Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
I recently installed the Summerpak upgrade to my Ultrapluspak 2010.5 windows

I have just noticed that when I go to the style picker page there is some differences on the listing on the left hand side.
What I am used to is to be able to look at a style type--say Jazz and see the total number of Jazz styles ( 653 ) and then beneath it those styles broken down to various substyles--Ballads 110, Bebop 69 etc etc

However at the top I see a seperate line item marked Realtracks sets 83-101 ( 109 )

If I scroll down towards the bottom, I now see a completely different section that seperately lists Styles 69 to 77 ( various Style Discs ) and beneath it Realtracks 83 to 101--these all seem to come on Style Disc 94

I suppose I expected these to be blended into the generic music styles etc

Did I load it incorrectly??

Are these actually also in the Music types on the list, Blues, Classic, Country, Folk, Funk, Hip-Hop, Jazz etc, or do I need to search through them seperately

Perhaps I dont really understand how the style picker window works???

Tx

Phil

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Hi Phil,

What describe is how my Stylepicker Window looks in my 2010.5 UltraPlusPAK. From what I can see, the separate listings are also cross-listed in their relevant style. For example, when I click on Realtracks #89 (at the bottom the styles list), the top style is _NRCKBAL EV 8 65: now when I go to the Rock/Pop (All) styles and I scroll down the list, _NRCKBAL is also given there.

In light of the above, I suspect that what you are describing is the new-look style picker window. My experience is that as BIAB has grown over the years, the style picker window has changed to make for easier navigation through the thousands of styles.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Hi Noel

Tx for such a fast reply

It just seems a bit strange to list them that way--perhaps its my OCD is kicking in!!!!

I assume then that when I go to the search button and put in a song or song type it goes through ALL the styles that I have not just the section I am looking in??

Regards

Phil

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Ahh

Just did a test and it seems that the search function only works for the style type you have highlighted on the left pane

I use this a lot to search for BinaB recommended styles for a certain song

I have been doing this incorrectly for ages--dam!

Regards

Phil

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,645
Hi Phil,

Try this...
  • In the window on the left, click on "All Styles(MIDI)" - at the top of the list.
  • Click on the Search button.
  • Type in Darin and click "OK".
  • Repeatedly click on the G button.

On the left side window, notice that the search moves through all the styles looking for references to Darin. For me, I started in the MIDI styles, then jumped to Jazz (All), then Jazz (Big Band), Jazz (Swing), etc.

Hope this information helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Hi Noel

Tried that and it works tx

What I was trying to use the "search" function for was to type in the actual name of a song--" A change is gonna come" for instance and see if I could find what BinaB thinks is a good match

It works for some songs---As you know when you click on a style there is a little window on the right that tells you typical songs that this style works for and I often try to use this---but if you put that in the search and hit the G button it doesnt scroll down all the types of style for some reason

It must relate to a word actually in the style pane


BR

Phil

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I find that if I want to Search ALL styles, I first highlight that at the top of the LH window, then do the Search function.

If I want to choose from only RealStyles, I highlight the RealStyles header, etc.

This can help greatly to filter out things you don't want to search through.

TIP: I have also found, the hard way, that the choice of Style file is something that I want to spend time doing. This is not the place to rush things, not the time to get antsy or otherwise push to get it in a hurry, I like to lay out the chord changes first, or at least some of the changes, set the song to repeat a zillion times, then hit Play and then open the Stylepicker and, using the checkbox that allows us to load and audition a Style with a doubleclick to work very well indeed when looking for that particular Style that does the song justice. Spending time with this critical part of the process is always time well spent here.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
HI Mac

Tx for the reply

I looked at the "All Styles" line but mine says "All Styles ( MIDI) 1,753" and if i expand that I do get just MIDI styles, whereas the total number of styles I have is listed is 7,652 in the style picker window

I do usually use the method you describe but always like to look in the "examples" window in the style picker as I assume that someone at PG has worked out that the style I have highlighted is a very good match for the song I am looking for, so I type the actual name of the song into the search function rather than a style type like "Darin" that Noel mentioned.

The difference might be that I'm using BinaB to create backing tracks and notation for existing well known songs rather than using it for composing new material

Regards

Phil

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:



The difference might be that I'm using BinaB to create backing tracks and notation for existing well known songs rather than using it for composing new material

Regards

Phil




Well, I often do the same and that's the method I use.

I don't expect a full-on database that is able to "know" every song out there and tell me what Style to use, though. That alone would be a huge project to implement, I think.

However, I have found all sorts of styles that are NOT listed as to a particular already existing song that I want to duplicate in BiaB that work very well with the song indeed.

Matter of fact, I've learned over the years that this alone can be a large part of the fun and learning that BiaB provides, my cover song folders are full of examples of the same song, often the exact same layout but the differences lie in the Style selected.

But I do not attempt to make BiaB do full on exact covers.

It really isn't the program of choice for that kind of thing IMO. Better to go the route of MIDi sequences or mp3/karaoke type files for the exact "note-for-note" cover tunes IMO.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 117
Hi Mac

Tx for your reply

The thing is that now I have got used to using Notation in BinaB--especially crotchet triplets--I think its absolutely great for entering notation.

I cant think why I would want to pay to use anything else

I am now able to write notation for everything I have tried--even some very complicated stuff

In addition I can choose a Piano and Guitar accompaniments I like and print those off two

Gives our keyboard player a heart attack, now he just cant doodle along with the basic chords

The only thing I dont use is the Soloist function as (a), we dont need it and (b), being a sax player I can hear a difference in tonal quality when it puts sax solos together -- probably a different mouthpiece and reed combination

Appart from that its pretty much perfect for what I want

Tx

Phil

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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!

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.

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!

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®!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,488
Posts805,647
Members40,131
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Paul S, FabrizioGuitar, Justin Moore, cdtimpy, AKO64
40,131 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 121
rsdean 84
DC Ron 63
WaoBand 58
Today's Birthdays
D3M3T4N, duncanwhyte, kevin p, Lovis, zisquier50
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5