr, and bass
so I need drums and and keys.
I was thinking of Reason 4 and Strike

So you are looking for suggestions for software instruments? Strike is ok, but I would recommend you check out BFD2 before you make a purchase. Reason is defiantly a good choice for sounds. However there is a multitude of other options. What type of sounds are you looking for? And I would also recommend that you try the demo versions of ANY software you buy first.

What kind of mic and mic pre are you going to be using?

U87 for vox
DI on gtr and bass
He has a real strong southern rock sound, but most of his songs slow.
Need a good piano sound, and strings
I have used BFD, I like the different amb. and talk back mic sounds

For piano sound I would start with - Ivory
Also look at Structure with Goliath and Symphonic Orchestra. It will cost you. But the sounds are nice in my opinion.
You have a lot of other options check out the demos of- Kontakt, SampleTank and Komplete.

Again I stress check out the demos!! And a mic pre is a very essential part of recording. If you really have a U87 a $3,000 dollar mic. You better have a pre amp that is equal to that mic in order to get pristine results!(not to mention the room and recording technique)....

Also don’t be afraid to use a dynamic mic like a Shure 58 if you have a untreated room and are a novice when it comes to recording... Hope this helps ya a bit!