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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 20 |
I'm looking to purchase BIAB Ultra Plus Pak for $329.99 from East Coast Music.
Was wondering if this is a good deal; is there any reason East Coast Music is not a reputable dealer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
Hello. I don't know about that vendor, but in general I have often seen vendors sell older versions of the program. Make sure they sell you version 2012.5.
As an aside, I can think of several reasons to purchase directly from PG Music:
1. They are the finest company I have ever encountered for customer service.
2. They keep a record of your purchases, so you can always get the right upgrade.
3. They can make adjustments if you decide you bought the wrong version, such as a version with less than you decide you actually want.
There are probably others if I think longer, but I'll post this now.
This program is amazing; you should really enjoy it.
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: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Big +1 to Matt's notes above.
Great people to deal with and of course a winderful product that just keeps gettin better.
Welcome aboard!
Later,
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961 |
I had the option of saving about $100 from a 3rd-party but decided to go ahead and buy directly from PG for the reasons stated above and others. They gave me immediate download access to everything AND sent me a hard drive containing everything (plus the hard drive is engraved with "Band In A Box" which is just cool to a geek like me!)
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 11/05/12 09:56 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
I agree with Matt and Danny, but $470 vs. $330, a $140 savings, is nothing to sneeze at. HERE is a link to East Coast. It's 2012.5. Seems on the up and up.
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,961 |
"Since the 2012.5 Edition has recently been released, we may ship you a 2012 Edition (a few left in stock) and then you can get a FREE upgrade kit or download for 2012.5 from PG Music." You're almost certainly gonna get 2012 and then have to go through an upgrade with PG! Maybe not a huge issue but another one on my list of reasons to go straight to PG! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Going from 2012 to 2012.5 is not usually free (as the advertising says). I'd double-check this because the company might have a special deal happening with PG Music. Normally it costs US $129 to upgrade from 2012 UltraPlusPak to 2012.5.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
Good catch JJJ and Noel. The cost to upgrade 2012 to 2012.5 would about match the discount.
kelso
Dell Desktop XPS 8100 W10 HomePrem/64 / Core i5 760 (quad, 2.8GHz) / 8GB DDR3 / 1 TB SATA / ViewSonic VG2428wm / EMU1616 PCI / Event ASP6 Active Monitors / BIAB 2019 64 bit (609) / Cakewalk
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>>> Going from 2012 to 2012.5 is not usually free (as the advertising says). If you purchase BiaB 2012 from a dealer, on or after July 2012, then yes, it is a free upgrade to 2012.5, and we supply the upgrade. You would send the copy of receipt of purchase to sales@pgmusic.com
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 20 |
Matt,
Sounds like very good reasons to stick with PG. I can't wait to get started. Thanks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,614 |
We'll be here to help if you need it.
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: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi clav,
Peter Gannon in the above post is the "PG" in PG Music. If he says that the upgrade from 2012 to 2012.5 is free when you send a copy of your receipt to PG Music, he means that. It's great to know that Peter also looks after the retailers of his products just as well as he looks after his customers.
All in all, you could potentially save yourself around $140 by buying 2012 from East Coast and then sending a copy of the sales docket to PG Music so that you get the 2012.5 upgrade for free. (I'd scan the docket and send it by email. If you don't have a scanner, you could always ask East Coast to scan it for you and to send it to PG Music on your behalf.)
The above process is a little more involved because it means that, given what East Coast say, you would most likely first buy version 2012, install it and then get version 2012.5 and then install that straight over the top of 2012. Installation is not at all difficult. What you need to weigh-up is whether or not the added steps in the above procedure are worth a saving of $140.
All the best. You'll love the software whichever way you decide to get it!
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906 |
FWIW-I just checked East Coast Music and all I could find was BiaB 2012.5!
Personally I would buy from PGMusic. If there were any problems with the software and or hard drive dealing with the PGMusic would be much easier than going through a third party! Just my thoughts.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
I don't want to "stall" an immediate sale but we are getting awfully close to the 2013 release.
So...yep...you could buy either 2012 with a free upgrade or the 2012.5 with no need for an upgrade from the dealer...in spite of all the good reasons to buy direct from PG.*
But if you do that, then in just a matter of several weeks, you'll have a non-current verson and will likely to be sorely tempted to upgrade to 2013 so, there goes your "savings."
I don't know what the cut off date is after which, if you buy 2012.5 you get a free upgrade to 13....or even if there is such an upgrade deal. But if there is one, I would guess we're getting pretty close to it.
Just food for thought.
*To add to the kudos already given to PG, several years ago, I ordered a new version and paid full retail....forgetting that I was eligible for a lower "upgrade price."
I immediately got an e-mail from PG telling me that I was eligible for the upgrade price and they adjusted the sale amount to that price.
In the current age of "take the money and run", I doubt whether there is a dealer on the planet that would have done that!
Best,
Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 9
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 9 |
BIAB 2012.5 is the most recent package but I've only seen one ad on Amazon and elsewhere advertising this. All of the others still show 2012 (without the .5). Is it simply that other suppliers haven't got 2012.5 in stock or that they want to sell their existing 2012 ones first?
Peter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi Peter,
Welcome to the forums.
I have no idea what the answer is to your question. If you go up a few posts and read the one from Peter Gannon (PG Music is his company), you'll note that anyone who buys 2012 from a PG Music dealer now is entitled to a free upgrade to 2012.5 from PG Music. In this sense, it doesn't really matter if you buy 2012. You can still potentially end up with 2012.5 at no extra cost.
If you're interested in buying from a dealer, maybe you should check with PG Music if the upgrade is free from the dealer involved.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204 |
When I was shopping for BIAB 2010.5 everything pak., MF had 2010 @ a big savings. I was advised by P.G. that when MF made 2010.5 availabe @ that same reduced price, then P.G. would match the price. That is what I did. Buy direct if you can. My 2 cents. Leon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 9
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 9 |
Thanks to both of you for the helpful replies.
Peter
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40 |
Go with PG. I'm a Mac user and they've been brilliant with me.
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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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®.
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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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)!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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