|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
I put in this request before but I thought I would do it again to make sure someone at PG Music sees it, I hope.
The issue is with transposing instrments. Today, I wanted to enter a simple blues pattern. I went to Options>Preferences>Notatiomn amd in tnhe transpose square I selected Tenor Sax.
The C chord on the screen, the one that a new song starts with changed to a D. When I started BiaB and played a D on my Sax it matched the D on the screen and all was well. So now I want gto enter the 4th chord in my progression, a G, but it shows up as an A chord on the screen. So now I see that I cannot write a progression without transposing.
It seems to me that BiaB could do a better job of making this problem easier.
The idea would be to keep transposing the actual pitches, i.e. the true frequency of the notes, seperate from what is displayed on the screen. There should be a frequency transpose option, as well as a display transpose option.
Lets start with me being a piano player and I entered a blues progression C,F,G in a new song window. If I played the song, it would match a regular piano playing C,F, and G. Now, If I selected a "display transpose" of 2 semitones, then the display would show D,G,A. Now if I played D,G,A on my Sax, a Bb insttrument, it would be in tune with the piano playing C,F,G.
Now, if I entered a Em on my screen, it should show Em, and if I played a Em on my Sax, all would be well. If I then changed the "display transpose" back to 0 semitones, the display would show C,F,G,D as expected.
Now, If I wanted to do a frequency or tone transpose, by say 4 semitones, the piano part would show E,A,B,F# and the pitch would change. Now if I went and selected "display transpose" to 2 semitones, the display would now show F#,B,C#,G# and I could then play my Sax to the music.
It seems to me that this wojuld be a relatively easy thing to do and it would certainly make us plauyers with transposing instruments happier. I also play an Alto Sax (Eb instrument) so haveing better transposing and disp;laying options would be great.
Also, as an aside, I have never used the two piano keyboard displays and wonder what their value really is.
I will be looking for a response.
hamilc
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,278 |
Quote:
There should be a frequency transpose option, as well as a display transpose option.
"Preferences/Arrange -> Concert Pitch Adjust" may just be your ticket ...
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
Martin B.
The concert pitch adjustment will change the pitch but this is not what I think I need. Lets say I have the notes C,D,E in a normal new window. If I do a concert pitch adjust, the pitch will be lowered but the notes will still be C,D, and E. Then I could transpose the song up so that the notes would be D,E, and F, which is what I want. But if I saved the song, it would be in a different key, and then if a piano wanted to play it, they would have to reverse everything. I agree, it can be done, and I have done it, but what happens is that now I have a bunch of songs that I think will play in the proper key, say the real book key, and I find out days later the transpose is wrong, as well as the pitch.
I really think Mr. Gannon could find a good solution if he tried. I think he is a sax player so he probably knows the issjue.
Thanks for the sugestion however.
Hamil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
MartinB,
Let me chat a bit more. I think we all know about the Aebersold CDs. Each song is played and piut on the CD in the proper standard key of the song. In his book, he gives music for all instruments. If the song is in C, then there is a music version in D, and in A. This is what I would like to see in BiaB, a button that will not change the pitch but would change the display. Like I said in the original post, under Options>preferences>notation> you can change the display, but if you want to add another chord, it does not enter correctly. That is if I used the notation option, and wanted to add a G, it would enter as an A, as I recall.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627 |
We have had discussions about this. I also play several instruments in several keys, so if I use the transpose options (and there are several), I am very careful to save the song into a folder made for the appropriate instrument. I try to do all my editing for concert pitch instruments, then transpose and print for the other instruments, and, if I save it, remember to save in the appropriate folder and then change back to concert pitch and save again in the "main" folder. In the Wishlist, I mentioned it would be nice to have a visual indicator that the song has a transposition applied. I recall Peter Gannon saying something about the song being saved with regard to the transposition, and I'll look for that post. EDIT: here it is: http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...true#Post227028ps it's spelled "saxophonists"
Last edited by Matt Finley; 07/17/09 06:31 PM.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
Matt,
I also havre tried these type of work arounds. The problem is you have one version in a folder that has been edited and different from the version in another folder.
Actually, the option>preferences>notation>transpose almost does the trick. Notice that if you involg a transpose, the chord you enter on the keyboard is not what will be displayed on the screen. Let's say I started a new somng in concert C and transposed to a tenor sax. The display would change to a D, correct. But now I cannot edit the song in the transposed world and if I want to enter a E, it shows up as a F#. Seems like it would be easy to apply the transpose to the keyboard as well. And then to make things easier, put a button on the front window to indicate and allow change to the transposition.
With this fix, the song would stay in the concert key and mixups could be avoided, yes? Let's tell Peter.
BiaB is a totally great program. However, I think it trys to be to much sometimes. I bet if a poll were taken as to what features were actually used, many like the "sound blaster control panel", and "auto name a song" would not be used very often.
Thanks for the spelling correction. I think my keyboard must have been in transpose mode.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
Matt, I just read through the transpose comments from the link you posted. I see that others are having the same problems. I hope that the next version will sort this out, in the proper way. Don't let congress get involved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627 |
Yes, as indicated in the other thread, Peter may be able to come up with something. If it doesn't make the next version, let's remember to keep it alive in the Wishlist.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Here's what I have done:
*I use the main Keysig block to change the key of the song first, temporarily.
Let's say I'm wanting to end up with a chart that is one step up from Concert, for Bb instrument like Trumpet or Clarinet to keep things simple for now.
I will change a key of Concert C song to key of Concert D and then go ahead and enter the chords in that key as if I'm thinking Bb Instrument.
When all is edited properly and done with that phase of things, I then go ahead and Save (to be safe) and then I change the main Keysig block *back to the original key (Concert C in this case).
Now, I can invoke the Notation Window transpose for whatever instrument and read it from the screen on that instrument.
Just a way of working until such time that we get some better, requested features there, maybe it will help.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 38 |
Mac, I have in the past done some of the things you have suggeted. Problem is that after wrestling with the program, I lose my musical thought.
Mac, you have been posting for a long time, as I recall. Maybe you have an "in" with Peter and can suggest he make this fix. Basically all he has to do is to
1) move the notation ttranspose dropdown to the main screen so it is more convenient and
2) Make sure that when a notation transpose is in effect, the keyboard inpiuts the correctluy transposed chords.
This way, the song always stays in the same key.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have no magic "in" or anything like that. (Even if I did, I would never use it, that's unfair IMO... )
This Wishlist is the place and you've already made your wish known, all we can do is pray.
Over the years I"ve seen *many* wishlist requests come to fruition, though.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,627 |
And don't forget, Peter Gannon already said he thought he would add the yellow fly-by warning that transpose is in effect, to the PC version. That would be a good start.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,507
Posts805,802
Members40,139
| |
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