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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117
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OP
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117 |
Anybody getting good results using a high quality VSTi plugin like Electri6ity or Real Strat? The guitar MIDI created by the BIAB styles don't sound real played into Forte or my Ketron but I was wondering what a high quality plugin would do for the sound. Electri6ity has a huge sample library and a lot of intelligence that supposedly takes keyboard input and makes it sound very guitar like. Unfortunately a demo is not available for download or I would try it out myself. The sample libraries are huge so I guess demo versions are not practical.
Microsoft Surface Pro, Thunderbolt 4, Windows 11, Scarlett Audio Interface, 2025 BIAB & RB, FL Studio Producer, Studio One Producer, Melodyne Editor, Ozone Advanced.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2003
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Dave,
Without a Demo I would surely wait. BIAB as issues with some VSTi that require timing from the host. Not sure if RB has that issue or not. Don't know if the program you are considering needs it. I guess I don't know anything except wait.
Have you tried the Real Tracks guitars? there are a lot of them and they are very good.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117 |
Quote:
Dave,
Without a Demo I would surely wait. BIAB as issues with some VSTi that require timing from the host. Not sure if RB has that issue or not. Don't know if the program you are considering needs it. I guess I don't know anything except wait.
Have you tried the Real Tracks guitars? there are a lot of them and they are very good.
Thanks John. Actually what I usually do is create the song in BIAB or RealBand using the styles then drop the MIDI and RealTracks into FL Studio because of the VST timing problem with PG Music products. I use many VST's in FL Studio (Rob Papen RG, Jamstix 3, Morphine, Harmless, Sytrus, Sakura, EZMix, Vocodex, Maximus, Session Strings, & Komplete 6). I love the RealTracks but there just are not enough of them yet especially with regard to lead guitar.
Microsoft Surface Pro, Thunderbolt 4, Windows 11, Scarlett Audio Interface, 2025 BIAB & RB, FL Studio Producer, Studio One Producer, Melodyne Editor, Ozone Advanced.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Joined: May 2003
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Yes guitar solos are at a premium for sure.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,760
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Hi Dave, although I have not heard a guitar VSTi that sound real, check my avatar to see why, but I did a google search for “guitar VSTi” and there are quite a few free ones here. I have read that there are a number of good sounding ones for Kontakt such as these and these However they can be on the more expensive side. A less expensive one here has received good reviews. Also Kontakt comes with some guitar sounds. Have you tried them? Since I do not know how you will be using these guitar sounds I can not help you with that. However I will say that if you expect to take a BiaB generated midi file, drop it into FL Studio, pick a new VSTi and think it will sound more like a real guitar you are in for a big disappointment. You will need to greatly modify any Midi guitar file to even come close. You will need to use the pitch bend (vibrato, slurs, pre-bends and bend, slides, detuning, etc.), the mod wheel (tremolo, etc), configurable fader and/or knobs (hammer ons, pull offs, legato playing etc). It will take a lot of editing to achieve that almost real sound and I haven’t even gotten into cabinet choices and effects as they also are needed. I don’t know what you are using for midi input but if you don’t have a midi controller keyboard with assignable knobs and faders you will have to input/draw the data in the piano roll view.. I use one like this model . 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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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117 |
Quote:
Hi Dave, although I have not heard a guitar VSTi that sound real, check my avatar to see why, but I did a google search for “guitar VSTi” and there are quite a few free ones here.
I have read that there are a number of good sounding ones for Kontakt such as these and these
However they can be on the more expensive side.
A less expensive one here
has received good reviews.
Also Kontakt comes with some guitar sounds. Have you tried them?
Since I do not know how you will be using these guitar sounds I can not help you with that. However I will say that if you expect to take a BiaB generated midi file, drop it into FL Studio, pick a new VSTi and think it will sound more like a real guitar you are in for a big disappointment. You will need to greatly modify any Midi guitar file to even come close. You will need to use the pitch bend (vibrato, slurs, pre-bends and bend, slides, detuning, etc.), the mod wheel (tremolo, etc), configurable fader and/or knobs (hammer ons, pull offs, legato playing etc). It will take a lot of editing to achieve that almost real sound and I haven’t even gotten into cabinet choices and effects as they also are needed.
I don’t know what you are using for midi input but if you don’t have a midi controller keyboard with assignable knobs and faders you will have to input/draw the data in the piano roll view.. I use one like this model .
I hope this helps.
Thanks Mario. You provided a lot of useful information. I have looked at many of the guitar VSTs and sample libraries including the ones you listed. Right now the most interesting one out is Electri6ity which seems to have put a lot more intelligence into trying simulate a real guitar player. I am not fooling myself though. I doubt these will ever sound quite like the real thing and the keyboard actions seem difficult to learn. I have tried the guitar libraries that came with Kontakt. The individual samples do sound good but there is not enough variations. I have an Alesis Q49 MIDI controller. Not as good as your Oxygen 49 with 8 assignable knobs and 9 assignable sliders.
Microsoft Surface Pro, Thunderbolt 4, Windows 11, Scarlett Audio Interface, 2025 BIAB & RB, FL Studio Producer, Studio One Producer, Melodyne Editor, Ozone Advanced.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,602
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks for the links, Mario 
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Dave,
What's the local musician scene like in your part of China? I'm guessing you can hire in your needs with better satisfaction than with a plugin. That said, the Trilogy/Trillian plugin for bass guitar is astounding - if that company made a guitar plugin, I would sit up and pay notice.
-Scott
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,760
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,760 |
Quote:
Dave,
What's the local musician scene like in your part of China? I'm guessing you can hire in your needs with better satisfaction than with a plugin. That said, the Trilogy/Trillian plugin for bass guitar is astounding - if that company made a guitar plugin, I would sit up and pay notice.
-Scott
Also why not ask for help on the forums?
I'll bet a number of guitarists here would volunteer to help in collaboration.
I know I would!
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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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117 |
Thanks Scott and Mario. Finding good guitarists in China is difficult. At sometime in the future I may want to collaborate online when I want a polished result. I am a bass player so would be willing to also collaborate in return.
Microsoft Surface Pro, Thunderbolt 4, Windows 11, Scarlett Audio Interface, 2025 BIAB & RB, FL Studio Producer, Studio One Producer, Melodyne Editor, Ozone Advanced.
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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.
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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.
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!
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!
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®!
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.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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