|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35 |
My question concerns opportunity of buying a tool like Sibelius, very expensive in Europe.
In a certain way BIAB and DAW programs as Logic, Performer, Sonar allow something less sophiticate than Sibelius,
to enter some chords, lyrics, ... Sibelius here costs more than Logic Studio for instance and you need to learn a new tool.
My goal is to keep trace for myself of some of my arrangements, not to publish them, give a copy to another musician
to play the tune with me, .... I don't compose, I only arrange tune from other people.
So what are your advises ? Go on with paper, or use what is inside BIAB or DAW, or Sibelius is more easy ???
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Try notation entry in Band in a Box. There should be a video, might be English but it's actually very easy unless you want to get complicated and write a symphony.
Ca va prendre une heure pour l'apprendre, si ca ne marche pas comme il le faut, il y d'autres logiciels qu'on peut acheter en linge.
J'ai Music Time Deluxe de Passport...en cas que j'ai besoin.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,673
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,673 |
In your search, consider Encore from gvox.com since it is far more user-friendly, in my opinion, than Sibelius or Finale.
Do not attempt to use the notation in SONAR; it is incomplete. (Otherwise, it's a great program).
And John is correct about BIAB; their notation entry method is the best I've found. Even if I don't want to hear it in BIAB, I always enter a song in BIAB first, then transfer it to a notation program if needed.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
I posted a similar question and was directed to Noteworthy Composer. Turned out to be everything I wanted at a very low price.
Make sure you understand all the notation capabilities of BiaB before you invest in any other program.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Okay, Matt. I've always thought notation was easier to enter in Sibelius (or some other notation pgm) than biab. Guess I'll have to force myself to learn how to do it although I'm pretty fast in Sibelius at long last. Transposing and harmony seem easy to do there also.
Cloclo; I'm not sure what your goals are, but there are some free notation pgms out there (Noteworthy?) Not sure about what they are called, but you could try a Google search.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278 |
Sibelius offers a bunch of low entry tier siblings, which might well suit your needs without costing an arm and a leg.
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
Martin, I agree. Sibelius has a program that is called "Student 6" which is about $82 US on Amazon. Colo, the reason I suggest it is because I have Finale and have used those lower cost and free products. And for simple note entry with nothing like measure markers, articulations, etc the lower and free options would suffice. However, in my writing I need those tools in addition to lyric writing and others. Take Lyrics for example. In the lower end as well as Finale if you are using several verses and have a couple of notes that reach above the staff, they will crash into the lyrics on the line above. Very frustrating for me.
Again, you need to visualize what are the essentials for your needs.
I like BIAB's notation. I like the way it slices the measure into quarters for you. The only thing that bothers me is that I need to constantly clean up the notes after my first note in each measure because it automatically fills in the complete measure. I know there must be a way to remove that. I just have not had the time to find it. All in all, it is an above average (better than Finale) notation program. No offense to the Finale users out there. Just my experience and opinion speaking
RickeG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,852
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,852 |
Quote:
like BIAB's notation. I like the way it slices the measure into quarters for you. The only thing that bothers me is that I need to constantly clean up the notes after my first note in each measure because it automatically fills in the complete measure. I know there must be a way to remove that. I just have not had the time to find it.
Mac has posted extensively on this, so you can probably search on it. Basically, the only bar you should ever have to clean up is the last one.
When you enter a note, you get a 7 count note (in 4/4 time). Most people immediately jump into cleanup mode to get it to be just a quarter note, not a whole note tied to a dotted half note (I'm going from memory). BUT, all you need to do is enter the next note where it goes and the first note will automatically be shortened accordingly. Of course, then 2nd note you entered is another long 7-count note. Well, just do the same thing - enter the next note where it goes and that 2nd note gets shortened appropriately. Yes, there are times you need to enter a rest, so just click on the Rest checkmark and click where you want the rest. That too will remove the extra time in one of the long notes. Keep going this way until the end of the song, and then you should only have to shorten the very last note (which you can do with a rest). It works pretty easily and quickly once you get the hang of it.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks John. You explained that a lot better than the manual which I've just been reading. It seems a little like a leap of faith in some ways  . Also, I'm finding that I'm having to force myself not to be so anal that each note has to be correctly entered before moving on to the next one. Well, I guess it's time to give a shot..... Stan Update: Guess I'm a bad shot (although I shoot expert on an actual range). I couldn't get past a couple of bars. I just wanted to enter a whole note tied to a dotted 8th followed by a 16th in the 2nd bar, and more dotted 8ths, 16ths for the next 3 beats in the 2nd bar. The only thing that came out was 4 quarter notes in the 2nd bar. For the time I spent, I could have entered the whole song in half the time in Sibelius. Not knocking BIAB, but it's notation didn't work for me. Editing existing notation in it is okay though.
Last edited by Shastastan; 01/26/10 03:42 PM.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,618
Posts807,522
Members40,173
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean