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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
I currently own BIAB 2011 which was purchased in Dec. 2010. Is it possible to find out what new things (styles, real tracks, etc) have been introduced since I purchased my version, that can be used with 2011. IE, were there new things that came out with 2012, 2013, or issued independent of a new version etc. that I can purchase now to use with 2011? I know the upgrade is very reasonable but I am 77 years old and don't want to spend a lot more money until I find out if I can actually figure out how to use what I currently own. I look forward to any information I can get. I'm also starting to learn how to play guitar. Wish me luck.
Many Thanks,
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
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Hi Phestus, First off, I'm not employed by PG Music and the information that I'm passing on is purely from recollection. Ultimately, you will need to contact PG Music to get the correct information. (I'm a BIAB user.) Since version 2011, there have been a couple of modifications regarding the way in which BIAB handles Realtracks and Realdrums. Because of this, I suspect that it's necessary to get (as a minimum), the upgrade that will enhance 2011 and modify it so that it will work with any of the newer Realtracks. This upgrade is listed as $69 and doesn't include any Realtracks or Realdrums. Prices for the different packages are here ... http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmIt's also possible for you to buy (say) the UltraPlusPak which will include the above upgrade and also all Realtracks and Realdrums for $159 (currently on special). According to the below webpage ... http://www.pgmusic.com/realtracks.all.php?os=winBIAB 2011 had Realtrack sets up to Set 175. With 2015, we're now up to Set 227. If you scroll through the sets listed at the above site, you'll be able to see and hear what has been added since Set 175. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Hi Noel,
Thanks for the response. Good info. I'll check that out and see if there seems to be anything I can't do without. BIAB is a great program. After I use what I currently have, to the point where I can accomplish what I'm after, I'll probably upgrade to the newest version. 'Til then, I'll keep reading and experimenting. Thanks again for the info.
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
Hello Phestus, I noticed your post because I have the `11 version also. While I can't give you a comprehensive answer regarding what might be new, I'll venture a guess that there will be a good deal of new real tracks.
I personally wish they'd stop hanging bells and whistles all over this app. It's just more stuff that can possibly cause trouble. It would time and money better spent to clean up the code for what is already here.
Depending on your music prefs `11 is way short on many categories of real tracks. The electric pianos and organs are woefully under staffed.
My version of `11 likes to reduce itself to the btm of the desktop on the downbeat of what ever tune I'm trying to begin.
`11 has it's own private laptop which I almost never get on line with [I have a mac for that] and then only for short periods. This is a toshiba running windows 7. And the problems seem to accumulate from my use of the app. Which I am pretty familiar with since the 90s.
I applaud your decision to begin another instrument. I hope you already play something else. If you have biab you probably play keys or sing. Both would be an asset to your guitar studies. Get a guitar that fits your hand and body when you can. If you have large hands find a guitar with 1.75 or more, inches width at the nut. Eastman makes guitars acoustic and electric with wider nut widths. The converse is also true here's where a teacher can really help.
As far as guitar is concerned pleas allow me to suggest 99centguitarlessons.com once you begin to find your way around the neck. I don't think there are classes for those new to guitar. *see the scale info below... But when you are ready Rich Severson [who doesn't pay me to say this ] will come to your desktop at your convenience and spoon feed you, two bars at a time, close up, with short explanations of the theory explaining why that note is used in that particular place. Classes on each topic include a video down loaded to your desktop with practice tracks [ done on biab real tracks ] a .pdf with notation and tab. You are not limited to download the classes come on CD too for a little more. Good informative classes range between 1.99 to 5 bux for a single class. If you want to learn a few different ways to play the changes, several graduated solos and a chord melody version of the song you can spend 19.95. These are called Sets.
But that's for later, I would plead with you to get lessons from a good credentialed teacher. It is possible to pick pick up very unproductive habits concerning hand position and many other aspects of the instrument. These can be pretty hard to break once they are ingrained. Sure, let anyone who will show you stuff licks or songs. But get the fundamentals from a pro.
Now that I think about it Rich does have many classes on scales.
a word of caution on scales. Think of them as a very valuable tool for organizing pitches in a useful. Scales are a means to an end. That end is letting the chords you play over dictate some of your note choices. Also begin a given scale from any scale tone. Do not just run them up and down from root to root.
This will teach you poor improv habits. I'm in a rural area and have driven six hour round trips to Albuquerque to pay 60 bux for not very much.
There are classes in country licks, and religious music but his primary focus is jazz. So the classes on *scales are taught using tried and true jazz practices that will benefit playing in any genre. i.e. up and down the neck and all 12 keys. But you get to do that in small logical increments at your own pace.
If you like blues the Major Scale class will be a very fun surprise. There are quite a few blues classes. I'm not too far behind you in age. I'll be 70 in a few months and we don't just gobble information like an 8th grader any more. Let us know how your are doing or if there are private msgs. possible here, let me know how you are doing. I don't spend much time here but I posted a question yesterday and came to see if I got any help.... not yet. Where are you located? I or most anyone where would be glad to answer questions.
Ron [in New Mexico]
`15 Audiophile, Toshiba17", 3Mhz, 4gig ram, 500gig HD, Win7, Tascam 122mkII interface, Tascam 16 track 8 buss recording mixer, 2 Avalon747sps,CAD VX2 mic, AKG C1000s, mac and Digital Performer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
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Posts: 68 |
Hi Ron,
Thanks for the very in depth response. I used to sing with a band many years ago and I do dabble at playing keyboard. I have four keyboards and three guitars. A little overkill but when I see what I consider a bargain I try to get it. My wife is thoroughly tired of me getting bargains. I live in western Colorado. I am trying to get my feet under me now with learning a few chords, and just generally getting around on the guitar. Like you said, the old brain is definitely not a sponge anymore. I try to get in some practice at least once a day. I have checked out books and DVDs from the library and am working on them. It will be awhile before I feel I will be ready to take lessons. I think right now I would be totally lost. Gotta work my way through a few things. Again, thanks for the info and the recommendation for a possible on-line teacher. I'll certainly keep it in mind. Take care and have a great Christmas and New Year.
Best Regards,
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 216 |
As a former ski instructor and some times music teacher I'll take a chance and belabor the point again that NOW is the time when the fundamentals of guitar technique will do you the most good.
UNLESS.... you already have a decent grasp of what's involved from your books. Don't mean to get in your face about this just sayin' Much Success in your studies.
Ron
`15 Audiophile, Toshiba17", 3Mhz, 4gig ram, 500gig HD, Win7, Tascam 122mkII interface, Tascam 16 track 8 buss recording mixer, 2 Avalon747sps,CAD VX2 mic, AKG C1000s, mac and Digital Performer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,065
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,065 |
Hi Ron,
I am trying to get my feet under me now with learning a few chords, and just generally getting around on the guitar...... I try to get in some practice at least once a day. I have checked out books and DVDs from the library and am working on them. It will be awhile before I feel I will be ready to take lessons.
Best Regards,
Phestus Now is the time to take lessons. Like Ron stated now is the time to learn proper playing techniques from a teacher. It will take a teacher a lot longer to correct bad habits than it will to teach proper ones. A short period of time with a good instructor will make your book and DVD lessons not only easier but also will expedite your learning curve.
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: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
I agree. Take lessons now.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Thanks for the feedback on taking lessons. I'll definitely take the advice given. I plan to start taking lessons right after the holidays. Sometimes a rap with a 2X4 gets my attention. Then I can see what is being said much clearer. Thanks guys. I really do appreciate the advice offered.
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Posts: 7,697 |
I'll check that out and see if there seems to be anything I can't do without The problem with that is you don't know what you can't do without until you use it. Not just the RT's. It's things like a vast improvement in the mixer, adding loops, freezing the tracks, much better filtering of the styles and now the ability to make your own track names. Biab will now label an instrument track with the correct instrument name. I've been asking for that for years. You can load any RT you want onto the Strings track for example yet it still says Strings even if the instrument is a Mandolin. I hated that. There are so many things like that that have been done since 2011, I'm not going to try to list them all. People can talk about oh, Biab needs a complete rewrite. Maybe so but all these enhancements are still very useful imho. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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