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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212 |
Hi, I'm new to BAIB. I've probably spent about 10 hours with it since getting BAIB 2013. I am in awe, in both good and bad ways. When I start noodling around, I find that soon enough something kind of magic happens; but... good gosh, there are so many features to this thing it makes my head spin. Just the interface makes me a bit dizzy (simply because of all the options to get to grips with.)
I have been using computer music software for around 12 years, but admit that with BIAB I'm probably facing my steepest learning curve to date.
I really want to get to grips with BIAB, but I'm a busy professional, so time (and I guess my attention span, these days) is more limited than it once was. Can anyone recommend the best resource to gently, clearly and concisely walk this newbie through the highlights, so I can start having fun without having to refer to the manual, or this forum, every 10-30 minutes or so? I know there are many resources for earlier versions of BIAB, but I'd prefer something which covers my edition.
OK, I do have the manual and the update manual, but at 600 and 28 pages respectively, realistically, I'm unlikely to spend my weekends on those. There's got to be an easier / more efficient way. I don't need a PhD in BIAB, but do want to get comfortable with the main features.
There are some "tutorial " files included, but these are just song files without a detailed explanation of what's going on -- not too enlightening for me at this stage.
PG Music does have videos on the site, but the ones I've seen seem either to concentrate on what's new (which is good, but only so useful if I don't know what's old) or to be numerous but unstructured (focusing on lots of micro issues, which will make sense to someone who already knows about BIAB; but nothing along the lines of a guided "Let's learn by making some songs" tour.)
So... I have seen two sets of tutorials for sale: the Band-in-a-Box Video Tutorial PAK, and also the Band-in-a-Box for Bozos material. From the descriptions on the PG Music site it's not really clear to me what distinguishes them.
Can anyone who has used these offer an opinion? Or am I better off looking for another resource?
I'd be very grateful for any advice.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,959
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,959 |
I purchased Band-in-a-Box Video Tutorial PAK less than a year ago but was very disappointed at how old they are! The most recent dates on the videos in this pack are mid-2006 so that is probably more than 10 versions ago. The BIAB interface in the videos is different from the current version and I'm pretty sure several features were added between now and 2006 that a user of the videos would want included!! Wish they would update them and send me an upgrade!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
Rick Campbell put out a DVD Tutorial called Band In A Box made easy. I had purchased it & it is excellent,.. Rick has now recovered his costs & is giving the DVD free, I think only pay shipping costs. Ray Thomas is now in charge. A link is enclosed to the Steel Guitar Forum..Good reference DVD to have.. http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216747
Last edited by johnnyo34; 08/27/13 07:07 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Rick Campbell put out a DVD Tutorial called Band In A Box made easy. I had purchased it & it is excellent,.. Rick has now recovered his costs & is giving the DVD free, I think only pay shipping costs. Ray Thomas is now in charge. A link is enclosed to the Steel Guitar Forum..Good reference DVD to have.. http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216747 I have sung PG's praises far and wide, on and off this forum. But the nature of your post reinforces the often raised issue that the one GLARING deficiency in BIAB is the complexity of its operational aspects. There are few IF ANY matters that the great folks here on the forum and/or PG Support can't stick handle around. But as the old saying goes, "We don't know what we don't know." and I join you and I am sure TONS of other users who soldier on while only having scratched the surface if the program and just wait for new style sets to come out which require little else than downloading. IMHO it is long past due for PG to essentially scrap its bloated Owners Manual...massively consolidate and rationalize its video tutorial library and find ways to simplify program navigation/utilization. I for ONE (and who knows...maybe ONE is the right number) would be THRILLED to forego an entire year of style set introductions in favor of the above. There is ZERO doubt in my mind that the half dozen or so of the SUPER-BRILLIANT contributors to problem solving on this forum...you and we all know who you are...could come together...assuming adequate compensation, to accomplish the goals I cited above. I hope that PG and all readers of these comments accept the spirit in which they are written and understand what a truly amazing program I believe BIAB to be. Best, Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,959
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,959 |
I watched some of the Jim Campbell videos and they are decent. If you don't wanna purchase a DVD (or maybe they are not even doing that any longer) these are on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=BIAB+Made+Easy
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I feel your pain. I poked a stick at BIAB for years, starting with v.7 for DOS (or was it Win 3.1?). I have had several versions since then and currently have 2013. While my profile shows me as an "Expert" or "Veteran" or some such nonsense, I am probably familiar with about 5% of BIAB's features.
Unfortunately, I don't know a way around that genuinely steep learning curve. I have long suggested handing documentation over to a third-party specialist, but so far no joy.
BIAB is the ultimate shiny object and can lead you down many fascinating paths, but that is often detrimental to getting the job done. (In fact, I have virtually given up on trying to tell BIAB what to do and often take its "suggestions" as a co-composer, but that's another story.)
What I can tell you, as someone with an official diagnosis of ADD, is to focus. The way I do this is to state what I am trying to do in a short sentence or paragraph on a sticky note and literally paste it to the wall in front of me. Then I go after that and nothing else, learning only what I need to get that task done.
Sounds easy, doesn't it? But then you run into the deficiencies of the BIAB documentation--mainly an incomplete index, specialized terminology (you have to know what PG calls a thing so you can look it up), and so on. Sometimes it is just easier to come to the forums and post your questions here. As long as you are making an effort to learn on your own, you will find this community incredibly knowledgeable and (almost) infinitely patient. Please don't be afraid to use that approach.
HTH,
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
another source is George Wixon. He has spent a lot of time explaining BIAB with diagrams on his site. Unfortunately he stopped several versions back..but a lot of it is still usable today..
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310 |
bloated Owners Manual...massively consolidate and rationalize its video tutorial library and find ways to simplify program navigation/utilization.
I for ONE (and who knows...maybe ONE is the right number) would be THRILLED to forego an entire year of style set introductions in favor of the above. +1
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110 |
I felt the same way about BIAB/RB when I started using the programs. I agree with Ryszard: be focused on what you want to do with the program each time you use it.
Opening BIAB is like entering a giant candy store. It has many hidden nooks and crannies that are not perceptible when entering. They offer a guidebook, when what you want (need) is a guide. You're overwhelmed by all you see and wonder where to begin. If at the beginning you try to understand every nuance of the program you get lost, confused, grow tired and move on.
I'm a BIAB beginner who writes songs. The two programs work great together for me to get those songs into a finished state. I began by reading-through/working-through the BIAB Quick Start section of the manual (and kept going as time allowed).
When I had a question about how to do something, I tried to find the answer in the manual first, and if that didn't work, I asked the question on these forums.
I found that the manual wasn't always helpful and was often confusing and hard to use (I agree, the manual needs an overhaul - starting with a good editing.) But the experts and experienced users on these forums are the real gold. They answer your questions quickly with the help you need. Thank you Experts for taking the time to help us newbees.
I started by entering the chords to a song - the other stuff is slowly falling into place - give yourself the time to begin and learn the basics you need to get the program to help you make your music. It's worth it.
Keep on Rockin'
Sonny Ray
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
I have found best way to learn BIAB is to just use it. Create back up songs for 100 of your favorite tunes with a simple 4 bar intro and a built in ending. Once you have done a hundred tunes do another hundred. by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th hundred you will be adding stuff that wasn't in the first hundred. So then go back and redo the the first hundred. By the time you complete this process you will know how to use BIAB
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960 |
Agreed.... Band in a Box (BB) is such a great and comprehensive program and will do so many things, and can be used in many different ways.
Here's what I did. Read the manual first...completely through.
Next, decide exactly what you want BB/RB to do for you. In my case I want to use it to write songs and render the tracks for use in my DAW, Sonar.
As a result, I don't really need to use the myriad of other features in it so I simply ignore them. If and when I need to detect chords or something else, I look up those features and read about them.
It's very easy to become overwhelmed with all the things this program can do.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 457 |
+1
I've used BIAB since the late 90s or early 2000s (it seems forever), and I still find it a challenge to do relatively simple chores. While the users posting on this forum offer excellent advice and suggestions, PGM needs to spend more time on a user manual with real-world tutorials and how-to's. (A simplified, modern GUI would also be welcomed, but maybe I ask too much.) Like many manuals, the current one seems to be a 'technical' manual, more suited to a programmer than user. Just my two cents.
Bob aka jazzwombat aka Dr. Fills
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,749
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,749 |
i created a biab\rb youtube playlist that may be useful for newbies it gets updated as i find videos i think may be useful https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfpd1dp6SywiAJI88A5SXT-gEJAzLZk1g
Last edited by pghboemike; 08/29/13 08:12 AM.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 110 |
Hey pghboemike,
Thanks for posting this link - an excellent resource for any BB/RB newbee.
Regards,
Keep on Rockin'
Sonny Ray
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,960 |
While I hear the argument that says we need tutorials of some sort..... (world class) for BB and RB..... the very fact that there is so many things this program will do makes that a huge task for BB to do. After all they are busy working on the next version that is coming out.
Keeping the tutorials up to date for the latest version would be a monumental task in itself. So I can see why they might not want to do that.
Besides, don't most people who use this product find their favorite way to work and then ignore all the other thing this program can do?
I know that I, for one, work that way. I know what I want to do, and how to accomplish that in BB/RB in very short order.... and that's how I work. It is a rare thing fro me to venture off the beaten path (so to speak) when I am working on writing and composing in BB/RB.
When I first got the new 2013 version with the super midi tracks I explored it, and even called support to chat with them about these new features. After seeing what they were and how they worked, I determined that I liked the way I was already working and the sound of the tracks I was generating so I have not touched the super midi tracks since. Not that I hate them..... I just don't work that way, I don't find them useful to my work flow.
There is always the option available for any individual who wishes to spend the time to do so, to create a tutorial on their own and post it on youtube... or their own web site. I know that many folks have done that including PG music... check on YOUTUBE and search...... Band in a Box.... lots of tutorials are out there already.
Arlo Guthrie sang that "you can get anything you want, at Alice's restaurant...." .... well that is also true now with You Tube.... the most obscure things can be found there.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 08/30/13 05:50 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212 |
To all who posted replies -- thanks for doing so and pardon my own delay in responding.
Among other things, the following are very helpful:
-- knowing I'm not alone
-- the links to the videos on Youtube
-- putting BIAB into perspective for me. Namely, if something so complex is *also* so very poorly documented, I've revised my expectations -- i.e. I no longer really aspire to learn the program inside out if it's such a massively time-consuming chore. One post above suggested doing 400-500 projects to master it; while another suggested reading all 600 pages of what others have said is a rather inaccessible and otherwise flawed manual; in my case, ain't neither gonna happen. Life is too short, and there are better-documented musical tools out there.
I'll instead use BIAB just as a sort of magic but inscrutable scratch pad for accompaniment ideas, and certainly won't upgrade to new paid versions; the last thing I need are more features.
Guitarhacker, I guess we'll agree to disagree. Yes, it would be a huge task for PG to update its documentation; but that's why they get paid; and their failure to do so just pushes the task of understanding the program to the users, so that rather than the company doing it once, now potentially hundreds or thousands of users have to each do it on their own.
Part of my job involves software development. I love creating custom solutions for clients; it's fun to make novel, useful things. And I do hate documenting, as it is nowhere near as fun; in fact it's a real tedious drag. But I do it anyway, as well as I possibly can, because I care about my users as much as I personally love creating software.
PG's attitude here seems to be like only wanting dessert without eating its vegetables.
Maybe I'm spoiled by other software vendors who seem to go out of their way to make workflow intuitive / documentation truly helpful and up to date, but personally, I expect no less. One shouldn't just leave the dirty work of proper documentation to the kindeheartedness of devotees who post youtube videos for free.
I am not trying to pick any fights. Those who are happy with the state of BIAB documentation and the amount of time and effort needed to understand the latest version -- I'm happy for you. I just can't join your ranks.
As for my original question, about the Video Tutorial PAK vs. BIAB for Bozos -- well, it was mentioned above that the former is based on BIAB 2006, while PG Music support tells me that the latter is based on BIAB 2007.
Given the loads of new features added since then, knowing the vintage of these tutorials is very relevant to a would-be buyer. It's pretty bad that these are 7 and 6 versions out of date; but that this fact is not mentioned on their product pages is, for me, very disappointing, if not actually perhaps a bit dodgy. A trusting person would assume that a company would not sell such out of date material without making the vintage clear up front. This has completely squelched my willingness to buy anything from PG on impulse; from here on, I'll be very careful to ask just what I'm getting.
Anyway, thanks very much again to all who've contributed here.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,885
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,885 |
Hi lingyai,
This is how I learned to use BiaB. Number one is forget about trying to learn everything at once and learn what you need to get started. I’ve been successfully using BiaB for years and I have only scratched the surface of what it can do. I learned what I need to get what I want out of the software and now that is under my belt I am learning what else it can do. Many of the options I do not use while others rely heavily on those options. That I the beauty of BiaB IMHO.
All I did was to put some chords in the main window and pick a style; I also listened to the style demos. Don’t be afraid of using styles out of their genre as many times a jazz style fits a rock song or visa-versa. Get a handle on inputting chords, picking a style and saving the song. Once you have that then move onto the other options like creating a melody and a solo, changing styles at any bar line, changing tempos etc.
I never read the manual all the way through. I use it as a reference when I’m trying something new and I can’t figure it out by myself and with your background in computer software and music that would the way to go IMO.
If you go slow and steady you can be generating music, learning the ins and outs of BiaB and having fun all at the same time. If you get stumped along the way this is a very helpful and friendly group here at the forums.
I hope this helps.
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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 212 |
Thanks Mario D, and again, everyone else!
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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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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®!
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