Since it's Thursday, let's honor the #TBT trend and take a look way back to Band-in-a-Box® 2004!
Some of the new features released with this version included: -All New 32-bit Program Engine -DirectX Instrument Synthesizer (DXi plug-in) Support -Amazing Audio Vocal Harmony routines: You can apply a harmony to the audio part! -Load a MIDI file into Band-in-a-Box using a single keystroke -New "Hybrid Styles" feature that allows you to play and create a style that has instruments from up to five different styles! -Transpose Each Chorus ...and more!
This, I think, was the last version that had any significant change to the printed notation. It introduced the ability to have first / second endings as well as repeats. So 13 years without any further updates.
Sure, there have been some changes, including music XML, that may or may not work, but nothing that compares to changes that have happened in the rest of the application.
I know I have been loath to update since, unlike some users, I do need the printed output, more so than the multiple Real Tracks, or Real Band.
I think it's time to make changes to notation.
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
Dave, you could start another thread where we could focus on this. But let me just ask, are you familiar with the free but powerful notation program, Musescore? It reads BIAB files directly, not just via Music XML.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Matt, I have tried Musescore, but found that it didn't really handle the multi line lyrics very well. Now, admitted it was a while ago, and things could have changed, but my main beef is that I really feel that BIAB should by now, be able to produce a much better printed output.
For instance, why is each bar on a staff line the same physical length, regardless of the number of notes or lyric syllable. But I have commented on this many times. Why, again, do we have to create a song in linear form, just so that we can get a decent printout.
I found this post, presumably showing how far the product has come in the last 13 years, didn't acknowledge that notation hasn't experience the same growth. But again, PGMusic is showing how much has changed, not what hasn't
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
There have been many improvements to the notation. For example, here are the improvements in the 2017 version. Each year has a similar list.
Notation has been enhanced: The Guitar Notation display has been enhanced. You can now enter and display bends, slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs with notation graphics indicating these elements. You can create all these in the note edit dialog, and import/export from/to XML files. A rapid notation entry mode has been added for piano and guitar music. To do this, open up the Piano or Guitar window, use the new features to have right/left cursor keys to set the current notation position, and then click on the piano or guitar to enter notes. This is much faster than previous methods in many cases. The notation timeline is much more visible while editing, as it is a yellow wide transparent vertical line on the notation. Entry of Forced Accidentals is quicker now, without a pull down list required. Band-in-a-Box® now remembers previous width & height when saving notation as image. Band-in-a-Box® notation now has a checkbox to keep ratio the same when changing Width or Height in Save image dialog. RealScore Chords font is now selectable on the Notation window fonts menu. Music XML (notation export/import) has been enhanced. We've worked with Finale, GuitarPro, and Sibelius to enhance features and compatibility with Music XML. For example, we now read/write more chord types as well as guitar tab, bends, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides from/to XML.
But Peter, It really doesn't change the fact that the print notation (that is the paper representation of the song) hasn't had any significant updates since 2004.
I agree that ther have been data input updates, but we still have fixed bar lengths, although we can assign the number of bars on a line. It's still very difficult to get note lyrics to line up when dealin with multi note bars. The last bar on a line can cause all sorts of problems due to lyrics wrapping to the line below.
I love BIAB; note, lyric and chord entry is a breeze, and the sound of the 'band', even with basic midi is amazing.
Perhaps BIAB is not a piece of notation software, and I should consider investing in a dedicated notation software, but I am not prepared to create duplicate copies all of my songs. BIAB notation could be a lot better, or at least provide a simple but comprehensive interface to another program. Wouldn't it be nice to use the same dialogue we use today to get a professional looking fake sheet?
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643) Windows 10 (1909)
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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