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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
One question I wouldn't have minded before purchasing is, "Are you willing to pay $28 to ship the USB drive to Canada?" Because that is the only option you have for getting your money back.
If there were a demo this wouldn't be happening. I question the claim that a demo would be too big to download because I downloaded enough of the software that I purchased to determine that it's not worth $300 to me. I haven't even received the USB drive yet.
It's odd policy that they give you an option NOT to take the drive, but if you took that option you would get no discount to compensate for passing on the USB drive. I definitely would have taken a discounted price over the drive. I don't know why anybody wouldn't take the drive since they are being charged for it anyways.
I don't care for the software. It's not right for me. I know that there are great fans of this software here, and I respect them and their music.
I was lured by a generous money-back policy, opted to receive a drive because it made financial sense, and now I pay for my mistake.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I am very curious. What do you do musically and how did you expect BIAB to help you in that? What is it about the program that you do not care for? What did it do or fail to do in order to meet your expectations? The answers may be illuminating to PG Music and other users.
The good news is that you may return the product for a refund of the majority of your investment. I can't think of any other music software for which this is true. The fact of return shipping cost for material goods is true of any product returned to any company. You elected to receive a physical product and therefore are liable for returning it. I would write the $28 off to experience and move on, but that's just me.
Respectfully,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
I'm with Richard on this one! What is it about the software "that's not right for you?" What was lacking ...from your expectations of it.....what had you intended using it for? 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
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Posts: 7,258 |
Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
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Ha Graham , Mine does ! Quote:
. I haven't even received the USB drive yet.
I don't care for the software. It's not right for me.
You Must be Psychic !
You should give it a try while you have it ,won't cost you anymore ! Try listening to some demo songs in a style of music you like.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> The answers may be illuminating to PG Music...
I feel that I was misled and ripped off by PG Music. I did not know that I'd be expected to return it to Canada. It would be fairly inexpensive to ship it to anywhere in the USA and that is what I fully expected.
I'm not interested in "illuminating" PG Music. Their sales person got back to me after I complained and had no sympathy for me, as with you who replied.
Also, I will not be so foolish as to criticize this software in a forum where I am outnumbered by avid users.
I hope that this post saves someone in future of this needless expense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
And you expect me to say something negative about this software when I can expect this kind of response?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>>You Must be Psychic ! You should give it a try while you have it ,won't cost you anymore ! Try listening to some demo songs in a style of music you like.
I've been using Band-In-A-Box since the first PC versions and then Windows. The Jazz Guitarist is one of my favorite programs, ever. And I've been using Powertracks since the first versions.
I'm revisiting BIAB after many years, this time on Mac and with Real Tracks. There is no way on earth this is worth $300 to me. I expected more for this kind of money.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
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Posts: 4,026 |
Wow I started in 2004 and it always seemed like an incredible deal to me. My Logic Pro Suite lists for $399 and only has loops for music ,still cheap in my opinion . The last time I went to a studio to record it was a grand a day. Sorry it isn't working out for you ,maybe when the economy picks up it will be better for you.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808 |
Let's see $300, Less than a dollar a day, cheaper than a McDonalds coffee. You already knew the basic since you were a user, you already knew the price since you filled out the order forms, you already knew the terms since you read them. How were you misinformed?
Did you really think that they would ship you a hard drive full of software (we all know software is not really returnable in 99.99% of all circumstances), for free, and take it back for free? Once you open software you agree to the EULA, but still they will take it back.
Lastly if you have used BiaB and PTPA as long as you say, you had to know the company was in Canada! Where did you think they would have you send it back to? Florida? Washington state, so they could hop over the border and pick it up at a Kinkos? Look we all get buyers remorse, and maybe this is not for you, but to be so unhappy about it. You did not go into this blind.
Suck it up either pay the fees to ship it back, or keep the software, dig in and find what most of us found. It does a lot of really great things, but it has grown a lot from a few years back, and takes a lot of work to unlock all it's potential.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
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Posts: 22,629 |
My question would be, what have you downloaded so far that allows your decision to be made? Do you have all the realtracks? Have you tried the RealBand portion? Just curious. I'm not a BiaB fanatic, but enjoy Realband a lot. It's a whole different workflow (more like PTPA with BiaB features thrown in). That program, with the added features, is what keeps me here.
If you only downloaded BiaB and are using only MIDI styles you are missing a lot and may want to wait until you have the hard drive to re-evaluate. If you still think it's not for you, that's understandable. If you only have a portion of the available features, then you should wait a bit before deciding. Just a suggestion. I wouldn't be determined to send it back until I had the whole thing to evaluate.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I was playing 3 nights a week last winter using RealBand. Two nights payed for the program!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,582 |
We still don't know what it is about the software that the OP does not like. All we have is this:
"I don't care for the software. It's not right for me."
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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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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Another troll. Bye bye. .....bye bye.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
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Sometimes I have experienced that on every forum board there are a few that just want to complain. It's okay to do so, but usually it is a misunderstanding, or misconception.
I am with Rharv on this i use BiaB on occasion, but i use RB every day. I am patiently waiting for Rb to add the two or three things i want to make me use it for just about everything.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> Re: John Conley
>> Another troll. Bye bye. .....bye bye.
I'd be a troll if I said what I don't like about the software in an inflammatory manner therefore provoking good people to reply and defend something that they believe in.
I'm talking about being shocked that I have to pay $28 (plus the $15 initial shipping) for a total of $43 to try this software. I'm saying if there were a demo this wouldn't happen. Nobody has much to say about that. I posted this as a heads-up to anyone else that potentially be surprised at cost of trying this particular package and returning it. The reason why I or anyone else might not think the software is a good value is irrelevant to this topic.
If I am a troll, you sir, are clueless.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,629
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Quote:
The reason why I or anyone else might not think the software is a good value is irrelevant to this topic.
It's not irrelevant if you only downloaded the program. Honestly; if you don't like it I can see your point. If you are judging it based on only the program download I think you are shortchanging yourself (and possibly others). Wait for the hard drive to arrive before making your decision. There is a LOT more to this program than just the program files.
If you have downloaded the other options (including realtracks) already, then I'm speaking out of turn. If not, try the whole thing before deciding. We've seen this before here on th forum. Some dedicated members here (now) were ready to return it before giving it the full workout, then changed their mind later. It does things others can't touch. But if it isn't for you; that's fine. Just wanted to make sure you gave it a fair shot before deciding.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,980
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,980 |
Regarding a downloadable demo - this has been requested for years.... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168
Veteran
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,168 |
Quote:
Regarding a downloadable demo - this has been requested for years....
I can't undedrstand why there is no demo either. Since there are so many illegal (though be it, out of date) demo's) floating about, it would be nice to have a proper legal one from PG music.
To be honest es175player I think you would have been better to wait to the christmas sale as packages are a lot cheaper then though I do see your point about a downloadable demo.
Another thing is PG is very trusting of potential customers to give them a 30 day money back. Whats to stop someone from buying software from pg then doing a copy and then sending the original software back to PG?, though it's very clear to me that you availing of the 30 day returns for very genuine reasons as you don't like the software.
I know esa75 you are at a loss this time, but try to understand how good that 30 day returns no question asked from PG music is.
musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
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I downloaded band in a box a few years ago and have never looked back. There's styles for almost every taste If you don't like real tracks then use midi. I was a very very poor sight reader till I got this programme. It's helped me understand chords, and improved my sight reading enormously. WHY don't you like the software ? Quote:
>> Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
And you expect me to say something negative about this software when I can expect this kind of response?
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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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