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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: 19,839
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839 |
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: 12,277
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,277 |
<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 – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
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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: 5,120
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,120 |
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: 3,720
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720 |
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: 12,674
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,674 |
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 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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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: 19,839
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839 |
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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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