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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31 |
I recently purchased BB for several uses. One is to make backing drum tracks of our songs for gigging, as we are a duo.
I imported an mp3, used ACW to break the song down, set the bars, fixed the chords, and created the Tempo map before sending it back to BB. At this point, I THINK I should be finding an appropriate style for each part of the song and apply it to the Tempo map and tweak from there. How do I do this? I'm bleary eyed as I digest the multitude of options and possibilities of this software and can use some experienced guidance.
Thanks.
Doug
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11 |
I'm in exactly the same boat. I just purchased the ultraPAK this week to use for a number of purposes one of which was to create Bass and Drum backing tracks for pre-existing songs.
I'm finding it almost impossible to find "what you want" in a RealDrum pattern. Very frustrating.
I was up till 2:00 in the morning auditioning styles and my initial joy over the sound quality and realism of the RealDrums and RealTracks vs. Midi has turned to major disappointment after hearing the exact same drum and bass part on style after style.
With 20 sets of RealDrums, you'd think everything should be in there. However, my favorite drum pattern ... Boom, Chicka, Boom, Chick ... 1, 2&, 3, 4 ... very common in 50's and 60's rock n roll ... (The Ventures to Roy Orbison's "Only The Lonely") ... is nowhere to be found.
If it's in there, they buried it pretty good.
I'm going to keep working with the program, but if any of you veterans have any tips for "finding what you want," I'd be all ears.
Thanks,
Dean
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I believe that if you are intent on using BIAB RealTracks and RealDrums, then sometimes the drumming and instrument choices will "change" your original song a little. If you want it "exactly" how you want it and nothing else, then you will need to learn how to drum or master one of the drum creation programs. So far I have been able to come "close enough" on my realdrum selections to be OK with me.
Maybe some of the BIAB midi style with drums would be better -- and then you can find drum soundfonts to make the drumming sound realistic as possible.
Kevin
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
If you are wishing to get a close to a cover band as possible, you want to audition styles using the Dx synth. Or finding a midi where someone did that. There are many many more midi styles than ones with Realdrums.
I strive for my own interpretation of a song, in my mind I'd rather take my own picture of a mountain than put up a slide show of someone elses work.
That's of course my somewhat humble or not, opinion.
I have the ketron sd2 external module and if I don't think the Realdrums suits the song I search around and get the midi styles going. They are the next best thing. The Dxi isn't as good as the Ketron in most instances but it comes with the program.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11 |
Thanks for the responses. You've both echoed my own thoughts.
However, I was hoping someone would say, "Oh, finding what you want is easy, here's what I do... "
I'm sure the OP and myself are not the first users who have run up against the frustration of having a song idea (original material as well as covers) where we know how we want the song to sound, but can't find that particular item.
My main purpose for Band in a Box is as a songwriting tool and there is a vast amount of really great material to work with in this program. What I'm essentially trying to do at this point is "set up my workshop."
I'm wanting to organize all the tools (on paper, in the program, or in my head) so that when I need a hammer I'm not sorting through a pile of tools in the middle of the floor. (The StylePicker is okay... but many of the descriptions are vague and somewhat cumbersome.)
So, I'm looking for tips on how you organized your own tools. Anybody have any clever tips they care to pass on?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
USE BIAB.
*The familiarity gained from using BIAB a lot is priceless.
*One way to start is to open up the Demo song for each style that you kind of like and just WATCH BIAB perform. You can note all sorts of things and how they are accomplished from doing just that.
*Next comes laying out songs that are already there. Just as the study of cover songs written by others can help hone your own songwriting skills, this excercise and the experienced gained is also equally priceless.
*Watch the pgmusic tutorial videos, both the ones that come on your disk and also the ones that are online. Time. Well. Spent.
*Don't view BIAB as a shortcut tool. Think of BIAB as a musical instrument. Just as we can't play the guitar like a pro on the first day we bought the guitar (or first week, or first year... ) we can't take a program that can do as much as BIAB can do for us and expect to spend little or no time PRACTICING and learning with this instrument and get great results.
*"Have Fun" -- The BIAB motto. Having fun with thte program beats allowing the program to frustrate you. So when I can't get it to do exactly what I want or need it to do, I don't sit there sweating that out, I may post here with a question and see how others are solving that specific (or not) but I make it a hard fast rule to cut that one at least temporarily and move on to something else with the program.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11 |
Thanks Mac. Excellent advice.
I've decided to do just what you're suggesting.
I've decided to set aside my goal of "setting up the workshop" at this point, and instead, concentrate on learning how to use each individual tool. I'm sure the BIAB workshop will come together faster doing it your way.
Thanks for taking the time to put it into concrete terms. You've given me ideas I hadn't thought of.
By the way, I didn't realize there were more tutorial videos beyond what came with the UltraPAK. I will definitely check them out.
Thanks,
Dean
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31 |
Thanks for your responses, and I agree that it will take time to learn BB's features and workarounds, but I AM having fun.
Doug
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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!
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!
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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.
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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!
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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®!
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