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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Just checking to see if PG runs any other specials on upgrading except at Christmas? I missed the last upgrade. I have the 2015 Mega and I want to get the Ultra Plus. Is the 2016 upgrade worth it? I guess if I wait until December I could get the 2017 version on sale. If you do primarily classic rock covers will the change from Mega to Ultra make a lot of difference?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
The sale is over, so I suspect you'll have to wait for the 2017 version to go on sale.
With the Ultra Pak, you get everything, and you would be surprised at how many styles will still work (even if they're not labeled classic rock), so it's good to have a lot of tools in your toolbox.
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: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
It may be because I try to stay minimal with the backing that I usually just have bass, drums, and rhythm guitar and I may start out with a style but I end up pulling real tracks and it seems like the style doesn't effect it as much.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 6 |
I would wait for more bugs to be worked out... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,250 |
I guess that one of the reasons the New Seasons BIAB/RB is at a discount is so that we can forgive them the Bugs that always crawl out. They are never a big problem and if you keep on top of the Build releases it hardly an issue.
Keyboardcat - in such complex software with such a simple User Interface there are bound to be bugs.
Ian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
keep an eye out for Band-in-a-Box Sweepstakes, I entered and didn't win but got a 20% off coupon that expired on the 17th.
I think if you subscribe to the newsletter you should get notified for the next one, maybe soon.
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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 |
... If you do primarily classic rock covers will the change from Mega to Ultra make a lot of difference? shows what the differences are. The 2016 PlusPAK is still available, but if you want to upgrade it doesn't matter much when you buy it. I don't know what to do with the statement for the PlusPAK "** Requires Band-in-a-Box® 2015". If that statement is updated with the next version, you would need to get the full update anyway. The difference between the PAKs is simple: The basic software, BIAB and RB, is always the same, but the amount of accessories varies. If you upgrade now, you will get all the add-ons of the 49-PAK also. You will have to do some simple math to figure out which is the best choice for you. Buy the missing RealTracks separately or invest USD 279 for all what you are missing. Caveat: Some bonus material of earlier years may not be included in the upgrade.
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 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
I don't know what to do with the statement for the PlusPAK "** Requires Band-in-a-Box® 2015". If that statement is updated with the next version, you would need to get the full update anyway.
The PlusPak is designed for those upgrading just to the next version by providing just the new material for the new version. Obviously, if you only had the ProPak or the MegaPak versions, you would only get the new RealTracks and RealDrums (along with the new version of the program), but would not get all the previous RTs and RDs. They have had the PlusPak as an upgrade directly from the previous version for many upgrade cycles. In theory, you could have started with (for example) BIAB 2013 UltraPlusPak, and then each year just upgraded using the PlusPak for 2014, the PlusPak for 2015, and the PlusPak for 2016, in theory you would end up with the 2016 UltraPlusPak (and a DVD for each version). You would also have to purchase the other Bonus paks, as well, if you wanted the Bonus content. Of course, if you ever had to re-install BIAB, you would have to start with 2013 and apply each PlusPak in turn. However if you skipped a year upgrading, you would have to upgrade using one of the other options.
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: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I think I may just go ahead and upgrade when I have the spare bucks.....Thanks for all the input.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20 |
I seriously thought about upgrading my 2009 version of BIAB/RB just the other day. But after giving it some thought I decided not to do so for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I don't use Real Tracks. I find I can get all the great sounds I need from my Ketron SD2. On the other hand, BIAB is a fantastic piece of software. There are more styles than I will ever need to pick from in order to make classic country and old rock and roll covers. My main, and only reason for using BIAB is that I can lay down awesome bass and drum tracks in a matter of minutes. Occasionally I'll use the background piano or strings that are included in the style I'm using, depending on the song. But for the most part, when I move the song over to Sonar, other tracks besides bass and drums are usually deleted and the rest of the song is built in Sonar with my midi keyboard. I do not use the music that I make for live gigs nor do I make CD's to sell. I purely do it for the fun that I have experimenting and building songs and then recording them for nobody but myself. Another good reason for me not to upgrade is because of the Canadian dollar and how it stacks up to the U.S. greenback. Considering the fact that PG Music is a Canadian company, it would be tough for me to put out the initial cost, plus tax, and then a lot more for the exchange rate that I, a Canadian, would have to pay for for a product that is made in Canada. (Just my own little pet peeve) Again, let me say that BIAB is an amazing product - one that I truly enjoy using in the way that I do. I absolutely LOVE this software! But at this point, I cannot justify the cost of upgrading, and then for the way in which I would be using it. But of course, that's just me.  Bobby
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Firstly, I don't use Real Tracks. I find I can get all the great sounds I need from my Ketron SD2. And that's why you don't have to buy all the RealTracks, if you don't want them. Buying the MegaPak gives you all the MIDI styles (and of course, you can additionally create your own or download from the internet or buy additional styles from Bob Norton). But for those that like the RealTracks, it is an awesome feature and a true marvel of sound engineering, IMHO. One size does not fit all, and PGMusic accommodates that.
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: Mar 2016
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 20 |
I totally agree with you about Real Tracks and it's users who put out a lot of fantastic music. I guess I didn't come across very well in stating this. In no way whatsoever was I knocking it.
Bobby
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Exactly - agree 100% and didn't view your comment as knocking it. Everyone has a different workflow and different requirements. I was just pointing out that the full spectrum of users are accommodated by this great company.
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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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
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®!
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