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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32 |
I buy the BIAB Windows everything pak upgrade every year in November (and now will be doing the same for the Mac version). In the past, the upgrade prices have never given credit for summer pak purchases -- the upgrade prices were the same whether you bought the summer paks or not. I'm guessing the answer is no, but will the 2010 upgrade prices give any credit if I've bought the summer paks? I'm hesitating to spend the $200 for both the Mac and Win summer paks knowing I'll get them as part of the everything pak upgrades in November (although the demos sound GREAT and it pains me to think of waiting until November to use them!).
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676 |
Be careful with waiting for a future upgrade...
Currently, I have BIAB 2008. I didn't get RT in the summer, bought the jazz pack in the fall, and figured I'd upgrade at Christmas for 2009 to get the other packs that I missed in the Summer. Unfortunately, when that time came, I didn't have the money. After the sticker shock when the sale ended, I decided I would have to save my money and patiently wait to upgrade during the summer sale that is always offered. Never happened (at least not for Windows users). Now I'm stuck.
I can't get the new tracks for $99, because that's only for 2009 users. With a current price tag of $379 to do a complete update of what I have, I have no choice but to wait until Christmas and hope the prices for upgrading 2008 are good then.
Therefore, I suggest you not end up like me and keep up-to-date when you can. Don't assume to know any of the future sales or prices. A new BIAB release is not just an update now, but a product with a growing number of very nice add-ons (RTs). The prices will just go up. A month ago, to get an upgrade with all the goodies, it would cost you $279. Now, with the new RTs just released, it's $379.
I strongly suggest that you upgrade now and don't worry about feeling "ripped off." You will feel worse when you hear everybody else having fun and sounding like pros while you're playing along with the Roland VSC.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Remember the actual upgrade was FREE. What you're buying is the RD + RT. A new 160G Drive like they send at New Egg is $70.00 so the price of the tracks is only $79.00. Can't beat that. Cheaper then going out to dinner with the wife and a whole lot more fun. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225 |
Actually, I think it does work out better economically (for the user) to just upgrade at year's end, when one can get everything in a Superpak or Ultrapak for $100 or so. As the OP was saying, if he buys all the RD and RT now for $99, when BIAB 2010 comes out, he'll have to pay again, if he wants that update. (No, I don't think they have ever given credit for summerpak, for winter upgrades.) So, from a purely economics standpoint, for the user, it definitely saves money just by doing a big upgrade once a year, by buying a pak that contains everything. Of course though, if you are eager to get the new RD and RT now, and don't want to wait until December or January, that might be worth your while. And of course, from the standpoint of PG Music, it is better for the company economically, if people buy these summerpaks. Quote:
Be careful with waiting for a future upgrade...
Currently, I have BIAB 2008. I didn't get RT in the summer, bought the jazz pack in the fall, and figured I'd upgrade at Christmas for 2009 to get the other packs that I missed in the Summer. Unfortunately, when that time came, I didn't have the money. After the sticker shock when the sale ended, I decided I would have to save my money and patiently wait to upgrade during the summer sale that is always offered. Never happened (at least not for Windows users). Now I'm stuck.
I can't get the new tracks for $99, because that's only for 2009 users. With a current price tag of $379 to do a complete update of what I have, I have no choice but to wait until Christmas and hope the prices for upgrading 2008 are good then.
Therefore, I suggest you not end up like me and keep up-to-date when you can. Don't assume to know any of the future sales or prices. A new BIAB release is not just an update now, but a product with a growing number of very nice add-ons (RTs). The prices will just go up. A month ago, to get an upgrade with all the goodies, it would cost you $279. Now, with the new RTs just released, it's $379.
I strongly suggest that you upgrade now and don't worry about feeling "ripped off." You will feel worse when you hear everybody else having fun and sounding like pros while you're playing along with the Roland VSC.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 26 |
DanL: Somewhat parallel story here but with a different ending: after using BIAB from the earliest versions my last upgrade was a "superpak" in Aug of 08. For the first time in years I missed that crucial upgrade in midwinter, so I'm running BIAB 2008.5 with RT 1-12's and to get the range I think I need in 2009 (country, blues, rock) I'd have to spend US$379. Given the cost of development of RTs, that may be a good deal but it's getting too rich for me. I have used the program to make mp3s and wav's of a huge range of roots music, esp gospel & blues. My little research grants pay for upgrading Finale for notation, which I have kept current over 15 years, but not for BIAB so I've paid for it out of my own fixed income pocket. I don't really need BIAB for the research project--I just enjoy playing with it so much. Besides, when I've been interviewing musicians from the 40s and 50s and we're discussing some old nearly forgotten piece, like "Got any rivers..." I can have a passable arrangement of it ready to talk about in detail in just a few minutes...
If I had upgraded to 2009 last winter maybe the cost wouldn't look so steep right now but unless there is a better deal down the road in Dec I think that after many years I'm going to be off the wagon in a few months, or at least rattling along behind the crowd in a legacy version...
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 676 |
orion, That's exactly what I'm afraid of...but I'm thinking that the sale price will be pretty good in December. They almost always have a very generous deal then. I just hope I have enough set aside at that time. I really do not want to miss out on it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32 |
Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I think Maiki stated the point of my original post better than I did -- it has always been better economically to skip the summer upgrades and do it all in November. In the past, I usually bought the summer upgrades because they were pretty inexpensive and the benefit of geting the new content in the summer outweighed the small economic expense. Although they are still a bargain, at $99 (times 2 if I want to stay current on both Mac and PC) they are starting to get to the point where I feel like I'm just throwing away significant dollars by not waiting until November. Again, $99 is still a great deal for all the new RT and RD, but if I'm going to get them anyway in November when I do the annual upgrade, I'm just throwing away money to buy them now, hence the suggestion that PG should give some sort of credit for the summer upgrade if you upgrade again in November. If other users have the same reservations I do, it could be that there is a pile of money sitting on the sidelines (like mine) that could go into PG's coffers now if they announced a credit.
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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