|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Hi all,
I'm the type that buys equipment, and doesn't begin to use it until several years later, when it's about to become obsolete. Then I work toward buying the new equipment, and the same cycle begins again. Someone has to help the music gear vendors. I also spend more time studying the equipment manuals and features than I do actually playing (that's why my musical progress isn't faster - any of you distracted by the technology to the detriment of your musical progress ?)
All that said - I'm finally learning to hook up and use my Roland GI-20. Funny enough, I do find the delay, no matter how small, annoying. I could see it throwing me off when playing with a live band. And I do find that the thinking/composing/jamming using synth sounds is extremely different. The easiest sounds for me to use are those where the attack is fast, like on the guitar, and the sustain of sounds are relatively short, like the guitar.
One think I thought the guitar synth would do for me is allow me to emulate some of the instruments I really love but don't play - like the fiddle (love double stops, bow tricks, and volume swells in bluegrass), and I love the sound of the pedal steel in Yes and Neil Young. Alas - after playing around a little - I don't think I'll ever get satisfaction in trying to emulate and play these instruments on my guitar synth.
Please comment on your experiences with the above, and tell me:
Guitar Synth players - what sounds do you use, and how do you use your guitar synth ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I have an Ibanez Strat copy equipped with a Roland GK-3 pickup which I installed a few years ago for use with my Roland VG-88 emulator system. I love this system and rarely use the actual sounds of the guitar any more, preferring the sounds of the Roland. But it isn't a true synth. I bought a Roland GI-10 a few months back, and like you haven't begun to use it for the same reasons you mention. The hope is to eventually use it with my Roland JV-1010 synth module and with Propellerhead Reason.
I also have a pre-MIDI Korg MS-20 monophonic analog synth with built-in pitch-to-voltage converter. I have used it with guitar, bass, and mic inputs. There are few patches which really sound good through a guitar that is played like a guitar. I have found it best to simply think of the guitar as a controller and 'play to the patch.' When I'm playing a big square wave sound I tend to emulate Keith Emerson more than I do John McLaughlin (or at least I try). Maybe I'm limited by experience and prejudice. One possible exception is that I find it easier to play a bass like a bass, usually with a massive sawtooth sound, by itself or doubled with the bass sound.
If you want to explore the limits of what can be done with a guitar connected to s synth, listen to Alan Holdsworth's Atavachron. The controller isn't actually a guitar, yet he does more with it to preserve the gestures normally used with guitar than anyone else I know of. Search youtube for users of the new "You Rock" MIDI guitar controller, too. Again, it isn't actually a guitar, but comes very close, and we're starting to hear some real sonic innovation from new users.
HTH,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 639
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 639 |
I have been using guitar synths since the 90's. My first was a Casio PG380 guitar. Later on I purchased the Fender Strat Roland ready guitar which I still have and use today. I also have a Roland GK-3 pickup mounted on a acoustic guitar. I previously owned the Roland GR-20 but I sold it on Ebay and upgraded to the Roland GR-55.
I have found there is always going to be some latency with pitch to midi conversion. This has been improved over the years with faster electronics. It is very important to have your midi pickup adjusted correctly for your style of playing. Also like you have found out different synth patches track faster than others. I mostly use strings but I do like the piano.
To sum it up, you have to play a guitar synth much more accurate than a guitar because of false notes triggering. The guitar setup adjustments are critical. Certain patches respond faster and track better than others. In general Bass note frequency's are slower to convert than higher frequency's. This is just the nature of the beast.
Merry Christmas
Brian
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi Joe V, There are *many* ways to use your guitar synth. Not only can you use whatever sounds come inside the synth you have, but it can also be used as a MIDI path into your computer, firing DXi and VSTi software patches. Guitar players who aren't all that keyboard savvy should take full advantage of having the MIDI pickup/synth setup, for here is a way to emulate keyboards without having to do like yours truly and learn to play both instruments. **Try playing in a single-note blues organ solo. The blues patterns on the guitar, without the bends, mind you, firing a good sounding Hammond organ patch, can be used to turn in a very nice and realistic sounding organ solo in the right situation. And its easy. **PADS -- "Pads" is the term we use to describe tracks where the instrument used has long sustain capabilities. String tracks, certain synthesizer sounds, organ, well, any sound that is not percussive in nature. A set of tracks that contains all "choppy" sounds, such as real guitars chording and bass plucking, can be smoothed over by adding, say, a String or Organ sustained held notes track. Again, the guitar player can emulate things that keyboard players do without having to become a keyboardist. Two and three note chords rather than full grand barres typically work better here. Or recording single notes one track at a time, stacking the harmony desired when the two to several tracks play back at once. **Pianos. Whether acoustic grand piano or Rhodes pianos, Wurlitzer pianos, let's include also Clavinet, Harpsichord or even Vibes, use your guitar to play in a solo or accompaniment track that would normally call for a piano playing session player. Nice. **Guitar Teaching -- Being able to quickly record a MIDI guitar to the computer, using BB or PT, RB or any number of available recording softwares, is a dynamite way to come up with customized study materials for students. With Band in a Box, you can generate TAB under scored notes ready to print out. The MIDI synth saves a LOT of time that those without one have to spend in single-note entry of such, plus the fact that the MIDI synth already sends the data as to which string you are playing at the time. No confusing that C note on the 5th fret G string for the C on the first fret of the B string, for example. Not only can you get the printed sheet for the student (or even your own practice sessions) you can also have the audio soundfile of it as an example, rather easily. Here is a youtube of a video that Skunk Baxter made in the 90s as regards use of the Guitar synth in studio work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8pr7P-1jsI (The original underscore for the hit TV series, "Law and Order" -- the Rhodes piano part was played in using a Guitar Synth... -- And the guy made double the money because of it!) --Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
I also spend more time studying the equipment manuals and features than I do actually playing (that's why my musical progress isn't faster - any of you distracted by the technology to the detriment of your musical progress ?)
Joe, you're singing my song! I've long complained about the "left brain-right brain" phenomenon inherent to electronic music. It seems that the artistic side of music is very right-brained, but the technology stuff is very left-brained. I have always found that by the time I immerse myself in the technology sufficiently to be prepared for electronic music making, I'm so far removed from my right brain sensibilities that I can't get in the groove.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
**When confronted with that new piece of gear, or software, or whatever, don't try to understand every single thing it can do all at once. Break it up into smaller things and work immediately with those smaller things.
Try to get the feel and the gist of some feature, sound, etc. by viewing the new thing as doing *only* that and nothing else for a few days.
"Familiarity breeds contempt."
Get familiar with *one thing* that it does at a time.
Plenty of time to get to the next thing and lots to gain from having mastered one thing.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
A former girlfriend had another approach to technology--just start pushing buttons. It worked for her, at least with consumer electronics such as a GPS unit we owned. Too bad our gear can't be similarly intuitive. Or can it? *strokes imaginary beard*
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
A former girlfriend had another approach to technology--just start pushing buttons. It worked for her, at least with consumer electronics such as a GPS unit we owned. Too bad our gear can't be similarly intuitive. Or can it? *strokes imaginary beard*
this is one of the reasons I act like such a PGMusic evangelist here on the forum. Whereas for years I was totally dead in the water trying to accomplish something/anything with other software, PG products made sense to me for the first time. I think it's because the software is written by musicians who are also programmers, (as opposed to being written by programmers who just work for a music software company)
edit:
in other words, using this software doesn't force me all the way out of creative mode, whereas other software did.
Last edited by Pat Marr; 12/26/12 01:05 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Joe V,
I had a Roland VG-88 but never took to it and its gone to ebay a while ago. Like you I have a lot of gear and study the manuals until I an use it all, but inspiration with MIDI instruments is short for me, I find something is lost. For me its the way MIDI notes come in discreet little packages, it just does not feel real.
Until BIAB came up with Real Tracks - they are such a gas. Now with BIAB I have had the product for years and hardly ever go under the hood.
IMO That's how a music machine should be!
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I kept my Roland VG8 around, just for the simulated L5 jazzbox that lives in it, only because of the looks on the faces of the old farts in bigbands when I show up to sub guitar on a gig -- and pull out a Strat with a Whammy Bar and a MIDI pickup on it.
Most of 'em still think that there's this one guy who can make one o' them thar Rock 'n Roll slabs sound like a real jazz guitar.
And that alone was worth the price of admission...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 103 |
One way to reduce the midi conversion delay is to use a nashville string set,
but you lose standard tuning and the converter needs to be able to respond
to the higher pitches (don't know if they all do, but some do at least).
An even more drastic approach is to use all high E strings. The tuning back
to standard guitar pitch is done in the sound module.
I had a Roland VG88 and VG99 for a while for some fooling around with guitar.
These are not midi sound devices, although the VG99 did do the conversion to
midi and provided the midi signal output on the back.
So they don't offer any of the typical midi triggered sounds like piano. However,
the sounds they do offer are free of the delays inherent in pitch to midi conversion.
If you have a use for custom guitar sounds and certain synth sounds, these play
very much like normal guitar notes. Bends and slides for example work without
triggering problems. It's like the notes are passed straight through except with a
different timbre.
But they are expensive.
I also spend way too much time changing settings and reading manuals,
at least for my non-bass playing music. With bass at least it's just
the upright, or electric bass, cable, bass amp.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Quote:
Joe V,
...but inspiration with MIDI instruments is short for me, I find something is lost. For me its the way MIDI notes come in discreet little packages, it just does not feel real.
Until BIAB came up with Real Tracks - they are such a gas. Now with BIAB I have had the product for years and hardly ever go under the hood.
IMO That's how a music machine should be!
I am feeling the same about 'something is lost', and I believe it's due to 2 things 1.) the delay in response time, and 2.) the limitation of Midi Guitar synths to EASILY allow the guitar player to phrase and articulate similarly to the emulated instrument. From what I've seen, the only and best way around this is for the manufacturers to sample the cool articulations, but then, you have a SINGLE sampled articulation and you're not feeling like you're in control of the phrasing, which is what you want - thus it FEELS like you're playing back little portions of recordings and stringing them together, something a computer can do, for example - RealTracks. Although we love the accompaniment and that RealTracks provides, and it is the "next best thing" to having a real musician of that caliber to work with you, it is limited in the sense of the phrasing variations it allows. It's easy (not for me - for PG, that is) to rearrange amazing parts, but to simulate changes in the phrasing for variation and interest purposes - that's still to come (maybe in our lifetime ? maybe PG is working on that right now ? - I doubt it, it's too complicated, I think).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Although we love the accompaniment and that RealTracks provides, and it is the "next best thing" to having a real musician of that caliber to work with you, it is limited in the sense of the phrasing variations it allows.
if we're comparing the limitations of phrasing, and BIAB comes out being LESS variable than a real musician, then your experience with the creative genius of bandmates has been a lot better than mine.
My opinion is exactly opposite yours on this topic. I think that in a band of human musicians one of the biggest limitations is variability of the musicians' repertoire. Eddie commented not long ago that he saw Kenny G in concert, and ten minutes into the show he had already played the same riff 3 times. And he's a pro! Joe Local usually knows less.
In contrast, BIAB has MULTIPLE possibilities for each real track musician,and multiple real track musicians for each instrument. And multiple instruments available for every song. And multiple styles available for every project.
Quadruple everything I said if you're comparing the collective variable possibilities of BIAB to the variability YOU ALONE, (with no other musicians to add new ideas) could possibly bring to all the projects you'll ever produce from now till the end of your life.
And for the rest of your life, there will be 2 new versions of BIAB per year, each having so many new variants on a theme that you will never exhaust the new possibilities before the next version comes out
Given your current musical productivity, how many projects do you expect to finish in the rest of your life? There are already more possibilities available than you could exhaust in that number of projects. And more are on the way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Uh-oh. Mentions of Kenny G in the same breath as jazz improvisation.
Slugfest in three, two, one...
teehee
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,909
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,909 |
Quote:
Quote:
Although we love the accompaniment and that RealTracks provides, and it is the "next best thing" to having a real musician of that caliber to work with you, it is limited in the sense of the phrasing variations it allows.
if we're comparing the limitations of phrasing, and BIAB comes out being LESS variable than a real musician, then your experience with the creative genius of bandmates has been a lot better than mine.
My opinion is exactly opposite yours on this topic. I think that in a band of human musicians one of the biggest limitations is variability of the musicians' repertoire. Eddie commented not long ago that he saw Kenny G in concert, and ten minutes into the show he had already played the same riff 3 times. And he's a pro! Joe Local usually knows less.
I think we are talking apples and oranges here.
If you take one bass RT, one lead guitar RT, one organ RT, one rhythm guitar RT and one drum Rt and pit them against the same band format the band will be less limited.
If you include all of BiaB then of course BiaB will be less limited.
Unfortunately for us and fortunately for PGMusic we can’t afford to have all of those pro musicians sitting in our home just waiting to play 
Running for cover 
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
I think that some of you have misinterpreted what I meant, or maybe I was unclear. I was referring to the phrasing of a SINGLE note - not all the variations of notes in terms of what follows what. Each single note played or sustained has a unique 'stamp' of that player in it, in terms of attack, decay, sustain, harmonic, bend, vibrato. Given the same sequence of notes/chords, and for a single quarter note in that lick, a live musician (at least I believe) can change the feel and expression of that quarter note by changing the parameters I spoke of. As commented by you Pat - the variations in melody, chords selected, note sequence - of course the BB/RB can vary and permute the combinations much better.
For instance - take a guy (you may love or hate his voice, but try to follow my thinking) like Neil Young. His genius is in his phrasing and expression on a "per note" basis(both guitar and vocals) - that's why I can listen to his songs over and over even when hearing more or less the same sequence of notes and chords.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Seriously, folks, there is one very large difference between using RealTracks and other methods of autoaccompaniment such as Acid Loops, etc. and that is the fact that real live musicians can hear what is going on at the time and respond accordingly. Hooks, Themes, Call and Response stuff, Fills that echo your particular Melody line, Solos that invoke themes, hooks, melody lines and likely a few other things I've missed.
One still can work up some very nice sounding stuff though, despite those kinds of limitations.
But I don't think any of us would have those classic hooks in our heads if, for instance, Mick would have had and used Realtracks in BB to write "Satisfaction"...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979 |
It seems that this thread has gotten "a little off track". It seemed to stop being about guitar synths long ago and turned into a RealTracks discussion - which happens often. So I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents along those lines....
I like what Mario just said. BIAB provides as much (or more) variation in its thousands of available tracks as you will typically find from the best studio musicians. The one advantage that you get from "the studio musician" is that they are playing specifically for your song (the current project). But they are, after all, calling on their experience - for that particular song. So they can come up with something "unique" for the current sound/melody. But, keep in mind, that a studio session happens fast. A work tape gets played, the musicians write charts as they listen (one time - they are that good). They may discuss a chord here and there - and then they go. They are playing the same riffs that they always do. And they are great, perfect for the "song at hand". But we have the opportunity to do the same thing with BIAB. And we can take the time to re-generate over and over - and the variations are PHENOMENAL. In the comfort of your own home.
When those studio musicians are finished (in one or two takes) laying your tracks - and that singer comes in to sing your song - and the engineer spends time mixing that track - when you are handed that final "tape" (a CD) - you are writing a check to the studio for about the same price that BIAB costs, ONE TIME - and is available for the next 3,000 songs that you want to produce.
No brainer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If your studio time is only costing you the entry price of Band in a Box, don't complain, man.
If anyone want to know what the making of a CD in the studios is like, no problem, just put on a tuxedo and stand in a cold shower fully dressed while tearing up hundred dollar bills.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,979 |
1. I was not complaining.
2. I was talking about one song, not an entire CD.
3. Not sure what a tuxedo and a shower have to do with producing a listenable song.
4. I was just trying to help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,445
Posts805,169
Members40,121
| |
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