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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
I am looking into music making as a hobby, so very new to this. I discovered Band in a Box via Internet searching and think it might be what I'm looking for, but before shelling out to get it I'm hoping you might provide me some advice. I know very little about music theory, and find using programs like Logic Express, Sony Music Studio, and even garage band to be either way too complicated or just not providing what I'm looking for. I am looking for something that will take some of my basic ideas for how I want my songs to sound without me needing to 1) know how to play a real instrument like a piano or guitar (I am trying to learn), and 2) can perhaps generate my song from me inputing key paramaters like the chords. What caught my attention with Band in a Box was it appears to do #2 exactly. I would really appreciated advice - especially from other newbies. Does it have a steap learning curve or can you begin being productive right out of the box? I was hoping they offered a limited time/feature demo version to trial, but I don't see anywhere where a trial version is available, so really relying on others recommendations before I buy. Thanks 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,214
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,214 |
chiguy,
I'm not a newbie but BIAB does indeed allow you to enter chords and then it will play an accompaniment. You can then record yourself singing of humming the melody if you wanted. You could also enter a melody using the keyboard of a mouse. The accompaniment is chosen from one of a few thousand styles! It's a brilliant program.
PGMusic do offer 30 days money back if you are not satisfied. They will stand by this. Over the years, I have learned that PGMusic has a huge amount of integrity and that they look after their customers really, really well. I'd also imagine, that if you purchased an entry pack into BIAB and then decided that you wanted to upgrade with 30 days, PGMusic would assist. It might pay to drop them an email and ask about this, though.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,663
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,663 |
<I am looking into music making as a hobby...> Well I'm not a newbie either, but I once was not so long ago. This is exactly how I started almost 17 years ago. I found BIAB early in the process and have not looked back since. BIAB has been with me thorough this "hobby", obsession, release, passion, love affair, addiction, for the entire time. It has never ceased to challenge me and fuel my education and creative juices for this art form. So do I recommned it? You bet. But be sure to supplement it with the more traditional teaching and learning methods. BIAB will not make you a musician, but it can make you a better musician. Good Luck and Welcome to the forum.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Welcome, chiguy Yes. PG software should DEFINITELY be on your list of 'must have' music software. I have been using the programmes here for over 15 years and have never found anything better, more intuitive or more useful. And every six months or so, it just gets better!  However, I wonder about your personal situation. What instrument are you learning? Are you a singer? Is your music theory knowledge better than your playing? What exactly do you want to achieve? BIAB will do all that you have asked and more - at a click or two of the mouse, you can generate whole new songs, including arrangement, solos and melodies. You can then include RealTracks, and make any adjustments you want before taking it to RealBand for extra additions, re-recording, mixing and mastering. However, some sixth sense intuition tells me that you might well consider looking at M$ SongSmith at this time. PG is also involved in that
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24 |
Buy it, with all the Real Drums and Real Tracks you can afford the next time a special pops around. Or buy the Audiophile edition. I am a songwriter and used BIAB for drafting songs and then even developing very good drafts. The piano, bass, and drums on both of the songs "Dancing With You" and "For Our Childrens Children" were directly from BIAB: http://www.myspace.com/tallpaulandfriendsYou can't beat it for a quick way to change tempo, change keys, change style, add instrumentalists... you name it. And RealTracks is the icing on the cake. If you have a great synth, you can even get great sounds via MIDI. For example, the piano in For Our Childrens Children is MIDI then sent into my external Roland synth. Paul
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
Get it. Biab is worth more then they charge for the program. You don't have to be a musician to use it either, as long as you know some chords and song structure. Input the chords, pick a style and off you go.
Trax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,730
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,730 |
as far value for the money and living up to the claims made by the publisher you won't find better products then those sold by PG music
it is your expectations regarding what you expect to get from the effort you put into the program that need to be clear
try and write down as specific as you Can what you expect to do and what you expect from the program to do
the money back guarantee is REAL and the PG organization first rate i have found the crippled demos more frustrating in that i am usually unable to save work
i have found it helpful to watch the mew features videos from the earliest to the latest as well as review the FAQ section this has given me a better idea of what to expect from the programs
you can find these by clicking on the support menu'
hope you decide join the club and can experience the fun the rest of us are having
oh yeah if you have questions along the way you won't find a more helpful and s supportive neighborhood
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Thanks everyone for your input. I decided to invest in BIAB 2009.5 for Windows today. I think this will help me as I begin my journey with this hobby. I am trying to learn electric guitar, and I think BIAB will be useful. I like the way it can generate a complete song based on my input. If nothing else, it looks like it will be a fun tool to use.
I've installed it and applied the 285 patch that was supplied and everything went fine. Now I am trying to apply the latest patch (287) but I keed getting errors that in cannot find or cannot delete bbw.exe. Anyone know a solution - I have to abort the patch to get past the error - I am too hesitent to say ignore it. I'll search the forum to see if anyone has posted on this problem.
Again, thanks everyone for your advice. I really appreciated it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,773
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,773 |
Hi, Chiguy -
What operating system are you using? If Vista, you might want to try right clicking on the path 287 update file and select "run as administrator". See if that helps.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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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 |
If you just bought BIAB today, it should already be the latest version.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6 |
Quote:
Hi, Chiguy -
What operating system are you using? If Vista, you might want to try right clicking on the path 287 update file and select "run as administrator". See if that helps.
Tried running as Administrator, got same error. Decided to try a reboot - that worked. The magic Windows Reboot seems to solve most problems 
Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,214
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,214 |
Chiguy,
You can see what what version BIAB you have by going to HELP >> ABOUT BAND IN A BOX. It will give you a version (2009.5) and in brackets beside that will be the update number.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
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