|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
I agree with Matt - the discount can only come out of PG Music profits. It's only been an issue for the past 18 months due to VAT rule changes in the EU and UK. We all used to pay the US Dollar price with no additions.
The discount code is a personal commitment from the PG of PG Music - Peter Gannon. Can't see many tech company owners showing that level of loyalty and concern for their customers. My code arrived this morning and I'll definitely be upgrading.
So thank you Peter, its reassuring that you are so hands-on. And it's also good that through live chat and these forums we get to know the team behind the software - Andrew, Simon, Chantelle and Ember to name just recent forum posters.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
I should say, I don't KNOW that it comes from PG Music's profits, but how else could it work?
I imagine it gets added into Cost of Goods Sold and can be budgeted any way PG pleases. Sales and discounts, after all, are part of doing business. Sorry. I have a Mac, Santa has a lump of coal for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63 |
Before we get all sappy about how generous PG Music is I would like to call attention to the fact that prices have actually increased for many users.
In the past, upgrades came via disk drives, thumb drives, or hard drives and an immediate download capability was included as a feature. Unfortunately, the pricing model has changed. Download has become the default and thumb drives and hard drives add additional charges. With this pricing model in mind, without the hard drive, why would anyone (not subject to VAT) purchase the full download upgrade only to reload software they already have. The Plus Pak seems to be the only option that makes sense.
Over the decades I have gotten use to the quirky PG Music marketing and pricing bundles, but unless I am missing something, $149 download without the hard drive makes no sense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
i think times change and we are all used to digital downloads as the norm. in the UK i always used to get dvds but downloads are so much more convenient.
and sorry about the lump of coal Mark but it's unusual to hear a Mac user unhappy with their choice of Mac over windows! Merry Christmas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,510
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,510 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only? I believe the $149 upgrade is going from lower priced version, the Pro and Mega versions, to the UItra version. The $99 plus version just adds the additional RTs, RDs, MIDI, etc to bring the 2021 Ultra and Ultra Plus versions up to the 2022 versions. If I am wrong then please correct me.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
yes Mario - you're right. if someone has 2021 Pro they can upgrade to ultrapak for $149 whereas if you have 2021 ultrapak the upgrade is just $99
$149 is an amazing deal if you have one of the smaller packages and download is quick and easy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 184
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 184 |
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
I spoke to support about this yesterday, there is a slight difference - the Pluspak is an incremental update and not an upgrade. If I understood correctly, in simple terms, the upgrade is a full product while the update is a separate installation and can only update from the previous year. What this means in practice is that if you were in need of a fresh install, eg., after a computer crash or whatever, then the full upgrade will be a single straightforward install. If, however, you have purchased the Pluspak for the past few years then you'll have to first install your last full purchase / upgrade and then incrementally install each of the Pluspaks to bring it back up to date. No real biggie, just messier, but you don't lose out on anything. All assuming I understood correctly, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17 |
Installation with the Install Manager went very well (and long).
Looking forward to understand the new features
Wolfgang from wet Austria
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
the upgrade options really are quite simple. if you have 2021 ultrapak, getting the new program and new realtracks is $99. if you have the 2021 propak - the smallest pack available - for £149 you get the program update and all the other realtracks in the ultrapak which is a huge amount of extra music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 63 |
The difference between the PlusPak upgrade and the full upgrade is understood. The real point of the discussion is that last year you got a hard drive for that same $149 and now you don't.
I have always had the Ultra Pak and every few years I would buy the hard drive update in order to have the latest factory version of the complete program. It would come in handy many times, allowing me to avoid the "Return to Factory Settings" option on my desktop or for other flexibilty. This no longer makes sense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,833
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,833 |
It reminds me of when Apple removed the cd player to refine the silhouette and move people to the cloud. Everything is dematerialized but remains the essential: an excellent program. Less pollution, less waste, good music.
Biab Audiophile 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
a little bit of bad news, apparently this is the last year of the 20% discount to offset european VAT so next year we'll be back to US Dollars plus VAT for the upgrade.
thanks to PG Music for two years of subsidy but it really was too good to last.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,026
Posts799,096
Members40,011
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean