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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
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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
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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: 24,787
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,787 |
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.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
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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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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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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