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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Now that BIAB 2017 has been released, like most years I'm considering upgrading. I thought that my (and perhaps other's) decision about upgrading might be made easier if there was a thread where BIAB 2017 users state which specific new or improved feature(s) they find most useful and/or is their favorite. (..and a brief discussion of why.)
Would anyone like to start it off?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned...
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate  )
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,143
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,143 |
>>> I'll start with the new GUI. I feel like I've returned to the 21st century. Now if I could get those colored icons returned... Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things.
But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks, first thing I noticed when I went to full screen are those hard to see icons. Please if it would be possible to put a option for coloured icons asap as it sure would help these tired old eyes DR Gannon. Thanks Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/03/16 11:52 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 28 |
Thanks. Yes, we went with gray scale, because that's what many people told us was the "modern way that all other DAWS do it". And they are right, if you look at them, you'll see lots of shades-of-grey too. Anyway, we do plan on an **option** to make the buttons color, because lots of people (like me) are getting older and like some color to help find things. But at least we don't get the reaction to the GUI that "it still looks silly with all those colored buttons... have a look at a modern DAW like...". And of course, by pressing hot key Ctrl-T you get to see the full-on big color buttons that we've come to love (or hate ) Thanks for adding the color option! That'll be awesome, and the GUI does resemble a modern DAW. So nice and clean! I locked into it immediately. Rick
BIAB 2016/2017 Everything
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
I'm old! Bow 73 and my eysight is Baaaddddd.... My memory is also bad co I need to have all of the lyrics show up on the screen. With some songs it mad thend and 3rd verses really hard to see. Not now!! First thing Inoiticed if this is going to make things so much better.
Seems every update just out does the lastone. I'm just getting started and having a ball all ready! Thanks again PG
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Hmmm... I expected more comments on this thread when I posted it.  So, let me re-phrase my question..... I'm still trying to decide which upgrade to go with (and if I'll upgrade to 2017 at all). I basically use BIAB as nothing more than a background band play-along tool, and I already have more RT's, styles, etc than I know what to do with. Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Thanks. Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>>> Are there any features introduced in 2015, 2016 and/or 2017 that make it worth upgrading for someone like me who probably doesn't make nearly as much use of "other" features, as most here seem to do? Yes - I'm aware of the new (optional) GUI on 2017, and that's certainly welcome. But is there anything else for me? Yes, there are. It sounds like you have 2014. So you'd be getting: - 3 years worth of new features. That includes the: - new GUI toolbar/mixer for top of screen - redesigned chordsheet, much more flexible - redesigned stylepicker, much faster and more features - about 500 more RealTracks. Note: You don't need to be using all the ones you already have to get use out of 500 more. It's like a carpenter's tool, if you get more, and they are different, you can find a BETTER one for the job you need done. For example, if you are doing a Hawaiian song, you might want a Hawaain Pedal Steel, not any-old Pedal Steel (there are some nice Hawaiin ones in 2017). If there's something more specific you're looking for, let us know. I'd recommend an upgrade to the UltraPlusPak HardDrive. That's all pre-installed on a USB drive, ready to run, and has all the latest RealTracks etc. to fully catch you up. You can order that for $169 here http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htm
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,801
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,801 |
Only you can answer your question. There have literally been hundreds of enhancements, new features and patches that improve BIAB since 2014. I think with so many changes, even using BIAB at its most basic level, there are changes that you likely will find useful. Version 2017 will provide you with cumulative enhancements, fixes and new features.
I have upgraded every year since 2013 and have always been satisfied.
With version 2017, regardless of your level of use, you should hear a difference in the quality of RealTracks in version 2017 and the Supermidi Tracks are just that, Super. The SFZ enhancement should also provide a more pleasing sound if you use midi.
Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
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Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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