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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
I purchased this http://www.janetdavismusic.com/s-bndbx.html after calling both the dealer and PG with several questions. My objective is simple. My kids are all learning Bluegrass fiddle and the "learning by ear" system is impossible to manage. I need to create practice tracks for all their songs, so they can practice effectively when I am out of town for work. Where do I get started finding styles that sound professional? All I can find is horrible midi sound. So far this experience has been the same as everything else, plenty of salesmen, no real answers, no one there to help, total self-service, a random list of files. I may commit arson soon.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
I will call on Monday. No help = send this back
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,488
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,488 |
Hi Digittydog, Welcome to the forum of users. BIAB will do what you want it to. How "professional" it sounds will depend on the Realtracks that came with the version your bought. For your reference, Realtracks are professional musicians' performances that BIAB pitch-shifts to play with the chords entered. They sound amazing. If you have a listen to the Realtracks at the link below, you'll hear what I mean. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.realtracks.htmI had a look at the webpage you've given and there's no real indication as to what Realtracks were included in the package. My impression of Janet's webpage is that the $99.95 Bluegrass Pak is an entry level version of BIAB that Janet has put together for a specific purpose. If you have a look at the various versions of BIAB that PG Music sell (see link below), you'll see what I mean. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmWhat you can try, is to click on the "Styles" button, in the "Category" window, under "Country" select "Bluegrass", and have a look ans see what styles you have (these are to the right of the Category window). The styles that begin with _ or = include Realtracks and will sound professional. Styles that don't have _ or = at the beginning are MIDI styles. To open a particular style, simply double-click on it or select it and choose "OK".  Note that MIDI styles can certainly sound very professional but they are highly dependent on the synthesizer that drives the sound. With basic Windows/Mac sounds, MIDI tends to sound a little underwhelming. With a good software or hardware synthesizer, though, the sound is very impressive. For most of my songs, I tend to use a combination of MIDI and Realtracks. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Yes, The package you bought looks to be the midi-only version. BIAB has versions now that have "real tracks" in them that sound great -- but they cost a lot more. Now the midi stuff will sound pretty good, too -- if you have sound modules that "interpret" the midi directions into good sounding audio. Just remember that midi is just 1's and 0's -- no sound at all. Your default PC soundcard has the standard general midi mapping that, well, sounds cheesy. Don't despair -- I think you can make drums, bass, piano backing tracks that can sound pretty good with just about any flavor of sound card. I'll be out of town for a few days, but the folks around here are friendly and will help you out. Kevin P.S. Here's a few "bluegrassy" type tunes I did with BIAB real tracks as the backing band: You Start Things Spinning: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=1144009&songID=10315908Hey, Hey: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=1144009&songID=10282177Won and Lost: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=620106&songID=6137590
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,895
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,895 |
Quote:
Where do I get started finding styles that sound professional? All I can find is horrible midi sound. So far this experience has been the same as everything else, plenty of salesmen, no real answers, no one there to help, total self-service, a random list of files.
No salesmen here only users - and for the most part satisfied users. BIAB is not a DVD you ploup the kids in front of and tell them to sit and watch it until you come home. It is also not a toy which provides instant gratification. It is a serious musical education that requires the users time and effort. I would suggest you go to work and tell the kids to visit this forum and ask questions and learn for other experienced users of the application. You may be surpirzed at what they are able to accomplish when you return. Sorry to sound blunt - I am having a bad day. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,895
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,895 |
Quote:
Now the midi stuff will sound pretty good, too -- if you have sound modules that "interpret" the midi directions into good sounding audio. Just remember that midi is just 1's and 0's -- no sound at all. Your default PC soundcard has the standard general midi mapping that, well, sounds cheesy.
I am feeling a little better now. Again hope I didn't come across rude.
Kevin is right on here. So tell us what are you using as a midi sound module? If it is the default PC sound card then your ears are likly correct in that it sounds "cheezy". There is a free 30 day download of an excellent DXi synth which provide far superior Midi Sound. check it out.
http://www.pgmusic.com/coyotefortedxi.htm
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 67 |
+1 for the Forte Dxi vsti. Good sounds for a tiny price.
The other way to have good midi sounds is to buy an external soundmodule like the Ketron SD2. It's not the same price but it is really good for acoustic sounds.
Free tools for Biab: Biab Scales and BIArpeggio to practice scales/arpeggio Biab Explorer: the other song picker
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108 |
Hello, We are certainly here to help. These are our user forums, so if you'd like to get in touch with us directly, we'd be happy to speak with you and provide advice and answers to your questions. Please feel free to call us or visit us on Live Chat (our hours and all contact details are linked in my signature). Regarding your issue, if you'd like professional sounding bluegrass, you can certainly improve your MIDI sound as advised above. For the most realistic sound, you may also be interested in our Bluegrass RealTracks - in particular, RealTracks Sets 11,12,33,62,96,121,153. You can preview them on our RealTracks page: http://www.pgmusic.com/realtracks.all.php?os=win You can purchase any of these individually for $29, or in a Country RealPAK (Volume 1 contains sets 11,12,33 and a lot of other Country RealTracks & Drums!). Again, feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Best regards, Will
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
My kids are baby, 3 1/2, 6, and 8. They can't do it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
I am confused diggity, what are you looking for? and how can we help?
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: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
I may be wrong but I feel a slight leg pull here.
Later,
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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 wonder if he's related to my cross-dressing Ukranian friend?!!  Joe G.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7 |
Joe: I have no idea what that means.
All: I am a newbe to recording, pro audio, and band in a box. Do do understand music, chrods, etc.
Without rehashing the above... I am someone who looked all over the website at real track demos, styles, and more. I realized I could create practice tracks for my kids fiddle studies. My oldest 2 kids take lessons. My 7 1/2 year old has 30- 40 tunes and plays in OTF contests. Dad can't strum with her every night for long periods, and has to be out of town as a traveling salesman every week for a couple of days.
I wanted the sounds I heard in the bluegrass related real tracks.
I was confused by the number of packages offered.
I called PG sales 3 times and spoke to a female sales rep.
I called Janet Davis music multiple times because they are a dealer and specialize in bluegrass related stuff.
Both parties were polite.
It was still unclear if the "bluegrass pack" being offered would do what I needed or not, but I was told it had realistic enough sounds for performance backing tracks.
This was not the case.
I should have purchased the ultra plus or everything pack,
Yesterday I called PG tech support and got some questions answered. I also upgraded to Ultra plus package. Since downloading certain real tracks, I am on my way.
I still have some questions, but will try and put those in the appropriate places.
Thanks for your time and effort to help.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
DiggityDog, that's good you got help, and PG Music's support is indeed great. You might do us a favor by posting those solutions, so we can help others when that problem shows up again.
Never mind the unusual comments, they are making an inside joke based on some of the odd folks who have appeared here in the past. We all welcome you to the forum. You will be helping others soon.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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 |
Yes welcome!Obviously no relation to the aforementioned "friend"  ....as Matt said , there have been some very odd people trying to cause a few problems in the past. This is a really helpful & friendly forum.....plenty of expertise.....you'll always find help & answers to most problems. Welcome again!  Joe G.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
I said I might be wrong . . . now Joe and his cross dressing friend hmmmmm that is another can of beans. Welcome!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Band in a box real tracks is what you really need. Try sampling a few utube videos or go to the PG site. To my ears MIDI is never satisfactory. Rest assured that with real tracks you will be able to create authentic bluegrass, or at least country style tracks in a variety of genres all in less than a minute (once you know how to neter chords). Thats the great thing about BIAB it may be quirky, but it gets you playing immediately. The demos are easy for YOU to create Upgrade 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
One thing to keep in mind, while Zee is right, midi in it's simple state, (using a cheap synth) does not sound great, it can be just fine for a play along practice pal, and not too easily overlooked. There are a ton of blue grass tunes to play with in the BB folder on installation.
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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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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
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We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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