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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213 |
Hi I am just familiarizing myself with BiaB. I am through the initial woods where you can't do one thing and it seems like it might be 6 months before anything is accomplished. But I am having a little fun with it already. I have no regrets at all on this purchase. And I have not even worked with my Real Tracks that will arrive in the mail maybe in a day or two.
Anyway I am learning about the markers. I just started a chorus. A beginning and end to it. But I think right after that all the bottom went dark gray. Not sure how to turn that white again.
Also so I put 3x on the chorus. I will have to see what maybe after I end a verse it will go back to that chorus again? And I don't have to copy and paste it down again? Then there is a bridge I may will be putting in my songs also. I will have to find out if there is a marker for that.
I still haven't found out what A and B is. When would I use B on a marker? I will keep reading in hope I will find this information out. Unless you can quickly let me know.
Now so far I did use my Chord Wizard on some of my favorite songs I sing. Send them over to BiaB and had a little fun trying out some midi styles. They have some real nice sounds on some of those styles. Trying a lot of Bossa Nova. Latin stuff. A couple styles trip up a bit. I won't be using those.
I was wondering though just putting one big chord progression in without any markers and you put a style on it. BiaB won't actually be creating you something with consistent musicality through would it? Say when it hits a second verse after a chorus without the markers telling it that this is another verse it may do something a little different than what it did on the first chorus right? And this is why we have the markers so it will intelligently apply the style to each verse and chorus in the same way?
Ok That is it for this post. I hope you can answer what you can. I should just keep it to one question I guess instead of adding too much.
Thanks,
Sly Ruby
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
All the questions you asked are in the manual. If you don't have a manual, you can call PG Music and order one. It would take a long post to explain all of your questions. Check out the help menu also. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,630
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Ruby,
In BIAB talk, a 'chorus' means once through the song (it's the classical definition of the word). It's not a chorus in the sense of verse-chorus.
What you should do, is to have a look at some of the PG Music videos. If you go to Youtube and type in Band In A Box, heaps will appear!
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213 |
There is a real manual on BiaB 2014? An actual soft cover book? This has more information in it than the help files? Sounds good if it is cheap enough. Too bad they don't send it with my 809 dollar order. It should come with the deal. Yeah well we will see if I get any replies to my question. Probably 100% of the question are in the manual. In that case we can just shut down this forum now and never ask a question again lol. But I will take your advice. I am looking at the help files now. This all takes time. I like to rattle off a question to read someone's occasional type happy answer. They may have a better perspective than the manual. Ok back to my research.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
Helllo Slyruby,
As regards the display and chorus when doing a song some people go into edit, and click to "unfold to one big chorus" then the whole song will be on just a large number of bars, no coming back to do second and third chorus.
As regards those grey little part makers lines on your chord sheet, some people love them, I find them them very off putting and a distraction, so if you go into preferences and click on display there is a box there to untick "new line for every section" But if you like them just let it be.
hope you enjoy your new toy.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/06/13 02:58 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 213 |
Thanks MusicLover, I think next time I see that I will uncheck that box for a new line. Seeing too much gray and wasted space might be annoying. I don't have that chord sheet with the bottom half all in dark gray anymore so I don't know how that would effect that or not. If it happens again I will see what it does.
I am checking into this Chorus definition. I was thrown because I thought they referred to a chorus as usual, Verse, Chorus. Maybe their has always been a couple meanings to that word and this is the other one I never heard about. Thanks for the reply. I thought there would be some answers instead of the classic go read reply lol. That is a good idea is to study but also to ask a question and get an answer from a real person is great. That is why there are forums. I am not going to let people slow me down on asking questions.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,174 |
As Noel says the videos are very good too.
As regards the manual it needs to be totally updated with a proper search facility, type something in that you want to know and a whole lot of stuff will properly come up that is totally unrelated.
I would think if someone bought a copy of biab that never had the program before, who doesn't really understand basic chords, and you gave them the manual and told them to read how to use it there, then both would be handed back to you with the response "That is far too complicated for me".
But on the other hand if they buy a copy of biab and you tell them to ask how to use it on the forum, within a very short time and without many questions asked they would be up and running.
Musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 12/06/13 04:16 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Band in a Box program is a lot like picking up a new instrument and attempting to make music with it.
Like the Guitar, it can be remarkably easy to get something basic out of it, but all too soon it becomes apparent that the new owner has to spend some time daily with the new instrument, learning and practicing to get more out of it.
Band in a Box program is exactly like that in many ways.
BTW there *IS* a manual there, look in the bb folder for the .pdf manuals. Likely that you will have the full .pdf manual for an older version at this time, but there should also be the 2014 upgrade manual as well as the 2014 New Features manual. You can view these onscreen and also print out by page if necessary to have a hard cheat sheet while learning and working.
Forum member and longtime BiaB user, John Conally, now deceased, used to like to point this out from time to time to new users - He used to say something along the lines of, "If Band in a Box could be mastered in a few days' time, it wouldn't be worth it."
This program is Feature-Packed. There are a host of possible commands that simply cannot be learned in a few quick sessions. But it is possible to create songs from the beginning, but likely as you learn more and more, you would probably want to revisit those first songfile creations at a later date and do some editing on them using newfound features and skills.
I always recommend opening the Main Stylepicker window and highlighting any one of the Styles that may sound interesting to you, use the button at top right to Load Demo Song onto the main BB screen. Close the Stylepicker, hit the Play button, and watch the Chord Sheet as the song plays, noticing how the experts at PGMusic have invoked different things for different purposes. I still spend some pleasant time every year at every new release repeating that with the Demo songs that show off the new RealTracks, methods, etc. - and it is a fast way to find out some pleasant surprises without resorting to pouring over a hard copy manual.
Before too long, you should be able to use many of the controls located in the Band in a Box "cockpit" - and that analogy is very true. Even though we now enjoy the new GUI, which really helps to eliminate the notion that you are sitting in front of the controls of a 747 for the very first time, all those controls are still there somewhere (mostly in the menus across the top) - and every one of them is there for a reason.
Take your time, do a little each day, before too long you should be on here answering the questions of others rather than asking your own.
Have Fun,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Regarding the manual, I was told by Customer Support that a printed manual can be purchased from PG Music for $10, and that the printed manual for BIAB2014 won't be ready until early in January.
I'm not sure how updated (from previous versions) the overall manual will be for BIAB2014 though.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I'm not sure how updated (from previous versions) the overall manual will be for BIAB2014 though.
Well, since the GUI is completely new, I'm guessing that old screenshots will have to be replaced in order to show things as they now are done, as well as a lot of rewriting or editing of the text for the same reason. --Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1 |
Helllo Slyruby,
As regards the display and chorus when doing a song some people go into edit, and click to "unfold to one big chorus" then the whole song will be on just a large number of bars, no coming back to do second and third chorus.
As regards those grey little part makers lines on your chord sheet, some people love them, I find them them very off putting and a distraction, so if you go into preferences and click on display there is a box there to untick "new line for every section" But if you like them just let it be.
hope you enjoy your new toy.
Musiclover
Thank you musiclover! Those grey part markers were making me loony!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 49 |
A quick question. Why are some of the bar numbers within a box with red bordering ? I am looking for an explanation, but no luck so far. Just some of the measures, and there isn't any pattern. I will keep looking.
Thank You
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Also, note that you can change the width of the grey divider lines in the Display tab under Options. I have mine set for 2 pixels, so they are not so jarring.
Also, red boxes around a bar number indicates that a change has been made at that bar location using the F5 key. So just select the bar, hit F5, and you should be able to see what changes have been made.
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)
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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)!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-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
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- 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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