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If I knew enough I think I'd write one. Lord knows I've felt like a dummy a few times and wouldn't mind paying for a Book that could take me step by step thru each of the gazillion possible functions of every feature.
The great part is you could keep selling updates to the book based on PG music updates. How many copies of Win95 for Dummies do you suppose were sold, then Win98, then Win2000, then and then and then. Geez.
Peter you have a gold mine here me thinks.
I'd buy one, because sadly the printed manuals have been hard to wade thru.
Step by Step is the key for most of us who are not already experts.
toucher
Any thoughts guys?
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i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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I think, someone like Mac could probably write one of those books. I think he's the most seasoned BIAB user on this site.
How about it, Mac??? <wink>
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Apprentice
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A BIAB for dummies with a drawl would definitely be a good idea!
- Jepster
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I've been asked before.
Maybe now's the time, I seem to suddenly have a lot of time since the hospital trip...
It would be a HUGE undertaking.
--Mac
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Quote:
I've been asked before.
Maybe now's the time, I seem to suddenly have a lot of time since the hospital trip...
It would be a HUGE undertaking.
--Mac
Mac. If you write the manual some of us could proof read it as you go. Maybe PG could arrange for a beta page to be set up. For those of us who proof read, it would be the same for those who beta test. Just a thought.
Russ Anyday above ground is a good day Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision 6 Ghz quad core AMD processor 8 Gig memory 1 TB hard drive 6 GB hard drive Windows 7 Premium Loose nut behind the keyboard 
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Hi Mac
If anybody could do this you could although i think that video`s are the way to go,how do you decide which way to go because nearly everybody wants to go in different directions,i belive that only a small amount of musicians read manuals anyway so will they read Biab for Dummies i don`t think so
I purchased Traction 3 and because every thing you read is how easy and simple this program is, i would not read the manual and try to get to grips just by useing, there is one part i can not do and i can`t begin to find out how so i can`t progress untill i fathom out how to do it,it came out last summer and i have given up and i am going to buy a Sva video to help me get to grips with it,
anyway if you did decide good luck,you really need two people to do this, you that knows Biab inside out and someone who knows nothing to show you what is needed
best wishes Dave Hoskins
I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
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Videos are great as well, but it seems to be more memorie friendly if I find it in a manual, then have to read it step by step as I perform the task. My experience as a corporate trainer has proven that for most people, the hands on and looking up the info is the best learning process.
Which is kind of a odd thing since 60% of people claim to learn more by visual stimulation as compared to only 15% who learn better by audio. In most cases it's because human nature is lazy at best, and we hate to look things up for ourselves. Which is why the Dummie books sold and still sell so well. Somebody looked it up for me and showed me how to do it.
Videos are visual, so is reading and looking at diagrams, with the videos you also usually get audo. But by far, still the best is hands on after looking for the answer.
toucher
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Quote:
I've been asked before.
Maybe now's the time, I seem to suddenly have a lot of time since the hospital trip...
It would be a HUGE undertaking.
--Mac
Yes, HUGE. But, I bet Peter could set you up with you book for dummies, so it could be sold through the PG store.
Now, THAT would be awesome. I'd be willing to fork out some money for the book... I am far from even an "experienced" user.
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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What about a series that consists of serialized written manual PLUS some screenshot videos?
That seems to me the best approach, read about it, watch it happen sort of thing.
The "serialization" method would not only allow for bite-sized chunks, allowing someone to just grab a certain portion that they wish to get into, but it also would help me out in the sense that BIAB keeps adding all those "more than 50 new features" every year. It would be a real killer to try to keep up with Peter all in one book, that has been the reason I've put this off in the first place. But with a serialized or more exactly, a sectionalized approach, perhaps something can be accomplished.
If I need a beta test, or more properly an editing forum, I've got my own server space for that, no need to chew up pgmusic resources.
I've started my own list of subjects.
What are some specifics that some of you might like to see covered?
Try to keep it centralized as to the requests if at all possible please.
Ex:
"How to take a song from mp3/CD to BIAB arrangement"
"How to create your own custom style from a good MIDI arrangement"
"How to make your BIAB songs sound more realistic"
"Troubleshooting the BIAB PC"
"How to make use of all those BIAB global preference settings"
"Using BIAB in live performance"
etc.
--Mac
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That's a great approach, Mac ... indiviual "chapters", separated ... available by specific topic. Like the video idea as well. And what you said aboout "keeping up with Peter" - didn't think about that. You're so right about that!
Good thinking!!!
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Awesome Mac,
how about "how to get started" for complete dummies like me, something simple but practical. Something that gets some results quickly without the theory, like the first three chords in guitar playing. You haven't a clue what they're called, but you can sing along with about half of popular music. I'd look forward to anything that helps me get into this programm.
Chris
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Mac...
I'll buy the series. I think it's a great idea.
It's also a win-win-win. (You, PGMusic & the reader)
Mick
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Quote:
I've been asked before.
Maybe now's the time, I seem to suddenly have a lot of time since the hospital trip...
It would be a HUGE undertaking.
--Mac
I think a collaberation between Russ, Mac & Gary would see one heck of a book ! 
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Mac, I'd say you are on exactly the right track. My inclination would be to start at the beginning for the complete newbie. Just like in the Dummie books. I know so of the more advanced users are thinking wow It'll be years before they get to the really juicy stuff, but by implementing an approach of variations it could serve everyone.
1. This is how to enter chords: Step by step instruction, maybe a scree shot or two, then explain using the chords with shots, holds, etc. Things like C. or C.., C,F,
2. opening midis, the melody track situation, copying tracks, The basic things that most newbies don't even think of. That would give them a jump start, and keep some of the more advanced users entained as well hopefully.
File size could be an issue if there are too many videos, but I think a few videos would enhance the learning experience quite nicely.
toucher
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I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
And if you need "proofing" help, I volunteer.
I certainly qualify as a BiaB Dummy.
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Quote:
I'd buy one in a heartbeat.
And if you need "proofing" help, I volunteer.
I certainly qualify as a BiaB Dummy.
DITTO!!!
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Great Idea from a self confessed "Dummy".
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Ya know I bet most of the book is already written.... Get 5 or 10 people to go thru all of your past posts here, and weed out all the relevant & most asked answers that apply to the program, and then compile that into an outline of sorts....it seems to me that a lot of the writing is already done....  
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Only this dumb forumboard search is broken -- or possibly intentionally truncated to save server space, dunno, but you can't find many posts from more than a few months back, much less last year.
--Mac
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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!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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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!
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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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