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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4 |
I need some advice on keyboards.
- I am an amateur musician who enjoys songwriting and creating songs (no stage requirements)
- i am a guitar player still learning the piano
- regardless of what biab is capable of, i want a keyboard
- I am new to BIAB and am still trying to get acquainted with midi
- prefer to use the arrangement capabilities of biab instead of the keyboard
- have a mac with recording set-up so don't need that in a keyboard
- don't think i need a lot of frills and gadgets, just a keyboard and good instrument sounds
- price range $1000-$2000
I know there are a lot of you out there with far more experience than I, so any advice is appreciated.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385 |
I think this might fit your needs.... I love mine. It's a matter of touch, and these Privias have a new responsive keyboard which just feels good to play. I was raised on classical music and "real" pianos, but for the beginner, I would bet that the touch on a lot of keyboards just ,might turn you off. This one won't, and you could expect maybe to actually enjoy learning the piano. (And don't be put off because it's a Casio -- it's a whole new ballgame for the company.) http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PX3BK/There are some newer Privias, with more features, etc., and I would do a bunch of research before taking the plunge -- there are a lot of choices, and I am sure some others will offer other suggestions here. Good luck.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12 |
I think the Privias sound good but as a pianist I find there's something lacking in the relationship of the sound to the touch - a slight delay when you play ff & also a lack of tonal variety at different dynamics. Here in Australia where we don't have as many choices in Brands, & the prices are higher too. Many pro players I know use Kawais but I personally play a Roland. Check Kurzweil & Korg too but generally buy the best, which is probably the most expensive model you can afford. Also if you can go to the pro models which don't have speakers built in, you may be able to afford a better quality instrument.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I think you could actually get away with a much smaller budget, if you are willing to go with non-weighted keys (that's my preference for 'keyboard') which will help with developing an overall keyboard technique.
Given your description as being a guitar player learning piano, plus the desire to use the keyboard for midi data entry, the Casio WK series - the entire series, may be a good fit. The WK-200 is pretty much the bottom of the line and retails for $200, on sale you can get it for under $150. This will not last you forever - the keybed at least, but it will get you over the hump of deciding what you really want to do with the black and white keys.
It is a synth-action keyboard. It has MIDI via USB. The sounds are perfectly fine to get started, and some of them are even gig-worthy, in my opinion. The acoustic piano sounds and some of the EP sounds and the rock organ sound are quite good.
Also consider the Yamaha similar keyboards, but they have one advantage in that in the 200-300$ range, you can get one with a pitch bend wheel, which as a guitar player will be a very natural thing for you to get used to and implement with perhaps more aplomb than a classically trained pianist (sorry great pianists here - this has been my observation over the years).
Now, if you want to learn piano technique, then I suggest shopping for a proper piano for your house. Yamaha P22 series for example. Used, and with diligence, you should be able to find one in your price range. Keep an extra $100 out to buy the Casio WK-200 for your midi adventures, (or latest version) and another $100-$150 to have the acoustic properly tuned. This will not take up any additional floor space over a weighted electronic keyboard, has classic clean styling that won't make it a non-seller 10 years from now, etc.
Years ago, I was trying to convince my wife that we needed a Kurzweil digital piano. She insisted that she didn't want anything with LEDs on it in our living room. I'm glad she won the argument! Our kids have all learned on that Yamaha; I've learned how to tune pianos since then, and it has provided years upon years of enjoyment, songwriting opportunities, etc. It's just plain different than buying a digital. You might even get lucky and find one even cheaper than expected. Ours was found by a piano-tuning friend. Practically brand new. I think we paid $1300 for it. Simply a great instrument. Also shop for the Hamilton series from Baldwin, but avoid I think what is called Acrosonic - their spinet models for the most part.
For more money, go for the Yamaha U1. Plan on another $1-2K for that over the P22. I suggest the P22 over the other P model because of the plain styling. The other P series is going to look ugly in a few years because of the scroll-work which will almost assuredly pass out of fashion.
With any acoustic upright style piano purchase, the higher the cabinet, normally the better product results. 40" high and higher recommended. This allows longer strings to be used, under higher tension, with action that more directly translates finger movement into hammer striking the strings. The more shallow 'spinet' style cabinets have to use shorter strings, under less tension, with more of an angled mechanism to translate finger movement into hammer action.
Also when buying used, try to find a local piano tuners guild person that will go with you to check out a few choices. They can point out if there are issues with the mechanicals and whether or not the piano is easy to tune and will hold tune.
All of this may seem a hassle - but I just wanted to put that out there for consideration.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40 |
Alternatively a controller keyboard and software sounds (BIAB itself?) might be a cost-effective way to go. I have a M-Audio Axiom, which is very Mac (and Pro Tools)-friendly.
iMac, MOTU 828 MkII, Western Drive EHD, M-Audio Axiom 25, plus too many instruments, mics, leads, crap, etc.
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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 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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