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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
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OP
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Consider it Done. I bought it yesterday . Waiting for info on the shipping progress.
Looking forward to it.
I really want to improve my jazz chops and I think this will help.
Thanks to everyone that commented.
jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1 |
Congratulations.
justastarting
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 27 |
I play accordion with my friend who plays bass.... We use BIAB to make backing tracks which I convert to MP3s for use when playing live. I have them on a USB stick (which my electronic accordion can read and play)...I just take the generated BIAB tracks into a DAW and mute the bass part and tweak the rest of the tracks....sometimes we throw in another instrument to do a lead part or two as well. The realtracks sound much better than any midi backing tracks so it works great.
BTW...we still have the tracks in the DAW, so we can record our own on top of them and may eventually make a CD of our tunes too....
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 80
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 80 |
My plan is to perform live with BIAB. I am a Jazz, Pop vocal singer (Old School) and it's not easy trying to pull Jazz Musicians together. BIAB's Real Tracks are live enough to do great background tracks. I also have recorded tracks for CD's. I'm in love with BIAB. Thanks to the Genius of Sir Peter Gannon I as a vocal singer am unlimited to what I can do. In addition, many times I will add my own flavor to the track or tracks to give it a personal feel.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3 |
Hi All,
I am using BIAB 2011 (mac version) for a small one man combo.
I play Saxophones and Trumpet. I find that this software enables me to gig without the hassles of finding musicians in the small town I live in.
Thanks to to PG and the crew for such a great product.
Look forward to developing my skills with the help of this site.
Rgds,
Peter
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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I am lost on one point of the original concept of the thread. "Will BIAB help me play jazz better".
The effective answer to that question is "No. Nothing will help YOU play better but a lot of practice."
What BIAB CAN do is give you backing tracks to play AGAINST and make the process of creating those tracks much easier than a regular music sequencing recording program. With Cubase, Sonar (what I use), Pro Tools, whatever, you still have to PLAY G-2-3-4 G-2-3-4 Em-2-3-4 Em-2-3-4 C-2-3-4 C-2-3-4 D-2-3-4 D-2-3-4. In BIAB you just have to TYPE in the chord names G EM C D in the right place and BIAB will create a backing track with that progression.
"Jazz" really has nothing to do with it. Nor would pop, rock, funk, soul, country.... You just pick an appropriate style for BIAB to emulate when you create the backing tracks and go for it. When you get done with that key, transpose it up a step and play it in A for a while. Then maybe move it to D so you practice in every key. Change styles to play with different grooves, change tempos to play different speeds.....
Maybe your root question is better stated "Will this give me music to spend hours playing along with and thus improving my skills". Then the answer is yes. However, another option is to play CDs of your favorite artists and play along with them if that's what you are looking to do.
Most people I know use this as a writing tool and a backup band for composition. I just finished my 9th song for a CD I am trying to do. I use BIAB to make home studio quality demos to send to the players who will do the CD so they can learn the songs before we waste a lot of rehearsal (or studio) time teaching parts. Writers need to spend their time writing, not teaching parts.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31 |
Quote:
I am lost on one point of the original concept of the thread. "Will BIAB help me play jazz better".
The effective answer to that question is "No. Nothing will help YOU play better but a lot of practice."
Hi Eddie,
My aim with BiaB is pretty similar to yours, and I certainly agree with the general points that you made. But I'd come at it from a somewhat different angle, so my answer to the question would be "Yes, it can help you play jazz better". My reasoning goes something like this:
1. Jazz Focus. BiaB is surprisingly strong on jazz. Rather than just giving a quick nod in the direction of jazz, as some programs might, it features a wide range of jazz styles. That alone should make it worth a close look for a student of jazz.
2. Motivation and Ease. The biggest factors in whether we just think something is a good idea, and whether we actually DO it usually boils down to two things - motivation and ease. Do I still feel like doing something after the first enthusiasm wears off, and how easy is it to carry out? In my opinion, the quality of the results, and the relative ease with which I can get a useful result (compared to reading a lot of books or researching, tracking down, and buying multiple CDs) puts a tick in both boxes for me.
3. Learning Value. One of the huge bonuses of BiaB for me - across all styles - is its value as a tool for learning. I don’t know all there is to know about the structural differences between the different musical genres, or what characterises the variations in their sub-styles. The more I listen, the more I realise how little I do know… BiaB is proving to be an excellent teacher. I can study the demo songs and see what makes them work. Or I can put together a chord progression, and listen carefully to what BiaB does with it, depending on the chosen style. Then pick another style, listen again, and hear what BiaB does differently with the same progression and so on. If all I ever did with BiaB was use it that way I’d consider it worth the price. They say that with some styles “All you need is 3 chords and the truth”, but jazz can be anything from fairly simple to very complex and intellectual in approach. Knowledge is valuable, and can definitely contribute to being a better player. Knowing what you’re aiming at and why can be a huge asset.
That’s how it strike me anyway. I’d say that BiaB can definitely help somebody become a better jazz player.
Cheers,
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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We're pretty much on the same page, Chris. I would just take out the word "jazz". It will make somebody become a better player by virtue of cutting down prep time and making more time available to actually practice, but that is true no matter WHAT style they play.
Through my years I have played rock, jazz, Motown, lounge/dance, funk.... musicians should strive to find opportunity to play whatever is out there. This project is a country music CD for that very reason. I have never played country, much less written it. Been an interesting process as I listen to many other artists to become more familiar with different grooves than I have ever worked in.
I am fortunate to live in a city where we have a diverse music base. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra is something to hear, and when I do hear them I seriously consider selling my horns and never playing horn again. They are THAT good... And then I can drive down the street and hear a blues band, a dance band, a classic rock band.... and learn something from every one of them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 39 |
Hey Guys, I'm back.
Interesting comments from everybody. I was the one who initially started the topic.
I got BB primarily because of my interest in learning to play jazz better.
I am currently living in Nairobi Kenya and I am playing with a nice jazz quartet/quintet. But being a 50 year old cat that plays the French Horn, (mostly classical for the longest time) I felt like I needed some extra help learning tunes when I am not playing with the band.
Oftentimes I will play a tune such as On Green Dolphin Street and when I get to the bridge I scuffle over the changes in a similar fashion. My fluiditiy is not happening in a lyrical, melodious sense. My BeeBop chops are hurtin big time. So I feel like BB will give me a chance to slow down and even loop the changes.
I have to say I am amazed at the players in our band, The Nairobi Jazz Ensemble. These guys don't read well but the have hundreds of tunes memorized. That is where I am seriously lacking. So I have been using BB to help me memorize the tunes.
Absolutely, without practice we will suck, there is no substitute.
And by the way, I am from New Orleans, but went to the Cleveland Institute of Music. Studied with cats in the Cleveland Orch. I have been to the Euclid Tavern to hear Mr. Stress Blues Band. Are they still around?
Later Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Anonymous
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Mr Stress (Bill Miller) is still around but pretty much just does jam nights. The Euclid Tavern is on it's 3rd owner in 20 years and not the same as it used to be. Right in the area where you attended the Institute are several small clubs, some so small there is not even parking, and the people tend to pack those more eclectic venues a lot more than the "mainstream" joints. The Boarding House right there in University Circle has jazz a lot. Severance Hall is still magnificent and the Orchestra is still amazing.
Private message me if you'd like to reminisce about Cleveland so we don't tie up a forum. Been here my whole life and love it here. Well, not so much in January and February...
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
If you don't buy it all you will regret it once you try it ! I bought the 2004 version and a week later I had to have the mega pack . You will be so hooked and it's way cheaper to get it all than to add on. And with a money back guaranty and useful forums to boot how can you lose !
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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