I generally take out the horns and strings and pads in country styles. Most of the time I like to sound like a small combo, not an orchestra. I could be happy with drums, bass, piano and guitar strum, maybe an organ here and there in some styles.

My lead sounds are guitars, piano, sax, organ, harmonica, Cajun accordion, more or less in that order. I use vibes on some jazz songs and an occasional EP. That's about it.
DonM