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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
I think this year may be the very first time I will bypass any update to Band In A Box.
I think each year we see more and more Real Tracks whilst midi seems to lack development. In reality I've never found a Real Track that is able to really be manipulated to write what I'm looking for.
Let's take a look at Strings.
They are impotent at best. No feeling, no counterpoint, backing strings only, no feeling. Imagine opening an 8 bar intro with a stunning fingerstyle and emotional string ensemble. Or maybe a Uilean pipe and Irish whistle intro leading in to a beautiful ballad.
Don't get me wrong. I like pop, rock etc. but todays 'music' isn't music. I admire a rap singers ability to utilise vocal slang in a song but this is NOT music. I can't justify the way digital 'cleverness' can [*****] tracks in the so called Billboard top 100. Who really buys this crap.
Real music comes from the desire to put down a meaningful lyric that is complimented by brilliant musical accompaniment. I know a catchy tune with silly lyrics can also make a poular way forward but it soon runs down the river in to the sea. Look at History. If we really want to listen, write, compose etc. we turn to Claasical or those Artists from the raw 60's, 70's and maybe some 80's. I'd go so far to include the 30's, 40's and 50's too.
I don't know what your looking for but are you getting what you think will help you write what you want with BB?
I'm frustrated by the complexity. If, as I have done., Learned guitar and keyboard, wrote lyrics and put instrumentation together and spent 10 years learning the hard way how to mix and master then I would hope for software that makes that journy easier. Band In A Box goes a good distance toward that but come on guys. Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos.
Crucify me if you must but throw me some constructive also. :-)
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,378
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,378 |
Mal,
I am trying to understand your frustrations. I will add some thoughts later, but can you clarify a few things.
When you talk about the "strings" are you talking classical, traditional or synth in BIAB?
Strings range from Andy Leftwich to Ed(Oz)...
Have you experimented with 2022 Multiriff and MicroChords features to make Tracks more flexible and to fit better into the idea?
Have you tried Tin Whistle (RTs 3770,3771,3876,3877)?
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What I like about BIAB that they are open to quite a few genres, but to your defense, I do feel that some styles / genres are being way under represented. For example Ska, Reggae, Surf Rock, Tango, Punk, Bossa and others. Also, I do believe some effort could be made in recording extra material specifically designated for intros, bridges etc.
I don't know what you mean by this:
"Could you please stop throwing yet more and more Real Tracks at us that can only be utilised if we use your brilliant demos."
I almost never use premade styles and/or demos. I use them to get a feel of the tracks, or a starting point and then would change them from ground up. Mostly I would just assemble my own "band".
As with anything, there are never "all hits". Almost any good music album will have 3-4 strong tunes, others would be pass throughs. Same here.
I honestly believe you have to put more focus on your request. Be more specific. For example: I want strings in style of Jascha Heifetz or Vanessa Mae, give links to examples. I have seen such requests that got attention from PG team.
As you said, "Band In A Box goes a good distance". Give specific examples of what you think can be done to improve it.
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My biggest frustrations with BIAB was limited number of tracks and unpredictable "generations".
Multiriff feature of 2022 solved unpredictable generations and extra tracks, which still need some work, gave the creative variety I was looking for. Believe me, I do have bag of my "wishes" for improvements, but overall I am happy with what BIAB has to offer. Especially at the price point.
P.S. There is a member on the forum / musician from Japan. He posts his music in the Showcase. What is interesting, sometimes he would offer two versions: One made with BIAB and the other of same composition played by real musicians. To me, most sound pretty close.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
Thank you Rusty. You make valid points and I agree with most.
What I'm trying to do is ignite debate that may highlight improvements to unique software, that really stands apart from any other I have ever seen available.
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I don't want to draw attention to specific improvements, though they have been given much thought and implemented. I would rather ask those who use BB what they think could be implemented in updates to the software that would make significant improvements in making the programme better than anything else on the market, (I know it to be the best and only software that does what it does), that's why I want to strike a debate for developers. I would hope that includes making it easier to use.
Very grateful for your response.
Mal.
Mal
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,791
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,791 |
May I say that any one person who sits and opens BB with the intention of creating a song will immediately be confronted with an extremely complex array of possibilities on how to proceed. Could an introduction of some (AI) tools be available to assist in the arduous process of putting together a song? Just as a photographer can use many AI plugins to shorten the process of achieving a successful end result. This is only one idea.
I can relate to this. My proficiency with BiaB is probably at a level 4 on a scale of zero to 10, and as you point out there is a complex array of possibilities every time you open the application. The main frustration I experience is having a groove/feel in my head that I just can't seem to replicate in BiaB. So I resort to living with the gap between what is desired and what I can achieve. Don't get me wrong, IMHO BiaB is in a class all it's own and is a fantastic tool. My frustrations may be due to not having the additional add-on paks that are available, so next year I'll probably pay for one of the paks with the hope that I can produce arrangements closer to what I have in my head. But regarding AI, are you familiar with AudioLM recently developed by Google? Perhaps something like this could be incorporated into BiaB at some point. https://ai.googleblog.com/2022/10/audiolm-language-modeling-approach-to.html
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326
Journeyman
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|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 326 |
Thank you Bass Thumper.
Yes I am familiar with Google's AudioLM. I find it exciting and maybe a great tool for lyrics too, as well as musical phrases. I was recently trying to extend an 8 bar piece of amazing fingerpicking in Nuendo but it was really hard work. This kind of AI would be able to handle it maybe. As with all new developments I would expect hiccups especially with the art of music.
I have all that BB has to offer but the complexity of putting together songa always leaves me frustrated and I generally just get the guitar or keboard and put things together with my lyrics instead.
I do agree that the new Multiriff and Microchords was a huge leap forward as mentioned by Rusty above. Intros also do need some more thought though.
There is an instrument I would dearly love to see. The Uilean Pipes. I can listen to a Gaelic/ Irish intro and be reduced to tears before the lyrics even set in. That is why I was disapointed to see so many reels, uptempo jigs etc. I hope there never is a Rap Real Track in the pipeline. Not dissing the Genre, it's a clever way of talking slang, rather than real music. That will no doubt cause a stir amongst many.
Seriously though, maybe some of the compilers, coders, would join in the debate, or maybe keep us hanging on in there till Xmas. Those with creativity and imagination in their genes are DIAMOND.
Mal.
Mal
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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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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!
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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- 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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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