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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2026
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I'm looking for recommendations on quality string and brass vst3 collections. Thank you,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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check out Native Instruments and Kontakt with it's many and varied sample libraries and third party sound sets available.
Many of those are quite nice and realistic.
I see a bunch of new companies trying to sell product on Facebook that also sound really nice. Many of those work with Kontakt Player and are quite affordable
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2026
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Thank you. I'll take a look at the ones you listed. I'm okay with, "WOW! are you serious", for the right sound. They are currently offering 20% off if you signup for their mailing list.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I'm looking for recommendations on quality string and brass vst3 collections. Thank you, We really need what your price range is and how much do you want to get into the VST yourself to make it sound great. As Dan said the price range is from free to I'll have to mortgage my house for that one! How much you want to get into the VST is another issue. Many have key switches to change articulations. Modeling VSTis like the Swam instruments do not have key switches and you actually have to play the instrument. Another topic you should clue us in on is what kind of sound are you looking to emulate? Motown strings and brass? Pop strings and brass? Orchestra string and brass? etc. All are different and there are VSTis for each with some VSTis covering more than one genre. Dan, myself, and others have large VSTi libraries and we all are willing to help but we do need more information so we don't suggest something that you don't need, want, or can afford.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2026
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WOW! Those are by far the best ones I've heard so far. Looks like the deeper I go into this I may to need to sell a kidney.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes, the answers to the questions above would really help us to help you.
This question involves hitting an ever-moving target. As recently as around ten years ago, I posted here requesting the best hardware synth, and I bought it. Now I've moved to software sounds.
I make composer's demos, so my interest is reasonable quality sounds without a lot of effort to produce them. If I create something with serious production intended for release, I'm more willing to spend a lot of time to get just the right sound and make all the tweaks in Kontact etc.
Another consideration is that many musicians find more fault with a synthesized sound of an instrument they play. I play brass and woodwinds, so I'm harder to please with those sounds than I am with a string library. You could be the reverse, so take recommendations from whence they come. But right away you have great advice from Mario, who has helped me a lot, and Dan, another of the most knowledgeable members of this forum. Tell us more about your music. And welcome to the forum.
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.
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jaycallahanart,
In my view, it depends on usage.
A) Will you be fully playing virtual instrument yourself on keyboard?
B)Or you want a hybrid VST that has a decent phrase library (with articulations, etc) that you can adopt to your composition and have the ability to play instrument parts yourself?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I appreciate your reply. Considering the prices and my lack of experience, I believe I'll be starting with the Native Instruments horn and string bundles. I'm encouraged to learn that there are people willing to help on these forums. I'll probably be posting for more help in the future.
Thank you,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thank you. I'll take a look at the ones you listed. I'm okay with, "WOW! are you serious", for the right sound. They are currently offering 20% off if you signup for their mailing list. You might look at the Audio Modelling offerings. They're excellent and, because they're modelled rather than sampled, allow much control. A downside, of course, is that one does need to control them. Another vote for Appassionata strings.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes, the SWAM instruments by Audio Modeling that Gordon just mentioned are what I use when I want a lead instrument in my quick demos that sounds better than the stock instruments and is still relatively easy to connect to my notation program. See my signature for details. Mario gave me the idea, by the way.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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....Considering the prices and my lack of experience, I believe I'll be starting with the Native Instruments horn and string bundles... Good call. Way too easy with virtual instruments (and plugins in general) to buy something you don't actually need. Many of us have acquired libraries that FAR exceed our requirements. I know *I* have... With a bit more experience you'll be able to triangulate the market against your requirements with better accuracy.
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I appreciate your reply. Considering the prices and my lack of experience, I believe I'll be starting with the Native Instruments horn and string bundles. I'm encouraged to learn that there are people willing to help on these forums. I'll probably be posting for more help in the future.
Thank you, Exactly which bundles are you looking to purchase. Most require you also purchase the full version of Kontakt so be aware of that if you don't have the full version of Kontakt.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2026
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Thanks for mentioning this I was considering "Session Horns" and "Session Strings2" neither description states they come with VST3 or that they're compatible with Band in a Box\RealBand.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Thanks for mentioning this I was considering "Session Horns" and "Session Strings2" neither description states they come with VST3 or that they're compatible with Band in a Box\RealBand. You are in luck as both of those will run in the free Kontakt Player. Kontakt Player is the play only version of Kontakt while the full version of Kontakt allows editing to a certain degree. It is up to the various third party manufacturers to determine what can be edited. If you get Kontakt Player be sure to look very carefully at any other patches you might want to purchase. Some are for the full Kontakt version. All patches will indicate the Kontakt requirements. Note that I have the full version and a ton of patches for it. Kontakt is one of my go to software programs. Here are some free VSTis you may want to look at: https://plasterbrain.com/guides/best-free-vsts/brass-horns/https://hiphopmakers.com/best-free-horn-vst-pluginshttps://midination.com/vst/free-vst-plugins/free-strings-vst-orchestral-sample-library/https://richardpryn.com/41-best-free-string-vst-plugins-that-actually-sound-good/As with all free software be sure to scan for viruses and anti-malware prior to installing. Most all good software is free of bugs but I still like to be sure. Note that I still get and use some free stuff. Another free and/or inexpensive option is Soundfonts. Note the options I have listed probably isn't as good as the ones you choose, however some may be as good. With the exception of Soundfonts I have not DLed any of them. I just thought that you may want to start cheap to see if you like using VSTis in BiaB. I do not, I use them in my DAW, but others do use them in BiaB. If you need help I have been using MIDI since the mid 1980s. Others here, like Dan, also have been using MIDI and will be willing to help. I hope this helps.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2026
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Thank you, this is very helpful. I appreciate everyone's time responding. What beginner DAW do you recommend. I've downloaded Ableton Live Lite. I would like to start with the DAW I'm going to be with long-term then add more advanced feature$ as I go.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thank you, this is very helpful. I appreciate everyone's time responding. What beginner DAW do you recommend. I've downloaded Ableton Live Lite. I would like to start with the DAW I'm going to be with long-term then add more advanced feature$ as I go. Asking for what DAW should I use is like asking for what car should I buy as you will get every car on the market, i.e. everyone has a favorite. I use Fender Studio One 8 but many here use other DAWs. I would DL trials of various DAWs and see which one works best for you. BUT, if you are on a Windows machine you have a DAW called RealBand. I strongly suggest starting with that one. If that one doesn't fit your workflow then look for another DAW. The basic functions of all DAWs are similar so if you learn one the learning curve on another is not as steep. The one exception is that RealBand can except BiaB files as is whereas other DAWs you need to drag and drop BiaB MIDI and WAV files. PS - the term long-term-DAW is a dream. I have been through a number of DAWs since the 1980s. I didn't change because I wanted to change I had to change because they either went out of business or had major upgrades that changed a lot of things! The latest was just last year when Fender purchased Presonus. The major upgrades that I have been through were major improvements well worth the small new learning curve.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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.
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If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
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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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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