If you have a wireless keyboard you should try it to see if it works correctly. If I hate the keyboard on my laptop and use a wireless keyboard and a mouse all the time.
The only keyboard I like less is my iPhone...lol God only knows what it will type...lol
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig? “Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Have you checked to make sure the keyboard locale settings (language) haven't changed? I've seen the 'N' type other wrong characters, but not 'W' .. Could also be a keyboard driver issue
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Bring up an On-Screen Keyboard, and see if the problem persists. If so, yes, it could be a Locale setting. If not, it's probably the keyboard.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Pressing N should show 78 N (78 is the ASCII value for N)
Pressing W should show 87 W (87 is the ASCII value for W)
(It is safe to run, in case you get an A/V or Defender alert.)
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I tried the on-screen keyboard. Of course, I couldn't type on-screen as it came out ow-screew, but keyboard was enough.
Unfortunately, the n on the on-screen keyboard types the proper letter.
I have a USB keyboard somewhere, the problem is finding which "safe place until I need it" I stored it in.
I've downloaded the keyboard check, need to move it to the other computer.
A lot of good ideas. You guys are a great help.
I've used ThinkPad computers for about 20 years, and if this turns out to be a keyboard issue, it will be the first time. When I bought the USB keyboard, it was for a Dell desktop computer.
So I'll try the other suggestions, then decide if this 5 year old computer is worth saving (cost of parts and time involved).
If a USB keyboard works I'd contemplate keeping the computer and just using the USB keyboard, or even better get a wireless keyboard so it can be anywhere during a show or rehearsal (yeah still uses a USB slot most likely).
Heck, back in the day Mac and I both had extra keyboards laying on the floor with most of the keys ripped out so we could use the Space bar with our foot to stop/start Biab or RB/PT. Extra keyboards are cheap, especially when you know they are laying around in the house somewhere.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I'd advise having a USB keyboard as a wired fall-back.
There's a place I gig occasionally that has some strong radio signal nearby, that jams WiFi, Bluetooth and even my car keys. I'd expected to use my Ui24R mixer via WiFi from a tablet, but it simply wouldn't play ball. Fortunately I did have a notepad PC and a network cable and at least one of the devices was hermaphrodite.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Interesting N and W ASCII codes/values are 78 and 87, may be a clue.
My computer is dyslexic, just like its owner!!!
I didn't know dyslexia was contagious.
I haven't found the USB keyboard yet, outdoor my gig got cancelled yesterday due to rain, so Mrs. Notes and I took the day off for some fun.
Every now and then a day of fun is good.
Today I resume the search for the USB keyboard.
I'm not fond of wireless things when I don't need wireless. Batteries are not good for the environment. I use rechargeable cells when I require them, but still, I figure it's better not to consume them at all, unless there is a need.
I've been a musician all my life, and wires are something I'm used to putting up with.
OK, I found the wired keyboard. It was where I looked for it first, but it had fallen behind some of the other things on the shelf.
It's a ThinkPad keyboard, it works perfectly and even the 'eraser head' works (which will keep me from reaching the mouse).
I didn't install any new drivers, just plugged it in and used.
So I think the evidence is that my 'built in' keyboard is probably failing.
It's an old ThinkPad computer that used to run Windows 8 and I upgraded as soon as Win10 offered the free upgrade. I use it basically as a recording device. I do MIDI work on my main computer, send the MIDI to 7 synth modules. The audio outputs go through a mixer to the old computer.
I find using two computers a lot easier than playing and recording on the same computer. I can have the play and the record controls and screens up, visible, and working at the same time.
So, I'm thinking of just using the wired keyboard rather than spending time on repairing the old computer. Lenovo doesn't seem to have a replacement on their site, Amazon has a compatible one by Autens for $42 (perhaps shipping?) and it might take the better part of a day to replace the keyboard. If I find using the wired keyboard to be too much of a hassle, I'll take that route.
I'm assuming as well that the keyboard itself is borked, but one final thing you can test is to load into the BIOS and see if there's a place you can type (stay away from the Password section, in case you enter an untypeable password), basically just to try and bypass the operating system. Alternatively, if the computer is old enough, boot into DOS and try the keyboard there, or a bootable Linux CD or something.
But yeah, it's probably dead. It is interesting that the ASCII codes are 78 and 87, but unlikely since once you convert them into binary they're 01001110 and 01010111, so they're more than a couple flipped bits.
Thanks. That sounds like a good idea to bypass the OS.
It's a Windows 8 computer that was upgraded to Win10 so I don't know how to boot in DOS or even if I can, but I think if I hit Enter as the ThinkPad screen pops up I can get somewhere.
This is the very first time a ThinkPad gave me any trouble. And it's an old, former Win8 upgraded to win10 so even if it's not cost/time effective to fix it, it has served me well.
I've been following this. First, yes, Thinkpads are tanks; very solid. If they survive as many gigs as you play, IBM should get a testimonial from you. Second, I think if you boot to the BIOS, there might be a place where you are required to type a few letters and I think that's the kind of test Simon is suggesting.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Interesting N and W ASCII codes/values are 78 and 87, may be a clue.
Well, probably not. The bit pattern for N is 01001110 The bit pattern for W is 01010111 So the processor would see those as two totally dissimilar values.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
We got a new, weekly gig, and we're learning a couple of new songs first. They were suggested by the waitress, who knows her customers.
Since I do my own backing tracks, that means if BiaB doesn't have compatible styles, I need to learn and then record the drum track, bass track, and all the comp tracks (except for what we will play live).
It's time-consuming, but IMO it makes us sound better than the competition who mostly use karaoke tracks. They can be in our key, I can do a custom arrangement, and I can mix minor things that make it sound more live like louder backbeats on the snare, advance or retard the bass a couple of tics to either bring out the bass note or the thump of the kick drum, and so on.
It may be a lot of work, but it's fun work, and if lucky I'll get to play each song thousands of times, and having it sound better to me increases my enjoyment of my job.
I'll let you know the result.
In the meantime, if you have any new ideas, I'll add them to the mix when I get these songs done.
Our old weekly gig is coming to an end. The owner of the venue is also a musician and wants the day. He likes what we did for him, and to show his appreciation has recommended us to his competition, who was happy to have us.
This is a weird business. We're building a crowd, so the owner wants the date, but because he likes us is happy to encourage us to go to his competitor, which will diminish the crowd we built up at his venue.
Ah, but stranger things have happened in this biz. I'm glad we're not losing a week-day, in public gig.
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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