|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95 |
Hi,
I just spent the past 11 hours and got nowhere! I'm an experienced computer user, but I'm finding BIAB totally unintuitive. I can see it can do a lot, but I can't even get past the first hurdle. I purchased the megapack, because my supplier said in their write-up that it included the tutorial pak, which it doesn't, so I can't even learn. The online tutorials won't download into Windows Media player, nor download as zip files - probably due to my firewall. So the forum is my only hope.
All I want to do is to create the different sections of my song. Two verses, a bridge, another verse, and a four bar ending. But nothing I can do gets the repeats in the right place - I end up with repeat symbols in odd places, and I can't see any way of adding different sections into the chords window to get them to run in the right order.
Can anyone please walk me through this - step by step - with the structure mentioned above as the example. Please specify what settings I should change and how I make the necessary adjustments. I go into hospital in three days and desperately need to work out how to do this. I can handle all the complex styling etc., it's just the simple structural setup I can't achieve.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
Since I'm not sure what you have learned about BIAB, I don;t know if this will help but try this. First don't worry about a complete song.
The setup page for BIAB default is set for 32 bars 3 repeats, this is just to the right of the style name.
Start by putting in the total # of bars of the song, maybe 100 bars where the 32 is, then set the repeats to 1 where the 3 is.
Enter in the chords straight thru as if it's 1 long verse/chorus. Don't think about repeats, just place them in, where they come in in the song, each time you want those chords.
Hit play and those chords will play in the style that's in the style window.
Right click in the style window and several options will present themselves, one of which will be "browse styles" this will bring up the entire list of styles you have.
You might try starting with fewer chords, say a verse and try out styles to see what they sound like.
From your post I understand the frustration and what I have suggested , you may have already done.
Since you have been around computers awhile, I'm sure you understand the idea of a small test program to learn the more advanced features.
That's how I learned the small amt I have gained and much more from the forum members
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
Maybe this will get you started...
1. Pick a key
2. Pick a tempo
3. Pick a style
4. Enter the chords for the entire chorus (verses, bridge, and verse) in a linear format. Don't worry about the repeats - you can do that later. Lots of shortcuts to copy stuff but I won't do that here. Place part markers where you want - usually at the start of the verse and bridge.
5. After the chorus is done, tell BIAB where the end of chorus is by pressing on end of chorus button. The default on mine says 32 (under the Loop and Fake checkboxes).
6. Choose # of choruses (next to end of chorus button). Mine defaults to 3.
7. Enter in your ending bar chords
8. Tell BIAB that a Tag exists and specify which bars. Press the S button for song settings. You'll see the Tag settings. You'll also want to uncheck Generate 2 bar ending.
This should get what you want. You can do repeats and stuff as you get more comfortable.
Rachael
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The terminology about "chorus" gets most at first.
"Verse" and "Chorus" terminology refers to lyrics.
Song terminology, the Chorus is one iteration of Verse plus the following Chorus.
Both are called the Chorus.
Then repeat that as many times as necessary to get the job done. Use the second box with numbers in it that appears to the right of the songtitle window. Default is 32 bars, simply click there and click where you want the end of your chorus (that combination of one "verse plus chorus") and that part's done.
For the 4 bar ending, you would likely invoke a TAG ending of two bars using the Song Settings dialog (Rightclick at the bar and choose Song Settings). Choose two bars only because the default in BIAB is a two bar ending anyway, the two bar TAG plus two bar ending should make up a 4 bar ending for you.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95 |
Many thanks to you both: Rachael and Wyndham.
I think you're right - perhaps I'm looking at it in too perfectionist a way at the start!
It never crossed my mind to create everything as one complete linear format. I assumed the program would let you define the sections and enter them as distinct sections, adding them to the chords display as you went.
Oddly enough I have done most of the rest that you suggest: Key, tempo, style, changed to 8 bars and 2 repeats (the first two verses of my song), allocating the end of chorus etc.
1. But I did have a problem with "uncheck Generate 2 bar ending", because every time I unchecked it - no matter whether I saved the settings, simply continued with the song, closed the program and reopened it, the check was always back there in the box, and I can see nothing in the preferences to turn this off by default. The other problem was that I wanted a four bar ending, but every time I changed it to four, it added four bars to the existing two bar ending, rather than replacing it whether or not I checked or unchecked generate additional bars, and created an automatic repeat after a first ending and adding space for a second ending as well. Can anyone advise how to cancel this completely?
2. Rachael, you say: "Place part markers where you want - usually at the start of the verse and bridge" - how do you do this? And how do you "Tell BIAB that a Tag exists"?
3. Finally, if I do enter everything in one linear sequence including all the repeats, how do I get rid of the extra bits when I've told BIAB how to fit them together using tags?
4. As I commented in my earlier post my song is simply two verses, a bridge, another verse, and a four bar ending. If I set the "chorus" to repeat (I do wish BIAB wouldn't use the jazz phraseology!), then how do I get it to go to the bridge and then back to the true chorus?
If anyone can help me further I'll check in again in the AM (I'm GMT and just about to go to retire gracefully!) to see where to go next.
I really can't see how anyone can describe this software as easy! Perhaps it is once you get into it, but it's rather like learning a new language compared to to the intuitiveness of the high end graphics and web-design software I'm used to using.
Thanks again to you both for being so supportive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95 |
Thanks Mac - your post appeared whilst I was composing my other reply.
The terminology is confusing, but thanks for the explanation. You may have seen my reply by now, which explains I did have problems with the auto ending and that because my song is two verses, a bridge, another verse, and a four bar ending, I can't simply repeat verse+chorus, as there are only verses and a bridge.
Any further comments would be welcome.
Thanks again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,849
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,849 |
Quote:
I really can't see how anyone can describe this software as easy!
The software is easy, but not at first, because you have to understand how it works and how you work it. It's a niche product, unlike any other piece of software. So, you just have to learn some of the basics first. Read the "getting started" sections of the user manual, use the help facility, and try to figure out why your firewall doesn't let you download the video tutorials. Once you do that, you'll find it's a piece of cake.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Ditto to what Wyndham said. To start, K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid). Not that you're stupid, but think of it like beginning to learn music. We all started with simple stuff, remember? Get a lead sheet from someone or a fake book for a one page tune with no 1st-2nd endings or codas. This is what i did. I entered the chords from the lead sheet first and then added a midi melody (you don't have to do this at first or ever actually). After I get the chords in, I go to the styles and spend a very long time finally finding one that I like for the particular song--I'm picky. Then you hit play and see if you like what you hear. Don't like some of the chords? Change 'em. Don't like the style? Change it. Don't want the 2-bar ending? Right click, select song settings, and uncheck the box in the popup window. I could go on, but you aren't going to learn BIAB via questions on this forum. You just have to jump in and start experimenting. As to the videos, I have anti-virus and spy sweeper and a firewall. They prompt me before running the videos. I shut off my firewall and antivirus software to load the programs. There are lots of videos and a lot of them are not on the video disks that come with the disk paks. I downloaded some. Most will run but some will not because I don't have some required codec. That's okay though since you can run them from the pg music website. Good luck!
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
*BIAB comes with Demo songs. You can even load a demo song for a particular style from the Stylepicker window with the button at the top.
Examining a song while it plays can teach a lot in a hurry.
Using the Jukebox feature on an entire demo folder is a good thing to try, watch BIAB play and note the various indications in the Chord Grid as BIAB demo songs implement the feature.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
- Part markers: Left click on the bar number and it'll change. Blue markers are more subtle and green are 'busier' accompaniment. Some styles have more part marker options than others.
- Tag exists: In song settings (S button next to Memo button or Right click mouse), it is a check box. Be warned that getting a nice sounding ending without using the built-in 'Generate 2 bar ending' can be tricky. Plenty of suggestions in forum and FAQs. For simplicity, you should try to use the auto 2 bar endings.
- 1st/2nd Endings, repeats, etc: I use these solely for the convenience of printouts. I have two copies of each song. One is the master copy for printouts with repeats, etc. The other is for on-stage performance with all of that stuff removed. This gives me a nice clean display to follow if needed.
- Linear format: Even with endings, repeats, etc., BIAB still plays in a linear manner. So, lay out your chorus and add 1st/2nd endings, etc later if desired. In fact, the linear form must be there in order to implement these. You'll learn there are 'shortcuts' to do this but I won't describe them at this time. After over a year and 250 songs, I don't bother with the shortcuts. If you use Realband, everything is linear; even the songs you import from BIAB.
- Chorus: BIAB does use Chorus as everything in the middle of the Intro and Tag/Ending. Think of it as the entire AABA part of the song surrounded by the Intro and Ending. Something to keep in mind is be default, BIAB varies the middle chorus style. Essentially it plays the entire 2nd chorus using the 'B' substyle 'jazzing up' the accompaniment by making them 'busier'.
It's up to you how you want to handle it. If you want total control over how your entire song sounds, make the entire song linear - including the number of choruses. Most of my 3 chorus songs I leave at 1 chorus repeating 3 times. The 1st/3rd chorus will be identical and the middle chorus 'busier'.
Also, be sure to enable your RealDrums and RealTracks.
Rachael
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507 |
Hello DigiH, Quote:
1. But I did have a problem with "uncheck Generate 2 bar ending", because every time I unchecked it - no matter whether I saved the settings, simply continued with the song, closed the program and reopened it, the check was always back there in the box, and I can see nothing in the preferences to turn this off by default.
The thing to remember is that feature is a song setting. Yes, it's enabled by default, but if you disable it and save the song, then it should remain disabled when you reload the song. Post back if that's not working for you. Quote:
The other problem was that I wanted a four bar ending, but every time I changed it to four, it added four bars to the existing two bar ending, rather than replacing it whether or not I checked or unchecked generate additional bars, and created an automatic repeat after a first ending and adding space for a second ending as well. Can anyone advise how to cancel this completely?
By "changed it to four" you mean you've invoked a tag ending? If you're using a tag to create an ending, then you probably should disable the "generate 2 bar ending." Others may know this better than I, but I don't think the program has the kind of logic you're intuiting. It regards the tag function and the "generate ending" function as two independent features. As for the automatic repeats, it probably raised the chorus number from 1 to 2, because it "knows" there's no need for a tag if there's only one chorus. So I think you can accomplish what you want by invoking neither the "generate ending" nor the tag.Quote:
2. Rachael, you say: "Place part markers where you want - usually at the start of the verse and bridge" - how do you do this? And how do you "Tell BIAB that a Tag exists"?
I'm not Rachael, but left click on any bar number to insert a part marker. As for tag, that's also a feature of the song. If you create one and save the song, it will persist when the song is loaded again.Quote:
I really can't see how anyone can describe this software as easy! Perhaps it is once you get into it, but it's rather like learning a new language compared to to the intuitiveness of the high end graphics and web-design software I'm used to using.
I think many users would agree that the program is daunting and unintuitive to the newcomer. Interface issues are of continuing concern to many users. But consider this: at its core BB is an expert system. It's rule based. That makes it rather unique in the auto-accompaniment realm. I think you'll find the functionality is worth the learning curve. There's a bunch of good advice in this thread. The gist of much of it is: start simple and study existing songs. It'll get easier, don't worry.
Have fun and keep posting. -Ron
EDIT - Overlapped Rachael. She says it better than I. 
Last edited by rkl122; 02/20/09 10:57 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827 |
Wow a "BIAB for Dummies" at last! A great start anyway. I´ll be giving it another try using these tips, because until now the only thing I have managed to get right is installing the updates. 
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
Wow a "BIAB for Dummies" at last! A great start anyway.
I´ll be giving it another try using these tips, because until now the only thing I have managed to get right is installing the updates.
There's a video called "Band In A Box For Bozo's". It may be available for download on this website. I probably need to watch it again.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 95 |
Thanks for everyone's help!
Rather than multiply the replies, I'm replying to my own post in the hope that you are all listening for any updates, or will look back later.
I'm thrilled to say that with the help of the advice you've all given, I've managed to complete my first song. I've input the chords in a linear fashion as suggested - which does make it easier. But I guess if I need to produce sheet music later, I'll have to do as someone suggested and produce a second version. I kept the auto-ending after all in the end. I'll explore that again sometime later.
The styles were good, but as I was trying them out, I began to notice how many of them have common features - either they're based on others of have adopted similar piano parts or sequences. Is there some way of viewing the settings for the instruments used in each style?
I managed to implement part markers, plus a guitar solo on in intervening verse. I did have problems with the soloist though, because the dialog is different for transposition to the one shown in the user guide (although I bought BIAB2009, I got a BIAB 2008.5 user guide with a supplement for additional features on 2009). Soloist transposition is now handled in semitones rather than keys, and although this is a little more flexible, you have to be able to do maths to get the right transposition. I think I would have preferred it if there was a choice.
The choice of soloist instruments seems rather poor, in that many of them are just midi instruments and they sound very artificial. I looked at church bells, vibes and violin, but eventually gave up and settled on acoustic guitar. Am I right in thinking that this will have invoked the real guitar? It sounds realistic. Somebody suggested I check to ensure that realtracks and realdrums are enabled. How and where do I do this please?
I has some major problems outputting the song to wav, as the setup kept crashing and telling me afterwards that all my drum settings had been lost. I'm not sure quite why this was, because I did it about the fifth time and it worked fine, and my drums were fine afterwards.
Next step is to try creating a track for one of my own songs. That will be interesting! Thanks to everyone for help and advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,625 |
I'm pleased things are starting to work for you. Your learning curve will become less steep the more you work with the program.
You raised several issues in this post, and I'll deal with this one:
Somebody suggested I check to ensure that realtracks and realdrums are enabled. How and where do I do this please?
Right-click on a radio button for an instrument (third row down), for example, guitar. You will see the option, Add/Remove Real Tracks. From that, you may choose from the real tracks that you have purchased. Since using Real Tracks requires time to regenerate the song each time you press Play or make a change in the chords or song structure, you normally want to make sure the song is 'done' before substituting the Real Track instrument for a MIDI one. You can add a Real Track on any of the instrument tracks (not drums; that's for Real Drums), and it does not have to be related to the instrument name. For example, you could put a trumpet on the guitar track. When a track uses a Real Track instrument, the name of the track will turn Green.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,487
Posts805,627
Members40,131
| |
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