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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
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OP
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
One question I wouldn't have minded before purchasing is, "Are you willing to pay $28 to ship the USB drive to Canada?" Because that is the only option you have for getting your money back.
If there were a demo this wouldn't be happening. I question the claim that a demo would be too big to download because I downloaded enough of the software that I purchased to determine that it's not worth $300 to me. I haven't even received the USB drive yet.
It's odd policy that they give you an option NOT to take the drive, but if you took that option you would get no discount to compensate for passing on the USB drive. I definitely would have taken a discounted price over the drive. I don't know why anybody wouldn't take the drive since they are being charged for it anyways.
I don't care for the software. It's not right for me. I know that there are great fans of this software here, and I respect them and their music.
I was lured by a generous money-back policy, opted to receive a drive because it made financial sense, and now I pay for my mistake.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I am very curious. What do you do musically and how did you expect BIAB to help you in that? What is it about the program that you do not care for? What did it do or fail to do in order to meet your expectations? The answers may be illuminating to PG Music and other users.
The good news is that you may return the product for a refund of the majority of your investment. I can't think of any other music software for which this is true. The fact of return shipping cost for material goods is true of any product returned to any company. You elected to receive a physical product and therefore are liable for returning it. I would write the $28 off to experience and move on, but that's just me.
Respectfully,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
I'm with Richard on this one! What is it about the software "that's not right for you?" What was lacking ...from your expectations of it.....what had you intended using it for? 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
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Posts: 7,258 |
Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
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Ha Graham , Mine does ! Quote:
. I haven't even received the USB drive yet.
I don't care for the software. It's not right for me.
You Must be Psychic !
You should give it a try while you have it ,won't cost you anymore ! Try listening to some demo songs in a style of music you like.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> The answers may be illuminating to PG Music...
I feel that I was misled and ripped off by PG Music. I did not know that I'd be expected to return it to Canada. It would be fairly inexpensive to ship it to anywhere in the USA and that is what I fully expected.
I'm not interested in "illuminating" PG Music. Their sales person got back to me after I complained and had no sympathy for me, as with you who replied.
Also, I will not be so foolish as to criticize this software in a forum where I am outnumbered by avid users.
I hope that this post saves someone in future of this needless expense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
And you expect me to say something negative about this software when I can expect this kind of response?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>>You Must be Psychic ! You should give it a try while you have it ,won't cost you anymore ! Try listening to some demo songs in a style of music you like.
I've been using Band-In-A-Box since the first PC versions and then Windows. The Jazz Guitarist is one of my favorite programs, ever. And I've been using Powertracks since the first versions.
I'm revisiting BIAB after many years, this time on Mac and with Real Tracks. There is no way on earth this is worth $300 to me. I expected more for this kind of money.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
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Posts: 4,026 |
Wow I started in 2004 and it always seemed like an incredible deal to me. My Logic Pro Suite lists for $399 and only has loops for music ,still cheap in my opinion . The last time I went to a studio to record it was a grand a day. Sorry it isn't working out for you ,maybe when the economy picks up it will be better for you.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,695
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,695 |
Let's see $300, Less than a dollar a day, cheaper than a McDonalds coffee. You already knew the basic since you were a user, you already knew the price since you filled out the order forms, you already knew the terms since you read them. How were you misinformed?
Did you really think that they would ship you a hard drive full of software (we all know software is not really returnable in 99.99% of all circumstances), for free, and take it back for free? Once you open software you agree to the EULA, but still they will take it back.
Lastly if you have used BiaB and PTPA as long as you say, you had to know the company was in Canada! Where did you think they would have you send it back to? Florida? Washington state, so they could hop over the border and pick it up at a Kinkos? Look we all get buyers remorse, and maybe this is not for you, but to be so unhappy about it. You did not go into this blind.
Suck it up either pay the fees to ship it back, or keep the software, dig in and find what most of us found. It does a lot of really great things, but it has grown a lot from a few years back, and takes a lot of work to unlock all it's potential.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,471
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Posts: 22,471 |
My question would be, what have you downloaded so far that allows your decision to be made? Do you have all the realtracks? Have you tried the RealBand portion? Just curious. I'm not a BiaB fanatic, but enjoy Realband a lot. It's a whole different workflow (more like PTPA with BiaB features thrown in). That program, with the added features, is what keeps me here.
If you only downloaded BiaB and are using only MIDI styles you are missing a lot and may want to wait until you have the hard drive to re-evaluate. If you still think it's not for you, that's understandable. If you only have a portion of the available features, then you should wait a bit before deciding. Just a suggestion. I wouldn't be determined to send it back until I had the whole thing to evaluate.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I was playing 3 nights a week last winter using RealBand. Two nights payed for the program!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,464
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,464 |
We still don't know what it is about the software that the OP does not like. All we have is this:
"I don't care for the software. It's not right for me."
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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Another troll. Bye bye. .....bye bye.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,695
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,695 |
Sometimes I have experienced that on every forum board there are a few that just want to complain. It's okay to do so, but usually it is a misunderstanding, or misconception.
I am with Rharv on this i use BiaB on occasion, but i use RB every day. I am patiently waiting for Rb to add the two or three things i want to make me use it for just about everything.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8 |
>> Re: John Conley
>> Another troll. Bye bye. .....bye bye.
I'd be a troll if I said what I don't like about the software in an inflammatory manner therefore provoking good people to reply and defend something that they believe in.
I'm talking about being shocked that I have to pay $28 (plus the $15 initial shipping) for a total of $43 to try this software. I'm saying if there were a demo this wouldn't happen. Nobody has much to say about that. I posted this as a heads-up to anyone else that potentially be surprised at cost of trying this particular package and returning it. The reason why I or anyone else might not think the software is a good value is irrelevant to this topic.
If I am a troll, you sir, are clueless.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,471
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Posts: 22,471 |
Quote:
The reason why I or anyone else might not think the software is a good value is irrelevant to this topic.
It's not irrelevant if you only downloaded the program. Honestly; if you don't like it I can see your point. If you are judging it based on only the program download I think you are shortchanging yourself (and possibly others). Wait for the hard drive to arrive before making your decision. There is a LOT more to this program than just the program files.
If you have downloaded the other options (including realtracks) already, then I'm speaking out of turn. If not, try the whole thing before deciding. We've seen this before here on th forum. Some dedicated members here (now) were ready to return it before giving it the full workout, then changed their mind later. It does things others can't touch. But if it isn't for you; that's fine. Just wanted to make sure you gave it a fair shot before deciding.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,805 |
Regarding a downloadable demo - this has been requested for years.... 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,145
Veteran
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,145 |
Quote:
Regarding a downloadable demo - this has been requested for years....
I can't undedrstand why there is no demo either. Since there are so many illegal (though be it, out of date) demo's) floating about, it would be nice to have a proper legal one from PG music.
To be honest es175player I think you would have been better to wait to the christmas sale as packages are a lot cheaper then though I do see your point about a downloadable demo.
Another thing is PG is very trusting of potential customers to give them a 30 day money back. Whats to stop someone from buying software from pg then doing a copy and then sending the original software back to PG?, though it's very clear to me that you availing of the 30 day returns for very genuine reasons as you don't like the software.
I know esa75 you are at a loss this time, but try to understand how good that 30 day returns no question asked from PG music is.
musiclover
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
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I downloaded band in a box a few years ago and have never looked back. There's styles for almost every taste If you don't like real tracks then use midi. I was a very very poor sight reader till I got this programme. It's helped me understand chords, and improved my sight reading enormously. WHY don't you like the software ? Quote:
>> Sounds to me like you were hoping band in a box would automatically play chords for you ?
And you expect me to say something negative about this software when I can expect this kind of response?
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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 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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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- 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)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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