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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Hi people. I've had a busy year moving house Feb 2015. It meant I had to rent an office all year. An office I never but rarely use. Looking at plans to turn an outside utility room into an office at my new house. In mean time I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Thanks
Paul
Last edited by PaulH; 12/30/15 04:15 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,022
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,022 |
It seems to me you answered your own question. Enjoy your new 2015 version. I bought BIAB 2015 Everything pak this time last year but have never used it. I have never used it all year because of my situation.
Paul Advice from one who money burns a whole in my pocket if I don't buy something new. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 299 |
The Real Tracks is the main reason I upgrade although the new Style Picker is nice.
HTH.
Paul
Paul
BIAB 2025
Intel i7-4790K, Win10 Pro, 16GB Ram
1TB OS, 2TB Audio, 1TB Samples
Focusrite Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen
Cakewalk Sonar, 64 bit
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
If you've got the 2015 EverythingPak and have not used it, then you've got a lot of stuff to play with without missing any of the new features. I'd say start playing. About the time you get done playing, it'll be time for 2017 and you can catch up then.
But be sure to play with it. Take regular breaks from the mundane and make some music. It truly is good for the soul.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Paul,
You only need the plus pak at $99 to get all the new realtracks.
If you skip this year but upgrade next year it will cost you $169 but upgrading both this year and next with plus paks costs you $198.
SO only a saving of $29 by skipping a year, £20 or so in sterling
Was going to skip this year too, until I did the maths.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 08:56 AM.
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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 skipped 2015, but went ahead and got 2016 ... and it arrived today. I probably won't get to do much with it until january. FAWM starts in February, so I will be putting it to use soon.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Then again, there is only one day left for the special pricing on upgrading to 2016. To me, it was worth doing so.
One day I'm not so sure, is usually extended to the 15 jan each year, wait for the announcement of the 1 jan 16. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/30/15 08:46 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
I have very mixed feelings. Frankly the tech is still way out of date. Although the minor upgrades to the gui are welcome, there is nothing really to say that is a game changer, the Style picker is slightly improved, the addition of lyrics to the main screen, and the ability to show Roman numerals as well as chords, is better - though it screws the size of your bars in the display. I think they could have done a lot more, to make the gui better. Most leading music software packages I have used go through a complete redesign every five or so years, not so BIAB.Things like seeing your chords as you type should be a given, and should have been fixed a decade ago.
No 64 bit, no VST, no phone app, no rethinking, just the same old tramlines.
The new real tracks are frankly superb, they are the most authentic emulations. The Big Band Crooner style is very impressive, if... you keep to a friendly chord structure such as the template songs.
It's a lot of money for an upgrade, if you wait it will be more (nice) frankly I think it's too much, except that the real tracks are sooooo good.
If I were only interested in the program I would not be upgrading until I see some real development which is woefully overdue
Z Well it can be a little costly if you go for the 49 bonus pak Zero, I had a look though it and decided that probably all of the extra realtacks in the 49 bonus pak would probably already have a good substitute in what I have got already, so didn't go for it, just the $99 plus pak. Worked out in sterling at £67.50 approx., hardly going to break the bank. Musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,946
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,946 |
There's nothing wrong with the 2015 version.
Plenty of real tracks to get the job done. IN 2016, you get more new real tracks but hey... I'd explore 15 first.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,073 |
PaulH,
Life sure has a way of getting in the way of fun sometimes, doesn't it.
There isn't a good answer because everyone finds different aspects of BiaB and RealBand important.
I would say if ReaTracks are important then you should upgrade and get the 49 bonus pak since the 49 bonus pak will not be available later on.
If the RealTracks are not important then don't upgrade. 2015 has enough features to keep you busy for a year.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>> My question is, is it worth upgrading or making do with my 2015 until end of 2016? Hard to answer I know but I'd be grateful for some feedback on the new upgrade please.
Hi Paul,
- The special prices are up to 60% off regular prices, and these end Dec. 31, 2015. For example. The Everything Pak Hard Drive upgrade is regular $379, but it $179 during the December special.
- We've had these special prices each December for the last several years, but that is not to imply that this will be the case next year.
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,121
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,121 |
...
- Getting the update before Dec. 31/2015 is risk-free. There is a 30 Day "no-questions" Money Back Guarantee, and this includes Band-in-a-Box 2016 updates, bonus paks, or first time purchases - actually any software that we make. We've had this same policy for 25+ years. And there my friend is the ultimate answer! If you change your mind you've got a month to do it. No problems.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,948
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,948 |
PaulH,
If we were just talking about the program itself I'd say stay with 2015...so far I prefer 2015 but maybe that is because I was used to it. I like the type in a cell chordsheet, not sure about the new stylepicker as it seems buggy right now and not sure what other new features would count as a major upgrade for me.
But because there are RealTracks available and some in the 49 pak that will not be available later on, I'd recommend the upgrade! Life's short...eat dessert first!
-John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Thank you people, always interesting viewing peoples opinions.
I've never considered the PlusPAK before. Looking at the spec, for an upgrader from 2015 I don't see any difference between PlusPAK vs EverythingPAK? I keep all my downloads so what am I getting if I buy the EverythingPAK upgrade compared to PlusPAK upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Probably a few extra how to video's Paul, which are probably available online anyways.
Easy enough to download, its about 6-7gb and saves on taxes to UK that way.
Of course if you want even more realtracks you can pay extra for the 49 bonus pak, which don't come with the everthing pak anyways.
The pluspak is enough for me.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/31/15 02:02 AM.
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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 |
The difference is that the PlusPAK is just the new stuff. And it is download only.
The EverythingPAK gets you a new harddrive with everthing you already have plus the new stuff in the PlusPAK.
The 49-PAK gets you an additional collection of RealTracks and styles that probably are only available through this PAK for a very long time.
I have bought an initial EverythingPAK a couple of years ago and all updates and upgrades have been done via the PlusPAK.
If you don't buy the upgrade because of the software, if you're using RealTracks, both PAKs are worth it in my opinion. If they sit on your harddrive somewhere they usually don't grow mildew.
Have a Happy New Year.
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: Dec 2012
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 444 |
Thanks for all your replies. Because of your helpful replies I bought the UltraPAK + 49PAK. Just downloaded but I may resist installing for now because of the many bugs I see people posting up. I may wait for an update fix. Thanks again. 
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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!
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
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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®!
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