PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument

Index

Print Thread

Go To

How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument #837965 01/08/25 08:23 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2023 Posts: 86 J Joe Videtto2 OP Enthusiast
OP Joe Videtto2 Enthusiast J Joined: Dec 2023 Posts: 86	Hi all, Do any of you go through periods where you stop enjoying playing your instrument ? If so - how long does that last, and do you see any rhyme or reason regarding the why ? Do you just stop playing until the joy comes back, do you push through it and just keep practicing/playing anyway ? Asking for a friend (not, lol) TIA BB/RB 2025 Windows 10

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #837984 01/08/25 10:55 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,840 DC Ron Veteran
DC Ron Veteran Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,840	Joe, just speaking for me, when I don't enjoying playing an instrument I just stop playing it. Since my instrument of choice is a guitar, I MIGHT pick up another guitar and see how it goes: acoustic vs electric, single coils vs humbuckers, long scale vs short scale, etc. Or I might pick up a keyboard or a bass, or something else if I have one lying around. Or just listen to music. Or just do nothing related to music at all, like read a book. I find that if I go on vacation for a week without a guitar, when I come back everything seems fresh and new again. But I don't think your friend is alone. Wish him luck from me! Last edited by DC Ron; 01/08/25 11:59 AM. DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #837992 01/08/25 11:40 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 16,231 GA USA Janice & Bud Veteran
Janice & Bud Veteran Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 16,231 GA USA	I played an upright bass for decades ... hauling it to clubs and festivals. Toward the end and as I got older it was feeling like moving a sofa around. Nowadays I rarely play it (a bit of hand arthritis) and don't really miss it - but do often consider getting an acoustic bass guitar. BTW Janice and I both enjoy writing and recording music and have zero aspirations to ever gig again, BUT she does work up her vocals on her ole '43 D-18. J&B Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #837995 01/08/25 11:55 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2024 Posts: 234 Moonbeam9067 Apprentice
Moonbeam9067 Apprentice Joined: Dec 2024 Posts: 234	A great question I think many of us face at times. I stopped playing guitar for about 15 years in my mid-life due to pursuing another passion which was fine art photography. BUT thank heavens I did not sell my beautiful guitars, because as that passion wound down, I took out my guitar one day and just the smell of it reignited my interest. I strummed my Martin D35 and said Ooo that sounds nice and off we were to the races again. So if there is no passion now, just stop. If it doesn't reignite, life changes. If it does reignite, wow that can be exciting. Constant change is the rule of life and if we assume a fixed "identity" of being a musician, then when we don't want to do it, we suffer. Impermanence is such a pain. BTW there is no criticism here, just sharing my perspective as I have gone through different musical phases.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Janice & Bud #837996 01/08/25 11:59 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2024 Posts: 234 Moonbeam9067 Apprentice
Moonbeam9067 Apprentice Joined: Dec 2024 Posts: 234	Your comments about the upright bass made me think of a story my Estonian friend tells me about the Estonian musician nickname for the upright bass. They call it the "mother in law" because nobody wants it in the car! Funny, but also speaks to the royal pain of the size of that wonderful beast of an instrument. I wish I had one just to hear its awesome resonant tones, but where the heck to put it?...... Originally Posted by Janice & Bud I played an upright bass for decades ... hauling it to clubs and festivals. Toward the end and as I got older it was feeling like moving a sofa around. Nowadays I rarely play it (a bit of hand arthritis) and don't really miss it - but do often consider getting an acoustic bass guitar. BTW Janice and I both enjoy writing and recording music and have zero aspirations to ever gig again, BUT she does work up her vocals on her ole '43 D-18. J&B

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #837998 01/08/25 12:43 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,976 Middlesex, NC Guitarhacker Veteran
Guitarhacker Veteran Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,976 Middlesex, NC	Just take the break. I think we all go through that. I know I do..... everything from songwriting to playing the instruments I have. Something should ignite the spark again after a brief respite from the instrument or task. When you come back to it, you should have a new enthusiasm to go into new territory. Some of my more interesting songs have been written when I take a break and then come back recharged. You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Moonbeam9067 #838004 01/08/25 01:34 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 16,231 GA USA Janice & Bud Veteran
Janice & Bud Veteran Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 16,231 GA USA	Originally Posted by Moonbeam9067 Your comments about the upright bass made me think of a story my Estonian friend tells me about the Estonian musician nickname for the upright bass. They call it the "mother in law" because nobody wants it in the car! Funny, but also speaks to the royal pain of the size of that wonderful beast of an instrument. I wish I had one just to hear its awesome resonant tones, but where the heck to put it?...... Originally Posted by Janice & Bud I played an upright bass for decades ... hauling it to clubs and festivals. Toward the end and as I got older it was feeling like moving a sofa around. Nowadays I rarely play it (a bit of hand arthritis) and don't really miss it - but do often consider getting an acoustic bass guitar. BTW Janice and I both enjoy writing and recording music and have zero aspirations to ever gig again, BUT she does work up her vocals on her ole '43 D-18. J&B Here’s where I put it. Corner of the living room. Bud Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #838034 01/08/25 04:49 PM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000 Posts: 22,647 Mi., USA rharv Veteran
rharv Veteran Joined: May 2000 Posts: 22,647 Mi., USA	Pick up something else and play that? If I start getting uninspired with the keyboards, I'll pick up the guitar .. Sometimes even the bass or horn Eventually something stirs in me again At least that's how I've always dealt with it I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #838106 01/09/25 06:44 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by Joe Videtto2 Hi all, Do any of you go through periods where you stop enjoying playing your instrument ? <...snip...> Never. I've been playing since I've been in middle school, and that was a long time ago, and it's still a pleasure to put one of my instruments in my hands. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Janice & Bud #838107 01/09/25 06:49 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by Janice & Bud <...snip...> BTW Janice and I both enjoy writing and recording music and have zero aspirations to ever gig again,<...> Me? Gigging is the most fun Mrs. Notes and I can have with our clothes on. When the COVID lockdown happened, gigging is what we missed the most. We had our gear set up, played a few times a week, and continued to learn new songs. But there is something about the performing for an audience that brings that special feeling out of each of us that is so hard to explain. The only thing I don't like about gigging is being the 'band salesman', but consider it a necessary evil. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Notes Norton #838108 01/09/25 07:15 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,976 Middlesex, NC Guitarhacker Veteran
Guitarhacker Veteran Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,976 Middlesex, NC	Originally Posted by Notes Norton ..... there is something about performing for an audience that brings that special feeling out .... that is so hard to explain. The only thing I don't like about gigging is being the 'band salesman', but consider it a necessary evil. Indeed. I always loved being on stage, in band or even solo, and having an audience that was into the music and enjoying themselves with the band in a "Zen-like" auto pilot mode. You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Guitarhacker #838316 01/10/25 02:56 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by Guitarhacker Originally Posted by Notes Norton ..... there is something about performing for an audience that brings that special feeling out .... that is so hard to explain. The only thing I don't like about gigging is being the 'band salesman', but consider it a necessary evil. Indeed. I always loved being on stage, in band or even solo, and having an audience that was into the music and enjoying themselves with the band in a "Zen-like" auto pilot mode. It's being in "the zone" where there is no space, no time, no self, just pure experience. As I've said before, it's the most fun I can have with my clothes on. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #838317 01/10/25 03:18 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 3,174 Derry,Ireland musiclover Veteran
musiclover Veteran Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 3,174 Derry,Ireland	Hope you are invited to play at a nudist party soon Notes where you might ponder the idea of playing the sax with your clothes off!! Go for it Notes, might be a great new experience!! and don't forget to post a few pics. Last edited by musiclover; 01/10/25 03:20 PM. Musiclover My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Notes Norton #838318 01/10/25 03:18 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 2,791 United States Bass Thumper Veteran
Bass Thumper Veteran Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 2,791 United States	Originally Posted by Notes Norton As I've said before, it's the most fun I can have with my clothes on. I never knew that physical examinations in FL were so much fun! You must have some kind of wonderful doctor [Sorry, couldn't help myself.] https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #838336 01/10/25 04:51 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,608 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY Matt Finley Veteran
Matt Finley Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,608 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY	Never happened!! But I am getting knocked off one instrument at a time by physical challenges. Although the pace is increasing, it started in college when I was learning to play cello. Lovely instrument, one of my favorites to write for. I broke my ring finger twice in a month playing basketball and took that as a sign I wasn’t meant to play cello! After I retired, I met a goal of learning a new instrument each year (to help my writing). Now, it’s arthritis making it harder to hold some instruments. But I’ve never lost the desire to play any of them. 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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument musiclover #838401 01/11/25 06:37 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by musiclover Hope you are invited to play at a nudist party soon Notes where you might ponder the idea of playing the sax with your clothes off!!<...snip...> We played at a nudist RV/Motor Home park for quite a few years, until a hurricane came and destroyed their clubhouse. It wasn't as erotic as you would imagine. In fact, in a short while, it seems quite normal. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Matt Finley #838409 01/11/25 07:14 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by Matt Finley <...snip...>Now, it’s arthritis making it harder to hold some instruments. But I’ve never lost the desire to play any of them. I had bursitis in my hip, so severe I couldn't walk 2 blocks without sitting, couldn't drive more than a few minutes without a 'blue ice' pack behind my hip, and needed a stool on stage. I inherited that from my father, but he didn't mean to give it to me. I also had arthritis in the little finger of my left hand from a basketball injury. (They shouldn't let musicians play sports.) Anyway, it was so bad, I skipped playing G#s and the lowest notes on the sax because it hurt too much. Then a doctor gave me the arthritis/bursitis diet. The diet is restrictive, but I tried it and felt improvement in a month. Within a few months I could play all the G#s and low C#s, Bs and Bbs I wanted, don't need a stool, and can drive 8 hours or more with no pain. I realized I wanted to be pain free more than I wanted to eat some of the foods I love. +20 years later, I am still on the diet and pain free. If interested in trying it, here it is: For both arthritis and bursitis, treatment is similar: Try the dietary approach first, and if that doesn't work, take stronger action. Foods that may contribute to chronic inflammation are foods with a high glycemic index (foods that convert to sugar quickly), such as fruit juices, sugars, simple starches, or rice cakes, foods heavy in polyunsaturated or saturated fats, and foods high in arachidonic acid. Some specific foods to avoid are: * Fatty cuts of red meat (high in saturated fats), lean is good * Organ meats: liver, kidney, and so forth (very high in arachidonic acid) * Egg yolks (very high in arachidonic acid) * Poultry - chicken, duck, turkey (very high in arachidonic acid) * Pasta (high glycemic index) * Juices (high glycemic index) * Rice, especially rice cakes (high glycemic index) * White bread (substitute whole grain breads such as rye) * Nightshade Plants bother many people (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, paprika) Glycemic index charts can be found on the Internet. Better choices are foods with a low glycemic index and foods that are heavy in monounsaturated fats. Some specific good foods are: * Salmon and other fish * Oatmeal * Low glycemic fresh fruits and vegetables * Olives and olive oil * Peanuts and other nuts * Whey proteins * Lean beef is good, 100% grass fed is better I read somewhere that the problem with chicken and eggs is due to the feed the farmers give them. Chickens are supposed to eat seeds, insects, and grubs, not corn and soy. I had a neighbor who was walking her dog using a cane for herself. I gave her the diet and in a month she was no longer using the cane. Several months later, she was using the cane again. I asked her if the diet quit working, and her answer was, "I just couldn't give up pasta or eggs." So if you are thinking about it, it's a lifetime commitment. You have to decide if you like being pain-free more than eating certain foods. Me? I won't go back. I'd rather be pain free than eat certain inflammatory foods. Now this is unofficial and a guess, but I think this anti-inflammatory diet might be the reason why at this age, I have no indications I'll ever need a knee or hip replacement, as they don't trouble me at all. Disclaimer: Let me add that this is not medical advice from me to you. You might have a condition that the diet doesn't agree with, so checking with your doctor is never a bad idea. Insights and incites by Notes ♫ Last edited by Notes Norton; 01/11/25 07:16 AM. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Notes Norton #838410 01/11/25 07:18 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,906 Hamlin NY MarioD Veteran
MarioD Veteran Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 24,906 Hamlin NY	Put me in the I have never stopped enjoying playing my instruments club. At the age of 10 I started on the trumpet, at 14 the guitar, at 16 the French horn, and with my MIDI controllers I have enjoyed playing. Yes starting a new instrument can be challenging but I never gave up and the rewards have been tremendous. Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers. 64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Joe Videtto2 #838453 01/11/25 12:36 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 2,791 United States Bass Thumper Veteran
Bass Thumper Veteran Joined: Jun 2020 Posts: 2,791 United States	Regarding arthritis, inflammation is your mortal enemy and too much ibuprofen can wreck your kidneys. Garlic, ginger and green tea are good anti-infammatories. You can buy ginger in capsule form. https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.

Re: How do you deal when you stop enjoying playing your instrument Bass Thumper #838566 01/12/25 06:47 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A. Notes Norton Veteran
Notes Norton Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 6,508 Fort Pierce, Florida, U.S.A.	Originally Posted by Bass Thumper Regarding arthritis, inflammation is your mortal enemy and too much ibuprofen can wreck your kidneys.<...>. That's why I'm glad I found the Arthritis/Bursitis diet. Instead of adding drugs that have harmful effects on the body, I just eliminated the foods that have inflammatory effects on the body. It was easy, and I'm pain free, and it seems to work for everyone that I know who tried it. And I even lost a lot of weight as a bonus. Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com 100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks

Go To

Moderated by Andrew - PG Music, Callie - PG Music, Catherine, Jeff Yankauer, PeterGannon, pgmoderation

Link Copied to Clipboard

ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News

May 31, 2026

Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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!

May 19, 2026

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

May 15, 2026

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!

May 15, 2026

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

May 13, 2026

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

May 13, 2026

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

May 06, 2026

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

More News