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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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
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Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
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