|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
a friend asked me to make some background music for his chinese restaurant.
I have a bunch of chinese instruments VSTi plugins
erhu, guanzi, guqin, hulu, pipa, sheng, suona, yangqin, matouqin, ...
is there a way to have BIAB generate soft chinese music ?
is there a "style" for that, or how should I do this ?
I noticed that generating a "normal" western song and replacing the instruments isn't a solution, because they sound off-key
the note scale is different in Chinese style, I think ...
please somebody help me ...
Thanks
Dirk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
))) is there a "style" for that, or how should I do this ?
Possibly. Please give us a YouTube link to an example song.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196 |
I have created some Chinese music using sample libraries such as EW Silk. Its all been done however using the Pentatonic scale ( e.g. the black notes on a piano ) in various combinations together with drums, cymbals etc programmed directly into Sonar. I would imagine chords would need to be made up from that scale but chords as such are not generally used so probably BIAB is not suitable software you can use at present.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
http://youtu.be/7apji-hg5j4this is the kind of stuff that I need ... I need to make it myself, as we don't want to pay fees to copyright societies ... that's why I'm looking into this ... anybody can help ?
Last edited by Dirk Renders; 03/19/13 04:55 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
Not sure about the chinese scale, but I know there are such a thing as a specific keyboard for middle east music, i guess they also use a different scale. I'll be interested (rather curious) about an style that can come close.
Good luck
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Dirk,
Prior to the introduction of Real Tracks, i.e., in MIDI-only days, the sorcery of BIAB lay in the Stylemaker. It is still there and fully functional. It allows you to create unique BIAB Styles of your own. You can also create what are called Hybrid Styles which combine elements of existing Styles. Check out the video "Secrets of the Stylemaker" (available on the PG Music website and, I believe, with copies of BIAB) as well as reading up on all of the documentation available to you. If you are musically knowledgeable and determined it can be done. There is at least one resident expert here who may be willing to help you.
Richard
Last edited by Ryszard; 03/20/13 11:34 PM.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Not sure about the chinese scale, but I know there are such a thing as a specific keyboard for middle east music, i guess they also use a different scale. I'll be interested (rather curious) about an style that can come close.
Good luck
Mike B.
The example youtube song posted above does not use any quarter tones or the likes, it is based on the Western Tempered Scale, in this case the Pentatonic Minor, with a few excursions through the Natural Minor Scale. In key of A minor. Then it modulates up a step to the B penta and minor, into the B Major to F# and into F# pentatonic with a few natural minor scale runs and out.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196 |
Quote:
http://youtu.be/7apji-hg5j4
this is the kind of stuff that I need ...
I need to make it myself, as we don't want to pay fees to copyright societies ...
that's why I'm looking into this ...
anybody can help ?
In the interim Dirk I would experiment with the following BIAB style :
THESWAMP Oriental New Age, w Swamp loop
It has some pleasant sound effects built in. There maybe others. But somehow I think you are looking for a complete generation of midi parts that you can assign to your sample library instruments ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196 |
Just an interesting bit of info trivia about the Pentatonic scale. Although it is the most common scale of 5 notes used throughout the world and “sounds” Chinese played “randomly” it is also the basis of the notes used exclusively in the following well-known Western tunes and riff: (and therefore possibly to be avoided) Robbie Burns’s - Auld Lang Syne Rod Stewarts - Sailing Willis’ – Sweet Low Sweet Chariot McCartneys’ – Mull of Kintyre Led Zepplins’ Riff – Whole Lotta Love Thanks to Howard Goodall’s program series “ How Music Works” for pointing this out. Worth watching all the series parts for PGMusic users: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnbOWi6f_IM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
I'm still not any further with this ...
who can help me ?
pleaaaaaaase
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
... or maybe is somebody willing to make some chinese "muzak" for me (using BiaB or other) ?
I'm prepared to pay for it ... not going through the roof, but still ...
but it definately needs to be "rightsfree" ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134 |
After reading Mac's reply, I thought I'd give it a try around guitar solos. This is just for fun. Just an example. How I did this one. Let the melodist create a song, I picked "No Form" as this is just an example. The "style" doesn't matter as you'll replace tracks with realstyles - well the midi from realstyles. Add a realtrack guitar Solo, like a Brent Mason Ballad guitar solo. 1168:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockBalladBrent Ev 065 (Bluesy) These kind of tracks have midi. Then Edit -> Copy Track to another track. I did this twice. Then I added VSTi instruments to those tracks that sounded ethnic to me. One said "Koto", the other some flute thing. I slowed the tempo down to 30. This is as slow as I could get. Therefore why it ended up being so long. It sounds interesting.  https://soundcloud.com/raintalk-1/instinctive-daydream-render Instinctive Daydream To fill in I added strings and bambo sticks. The strings are the High-Q Sampletank ones that come with BIAB. You can create a wave file with the same name as the Song and BIAB will play it. I added some ambient windy chime thing. And put this on the same track as the piano. There is some distortion so in real life check the levels. Have fun - this is all fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Raintalk,I used your trick copying realtracks to soloist, a bit working on melody not below. Using mandolin solo at half time. Not what i want yet. The solo/melody is vital, so not changing the other midi voicing yet. DirkBy pure coincidence I'm tinkering with New age oriental music. This link has some number of pseudo sounding chord progressions. Used few of them for the VERY MUCH W.I.P on this song. Groups of chord progressions. http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-9084.htmlUsed the Lotus1.sty JoyBeach.SGU link....again W.I.P. working on adding melody. Still need to change part chords... but gives you an idea. http://www.mp3cloud.mobi/JoyBeach.SGU
Last edited by seeker; 06/06/13 07:09 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,799
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,799 |
Look at the NEW AGE styles in BB... they would probably come the closest of any.
You could use them as backing by muting the undesired tracks/instruments and by using synths to play oriental and world instruments you could easily cobble together some music that would work well in that situation.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
... or maybe is somebody willing to make some chinese "muzak" for me (using BiaB or other) ?
I'm prepared to pay for it ... not going through the roof, but still ...
but it definately needs to be "rightsfree" ...
... contact me in PM
Last edited by Dirk Renders; 07/08/13 01:11 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
anybody out there want to help me with this ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Dirk,
I have found this to be the most friendly and helpful forum around. Your request has been seen. If no one has answered by now it's probably because, for whatever reason, no one is able to help you. BIAB is certainly capable of doing what you want, but it would take specific knowledge of the style or styles you want to create, plus experience with BIAB's Stylemaker, and knowing where to find samples or virtual instruments representing the sounds you want to use.
It has been said that success happens where opportunity and preparedness meet. I realize that there is probably a significant opportunity that is being missed here. I have eaten in a local Vietnamese restaurant where music was being played that certainly could have been created in BIAB; I have no idea whether it was or not. My guess is that no one here is familiar enough with the Chinese styles and instruments you have in mind.
Personally, I think you have a great idea. Your choice would appear to be either to learn how to do this yourself, which sounds like quite an undertaking, or to keep looking for someone who could do it for you. My fear in the latter case is that if someone else got the idea, they would do it for themself and leave you out of the loop.
However you decide to proceed, I wish you the best of luck.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7 |
Well,
I don't need the most complicated oriental schemes and stuff, just some background muzak with an oriental touch, to accord with the atmosphere in my friend's restaurant ...
so should I learn how to do it ?
how should I proceed my learning journey ?
or can/will somebody help ?
looking forward to hearing from all you expert guys ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
. The intro to this song has a kind of "Chinesey" sound to it. I could have made it more specifically Chinese if I had wanted to. I got the sound using a major pentatonic scale and regular GM instruments. From Coyote, if I recall... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVxy5uuP9U0&feature=c4-overview&list=UU1HIjytygskt35Kk2JGe9twIt switches to a Western major mode after the first 28 bars.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,302
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean