|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,868
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,868 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. There was a time after one of my bands broke up that I continued to play some of the booked gigs as a solo performer. Just me and my acoustic guitar. It actually worked out well. At the time, there was no such thing as having a home studio since the gear was either not yet available or cost prohibitive. BB has changed that. In today's environment, it would be so simple to put together a good sounding solo act. But doing studio work has ruined me. I'm not interested in being out in clubs after midnight..... or the drive home at 3am... no, I don't miss that. But yes, there was an immediate freedom that came in being able to play anything I wanted. And most of the clubs I was gigging were not dance clubs so that aspect didn't enter into consideration when making up set lists.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/03/15 03:54 AM.
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,504
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,504 |
I went duo in 1985, and won't go back.
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
I do like (1) the better money per person of a duo (2) having a partner with the same work ethics as me (3) the uncomplicated juggling of more than 2 lives with the music business.
I do miss the spontaneity of other musicians in the group improvisation sense (my backing tracks never surprise me), the flexibility of everything live, and more people to help schlep the PA set. But all in all I'd rather do the duo.
Someone mentioned one-chord songs. They are usually difficult to cover, because they have strong identifiable signature licks and kicks, which BiaB by it's nature doesn't do, that's where a good MIDI sequencer comes in.
I find improvising a long solo over a one chord song much more challenging than chord changes. It's more work to keep it from getting boring without chord changes to play around with. And playing with backing tracks, you need a good cue to tell you when the solo is over, because if you get distracted, you might lose the count or the feel of when the solo is over.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,715 |
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
Insights and incites by Notes
I have had the same problems. I will add one more that I had problems with: (5) the band member's spouse/girl-boy friend who thinks he/she can run the band.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Since our band stopped doing bars and really play very limited gigs the band thing has been more enjoyable......we get along pretty well. The core 3 musicians have been together over 20 years.....we have gone thru our share of 4th musicians and also played as a trio when needed. My fiance is now the 4th and that has proven to be an incentive to continue. She was a chorus teacher and piano teacher for about 20 years. She was a concert level pianist but now has shoulder trouble so she has to limit her playing a bit....I never realized how physically demanding playing piano can be as I am just a hack guitar player.
I am looking forward to the duo thing even if it is just so I never have to play "Louie Louie" again....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867 |
Another source for signature licks and runs if you don't play a particular instrument or you are exclusively a rhythm guitar player and don't play any lead - and don't have easy access to one, are MP3 quality level audio clips from Internet sources such as YouTube.
As BIAB has shown us, wma or mp3 quality level files are sufficient for use at live gigs.
Searching for song specific lessons and tutorials on a site such as YouTube, one can usually quickly find several lessons that are high quality tutorials. Somewhere during such a lesson, the teacher will play specific riffs/runs/chord progressions at the proper tempo and in the key of the original recording very accurately and isolated from any other tracks playing. The audio of these lessons can easily be downloaded to your computer, imported into your DAW and mixed with your BIAB generated tracks to create a very precise, authentic and accurate cover of the song.
As an example there is a YouTube tutorial by Don Felder, formally of the Eagles, of him teaching his licks, runs and fills for Hotel California.
He goes through the complete song so the audio can be cut into individual stems or as RB names them, scraps. One advantage of this particular video for me is that he has transposed the key to Am which is much better for may vocal range than the original key of Bm.
I don't play live gigs and only download stems from the internet for my own personal, educational use. I'm not a lawyer so I cannot make any recommendation to the legality of use of a tutorial clip or even a midi file for use in a commercial setting.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm always interested in the gear other duos are using. Stuff like – what kind of amps/speakers/monitors, etc. Could you humor me and give me some details? Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live.
Last edited by pedwards2932; 11/03/15 01:45 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live. Sounds like a nice setup. The Altos get a lot of love from the SR guys. I'd love to go with powered boxes, but we've got a lot invested in the system we use. The places we play tend to get kinda loud, so we're using 2 Yammy 15's amd ywo Yammy 12's for monitors (and sometimes, we can't hear them!). I wish you luck with the duo. It's about the only format that gets any work these days! Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
TC Helicon vocal gear is just great. It's a steep learning curve at times, but I love my Voicelive 2 and I'm integrating more and more. I also love the TC Electric Nova multi guitar effects unit. They're both a bit old now. I guess if I was buying, I'd take a hard look at the Voicelive 3 Extreme especially for duos or solo acts.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have the Voice live touch that I use and an H1 that she uses. The VL Touch is a nice unit but real easy to mess up the settings live. The H1 is simple and almost bullet proof. She has a much better voice than me so the H1 works great for her. I think the TC Helicon are really great units.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,217
Posts802,020
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean