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Its my opinion that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with playing for free as long as you don't think you are being taken advantage of.
I can't believe some of the comments here, where is the good natured intentions of doing something just because you want to and because you enjoy it? rather then being all wrapped up in getting a materialistic reward (and maybe you already being a millionaire but still preaching the sad, I'm just scraping by getting a living, some of us are able to read between the lines)
In Ireland there are lots of "sessions" where people just turn up at a pub to play traditional Irish music just because they love it, and no money exchanges hands. It may well be that the pub sells a lot of beer at those sessions but hey the musicians don't expect any money
Also the GAA here the Gaelic athletic Association have amateur status (Irish Football) where the players give their time and efforts for nothing just for the love of the game. Some of the matches at Irelands Croke park in Dublin are in front of 80,000 people plus and genenrate millions of pounds which is put back into the development of the association and to help and train young players. Yet all the palyers and officials give all their time for no monetary reward.
Its a sad sad world when people are only thinking of money all the time, especially when they are older folks that should know better.
You can't bring it with you when you go.
Play for free if you want to, its your choice and let no one make you feel guilty for doing so.
My thoughts
Musiclover Very well said Musiclover! Most of us here in the US share your views too! Where I grew up it was (and still is today) quite common for folks to come together, on a porch or in a bar or wherever, and play for the pure enjoyment of it! And if someone thinks that is preventing them from getting paid for a gig they need to go look for a real job and stop blaming others for their problems!  So now you speak for 'most' of us, Bugsey?  A 'real job'? Like yours, perhaps? Neurosurgery? Nuclear Physics? You elevate pathos to a new level. why do you always resort to name-calling? I can certainly respond in kind as your "quips" are never really that clever. but it would be better to have a conversation without the name-calling, don't you think?
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In addition to what Notes said, I've found that the majority of "play for free players" are not up to the standards of what I consider good musicians. I've lived and worked in many cities and can say with certainty that all of the players who I consider good are always working. It's usually sub-standard musicians who will play for free or next to nothing. I practiced and studied many years to reach a level that I consider decent. Anyone who wants to be called a musician should do no less. Also the practicing and studying is always on-going. No-one would accept a sub-standard plumber or carpenter to do work on their house. Why accept a sub-standard musician? Later, Ray
Last edited by raymb1; 05/24/14 01:27 PM.
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Its my opinion that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with playing for free as long as you don't think you are being taken advantage of.
I can't believe some of the comments here, where is the good natured intentions of doing something just because you want to and because you enjoy it? rather then being all wrapped up in getting a materialistic reward (and maybe you already being a millionaire but still preaching the sad, I'm just scraping by getting a living, some of us are able to read between the lines)
In Ireland there are lots of "sessions" where people just turn up at a pub to play traditional Irish music just because they love it, and no money exchanges hands. It may well be that the pub sells a lot of beer at those sessions but hey the musicians don't expect any money
Also the GAA here the Gaelic athletic Association have amateur status (Irish Football) where the players give their time and efforts for nothing just for the love of the game. Some of the matches at Irelands Croke park in Dublin are in front of 80,000 people plus and genenrate millions of pounds which is put back into the development of the association and to help and train young players. Yet all the palyers and officials give all their time for no monetary reward.
Its a sad sad world when people are only thinking of money all the time, especially when they are older folks that should know better.
You can't bring it with you when you go.
Play for free if you want to, its your choice and let no one make you feel guilty for doing so.
My thoughts
Musiclover Very well said Musiclover! Most of us here in the US share your views too! Where I grew up it was (and still is today) quite common for folks to come together, on a porch or in a bar or wherever, and play for the pure enjoyment of it! And if someone thinks that is preventing them from getting paid for a gig they need to go look for a real job and stop blaming others for their problems! So now you speak for 'most' of us, Bugsey? A 'real job'? Like yours, perhaps? Neurosurgery? Nuclear Physics? You elevate pathos to a new level. why do you always resort to name-calling? I can certainly respond in kind as your "quips" are never really that clever. but it would be better to have a conversation without the name-calling, don't you think? What name did I call you? " Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? 'Respond in kind'? Really? Like calling me "Chuckles"? Absolutely scathing retort there. Perhaps you should rethink your participation in this particular 'conversation', since you have no experience in the music business, and offer nothing but vindictive conjecture? There's no shame in being ignorant, but one really shouldn't display it so publicly, no? 
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/24/14 11:38 PM.
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF! You have already copped to your other persona, Mr. Bugsey. You must have forgotten that. Funny how I was called "Chuckles" by both people, no? The BIAB thread on JPF makes for some interesting reading though. http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1012945/page/1#Post1012945
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Please take the flame wars to PMs.
However, I disagree -- I think I speak for most of us - and neither one can prove that point so neither one has a valid argument by saying that.
Statements like that are best left out of a debate so I retract mine because it can't be proven and negate yours.
I also agree that MOST open mic nights offer inferior entertainment. The musicians that play for free are usually not as good (not always) and the groups are not rehearsed.
Perhaps it will end up being a bad business model and the club owners will realize that they get what they pay for.
If a restaurant buys inferior cuts of meat or wilted lettuce, customers will go elsewhere.
If the restaurant underpays the cooks it will only get inferior food preparation and customers will eventually go elsewhere.
If the bar asked its bartenders and waiters/waitresses to work on tips only, they would only get inferior bartenders and wait staff and the customers will eventually go elsewhere.
If the club gets freebie musicians the quality of entertainment will be inferior and pretty soon the general public will hopefully get tired of all the same songs done in various shades of mediocrity and go elsewhere.
And sure, playing music together on front porches, garages, public parks, living rooms, warehouses, and so on are a time honored tradition, one which I have participated in many times.
But playing in a commercial establishment for free is a different thing. Stealing a job from a fellow musician by playing for free is something I would never do. It's a "do unto others" thing for me.
That's all I'm saying and all I'm going to say about the subject. We've gotten to the point where we are just repeating ourselves and have come to an impasse.
Notes
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Very well stated Notes and I totally agree.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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What name did I call you? "Bugsey? That's your other handle on JPF, is it not? You know, where you run down BIAB, this forum, and the people on it? oh, now I see! you think I am the guy called Bugsey who spanked you over at JPF! well that is friggin' priceless! and here I thought the name Bugsey meant something derogatory. nope, sorry I cannot take credit for setting you straight over at JPF! You have already copped to your other persona, Mr. Bugsey. You must have forgotten that. Funny how I was called "Chuckles" by both people, no? The BIAB thread on JPF makes for some interesting reading though. http://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1012945/page/1#Post1012945 Nope! You got the wrong guy. (I took the rest of my comment to PM as Notes suggested! )
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/25/14 08:25 AM.
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The musicians that play for free are usually not as good (not always) and the groups are not rehearsed. I'd certainly agree with that (and been there/done that)! But that is the whole point of an open mic, at least to me. It is an opportunity for amateurs to get up on stage and have a little fun. And the crowd generally knows what they are getting and everyone is happy! But playing in a commercial establishment for free is a different thing. Stealing a job from a fellow musician by playing for free is something I would never do. It's a "do unto others" thing for me. Hmm, the union musicians in your area might say you were stealing their jobs by not supporting their union! We've gotten to the point where we are just repeating ourselves and have come to an impasse. Agreed!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 05/25/14 11:26 AM.
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My takeaway from this thread is that the paradigm has shifted.. and my thoughts going forward will be about how to identify new opportunities and adapt to them.
I am currently involved in similar discussions on other sites, and I see a common theme of getting lost in the worldwide glut of digital media that divides potential income too many ways.
There is a clear need for someone to market creative content in a way that empowers the creators and helps them stand out in the crowd.
Maybe when my son's streaming site comes online we can differentiate ourselves by finding new ways to promote our performers.
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It stabs this old Irishman in the heart to read such garbage on PG Forums.
Someone may simply point me toward the exit, which I had already done, as far as this thread is concerned, at least. I've been enjoying these forums for many years (probably around 2001) and I've never witnessed anything like this claptrap.
Taking it to PMs is only a baby-step which allows the injury to remain open. Fellow musicians, give this tune a 128 bar rest!
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My takeaway from this thread is that the paradigm has shifted.. and my thoughts going forward will be about how to identify new opportunities and adapt to them.
I am currently involved in similar discussions on other sites, and I see a common theme of getting lost in the worldwide glut of digital media that divides potential income too many ways.
There is a clear need for someone to market creative content in a way that empowers the creators and helps them stand out in the crowd.
Maybe when my son's streaming site comes online we can differentiate ourselves by finding new ways to promote our performers. Hope he does well Pat as I am sure he stands a good chance with his "ole fella" with some great ideas like you behind him. At the same time reading this, the thought occurred would some who are against playing for free, even consider that site of your sons (as well as streetjelly) in the same league as playing for free, maybe it would be beneath them to accept a few tips like on SJ in lieu of payment, I don't know!! As regards the generalisation that most sub standared musicians are the ones playing for free, then I say good luck to them. Whoever said that we all have to be of a level of musicmanship before we are allowed to go in front of an audience. That it totally crazy! Are the so called pro's (just wondering how many know of them beyond their local area anyway) only allowed to enjoy the clap or appreciation of an audience and the rest of us of a lessor standard should be locked away? I don't think so. musiclover
Last edited by musiclover; 05/25/14 01:20 PM.
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At the same time reading this, the thought occurred would some who are against playing for free, even consider that site of your sons (as well as streetjelly) in the same league as playing for free, maybe it would be beneath them to accept a few tips like on SJ in lieu of payment, I don't know!! Notes made the definitive statement on this subject when he pointed out that each venue has its own characteristic music offering.. some employ only full bands, some prefer singles acts, some prefer DJs etc etc. The guy in a duo or singles act is not directly competing in the same marketplace as the full band. Likewise, people playing on streaming sites are not competing directly with musicians playing in the neighborhood. Physical venues like pubs, restaurants, theaters etc have a finite space and time slot, and they appeal to a strictly local audience. The streaming sites appeal to an audience that is probably not going out for live entertainment anyway... so rather than stealing something from the live acts, this is more like opening the door to an entirely untapped audience. Also, the physicals sites have a handful of spots in the current time zone to divvy up among many competing musicians... but the streaming sites are open 24-7, and its always show time SOMEWHERE... so streaming actually creates new performance opportunities that didn't exist at all before. That's why, if you play the circuit of all the streaming sites you can find, you could literally play all day long continuously because at any given time of day somebody somewhere just got off work and wants to hear some live music Regarding the pay: a little bit of money multiplied by a lot of opportunities is more than a lot of money multiplied by no opportunities. Unlike the physical locations that can turn away acts all day long because they don't have enough spots for them, the streaming sites are hungry for performers, because there are no limitations of time or space.
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As regards the generalisation that most sub standared musicians are the ones playing for free, then I say good luck to them.
Whoever said that we all have to be of a level of musicmanship before we are allowed to go in front of an audience. That it totally crazy!
Are the so called pro's (just wondering how many know of them beyond their local area anyway) only allowed to enjoy the clap or appreciation of an audience and the rest of us of a lessor standard should be locked away?
I don't think so. So say we all! (otherwise known as Amen!) I can understand folks like Notes and 90db being against performers taking paying gigs away from working musicians. What I don’t understand is ANYONE being against “open mic nights”. Plain and simple, …it’s ridiculous to take that stance! 99% of the folks playing there are never going to be competing with professional players. They’re just wanting to play their music before a live audience and get some feedback. For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past. Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music! If you can get someone to pay you for doing that, then more power to you! But you can count me out as a listener.
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Just for the record, it s not the musicians who play the open mics for me as it is more the "lure" the establishment used to get them there. Then on top of that they, while adding dollars to their bottom-line, do not offer even expense money to the performer. And of course I am well aware that the performer has to agree to the "deal" to be present. But one has to agree this is a one way deal with little to no incentive for the performer.
Last week I spoke at length to another single act musician who just started playing the same corporate circuit that I do and he asked me what kind of pay he could expect, if I did not mind telling him. Of course I was happy to do so as I truly feel that if we as musicians communicated more openly about this issue it would benefit all of us.
So when I told him the average fee his contemporaries were getting at the same venues, it turned out it was 25% - 35% more than he was charging. Instead of the "hey man thanks for that heads up" I was expecting he said great I'll keep my price lower so I can still get the gigs. And that attitude is what my gut tells me is what is happening everywhere these days.
No right or wrong thing to do in this situation the finally decision as to when and what one must charge for their services is truly a personal thing. However if it is truly an act of love to "play just to play" I would encourage please check out the many venues who do not sell food and beverage and entertain at these places and you will find the warmest most appreciative audiences known to man.
My opinion on this subject, like many of my respected colleagues here, has not changed. With this said I will close my participation on this thread with a old quote I saw on an antique Jack Daniels bottle . . . "all goods worth price charged".
Now lets play some music!
Later,
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Being a votary of the charities, and especially for our fighting men and women, I'm with you 100%, Danny. By the way, I've heard that same benighted statement, "You come in and build up a crowd and then we'll talk money", many times before. I usually follow that up with "You let me drink beer for free until you build up my confidence that you're a nice place to drink, then we'll talk paying for the beer". LOL
PS.... I like the image you're running on your FB page.
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“For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past.” 'Tired old covers'? You obviously haven't seen the Sophisticats or 90 dB perform live, Bobo. “Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music!” While I grant you that cover songs aren't as captivating as the subtle intricacies of G/C/D bluegrass tunes, most club patrons would disagree with your assessment. Probably all the ones singing along, and certainly the ones out on the dance floor. I've never seen anyone dancing in an elevator.
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“For me, … I have NO interest whatsoever of listening to someone playing cover songs with backing tracks. I would much rather hear a solo artist play an original song in a mediocre manner than listen to a solid performance of someone playing tired old covers of hit songs from the past.” 'Tired old covers'? You obviously haven't seen the Sophisticats or 90 dB perform live, Bobo.
“Let’s face it. If it’s a cover band with backing tracks at a club/restaurant, …no one is listening anyway. It’s just “background music”, … a close relative to elevator music!” While I grant you that cover songs aren't as captivating as the subtle intricacies of G/C/D bluegrass tunes, most club patrons would disagree with your assessment. Probably all the ones singing along, and certainly the ones out on the dance floor. I've never seen anyone dancing in an elevator. Thanks for the invite. I love to see and hear people perform. Maybe your good self and Notes Norton have a youtube page where we could take in the atmosphere of your performance. I would love to click on the link for that, only way really is its much too far for me to travel. Musiclover
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http://www.90dbband.com/index.htmlBob Norton will have to give you his site. I would not take that liberty. If you ever do get to Florida, stop by and we'll have a few.
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90db and musiclover,
I knew when I made that post that I was inviting some grief. Thank both of you for making that dream come true. Hehe.
Sorry guys, but I hate listening to vocal cover tunes unless they’re totally redone. I also hate playing what people want to hear! The only time I’ll play a request is if it’s from a friend who knows the songs I like to play.
That’s why I never pursued playing music professionally except on a very limited basis. I honestly don’t give a rat’s a*s what anyone wants to hear!
I’ve played guitar since I was a kid. Eventually, I got to the point where I could play half way decent. Then I started getting requests from local bands to “join” their band. I wasn’t interested because I had NO desire to try to please the public with cover tunes.
Since I’ve never tried making a living playing music, I’ve enjoyed the luxury of only playing songs I like. Then I started writing my own songs, and I honestly didn’t care if anyone else liked them or not.
The songs weren’t for the general public. They were for me. When I played them, folks could either listen or take a hike. It didn’t matter to me since it wasn’t a form of income.
The exception to the “cover tune” scenario for me was great instrumental tunes. Those I enjoyed.
Bob, If you think modern bluegrass/newgrass is G/C/D, then you’re TOTALLY out of touch with acoustic music.
I don’t begrudge working musicians playing the garbage required to get gigs, but I do reserve the right to stay as far away from it as possible.
I'd rather hear a local radio program or the original versions of hit tunes.
I don't want to hear a single or duo with backing tracks.
But that's just me. This thread does make me realize why live cover music is almost dead.
Who wants to hear that?! I don't unless it's done with a full blown band.
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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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