If I select show similar styles, it shows too many inappropriate styles in different genres (country, rock, folk, Celtic, etc.) and even Ev8 and Ev16 which are in no way similar to a Sw8 style.
And as soon as I select one, it changes the tempo of the song and in the plau using chordsheet dialog.
And more importantly, I've lost the ability to browse by genres. Perhaps I just don't know how to browse with the new stylepicker.
What am I missing here?
I know a lot of people love the new stylepicker, so I must be doing something wrong - doing something the hard way - or missing something obvious.
Actually, "Mr PC" DID INDEED make it. When you enter "Mr. P.C." (without quotes) into the "Type in a familiar song title..." box, you get, in the results box...
Mr. P.C. [John Coltrane] [Jazz] [Bebop][4/4 sw8 255]
If Notes could have clicked on that entry, clicked on Enter (with or without the "Include Similar" box checked), and got a suitable style from the resulting list, he likely would have been quite happy with the new StylePicker.
So to me, there's a breakdown somewhere. Either the attributes that have been assigned in the StylePicker for Mr PC are inaccurate, or what Notes is after is a different version of the song or the StylePicker needs further refinement.
I've done Mr. PC for years. It's in the book of pretty every local jazz group I've played with.
For me, I would never bother searching for a style for straight ahead bop tunes because at that tempo there's only one or two RT's for each instrument that will work. Start with the Neil Swainson 190 bass and the Clark Terry drums.
There is no piano track for that tempo. The fastest one is the Miles Black at 140 and that will not work at 240. This is one glaring problem with all the jazz tracks. Few burners. Therefore all uptempo bop tunes are going to sound exactly the same with the RT's.
As for song titles, I got nothing with Mr PC either but I did with Be Bop, Impressions, Oleo and I'm sure many other. They all turn up the same two styles, Jazz BeBob Quartet and Jazz Bop Bass and Drums, that's it. I agree those two are in the middle of a list of dixieland, western swing and others and that looks weird. Peter posted some suggestions I'll mess around with but just simply opening the Picker and clicking on the combo boxes sure doesn't limit the list to jazz only even though it seems like it should.
My point here Notes is I'm surprised at your problem. I would think with you're experience you would have all of these RT's memorized by now. I know I do for a lot of them. I don't need styles for RT's because to me they're merely suggestions anyway. You're free to sub in any RT you want on any track.
All I do is put in the chords and if a song title comes up in the StylePicker I'll start with it but otherwise I'll pick any style that I know is even barely in the ballpark and go from there. Start subbing RT's and find something. Once you do save it as a user style with your own memo as to what songs it could work with.
Mr. PC made it, and gave me gypsy and other inappropriate styles.
Originally Posted By: Notes Norton
<...>And what about songs that aren't in the database. There must be millions of them. Before "Mr. P.C." I did Pat Metheney's "Missouri Uncompromised" which turned up nothing.
"Miss Ann" brought up Little Richard, and nothing for Eric Dolphy.
"Minority" brought up Green Day, not Gigi Gryce
"Milano" turned up nothing, nor did "Midwestern Nights Dream (Metheny), "Midnight Mood" (Zawinul) and dozens of others. <...>
and from another post
Quote:
2) "The Real Book" is the most popular jazz book ever written. These songs don't show up; African Flower, Afro Blue, Afternoon In Paris, Agua De Beber, All By Myself, Alright Okay You Win, Always (Irving Berlin), Ana Maria, April Joy, Arise Her Eyes, Armageddon and that is just in the A's -- one shy of half the A's in the table of contents do not show up.
Bob (Jazzmammal), I've used my own MIDI bop styles for years, because I like them better. I even have a bop with walking bass in the A and B. But I'm trying to do "The Real Book" with only "Real Styles". Perhaps that was a bad idea.
There are indeed some PG Music styles that are my favorites, and quite a few I wish I wrote myself, so I don't mean to dis PG Music in any way at all. Many of PG Music's styles are on my personal "A list" but for bop they are not.
I'm still having problems with browsing. And now that I've been addressing the problems in more depth, they have gotten worse for me.
In hindsight I think this may not be the appropriate place to be discussing this. The thread has taken a turn to where it is uncomfortable for me.
So Peter, I hope you don't mind, I'm going to e-mail you directly with my problems.
As said before: you can go to c:\bb\bb2015_backup and make a copy of the bbw.exe and rename it bbw 2015.exe copy it to c:\bb right click on it and create shortcut, now go to preferences and check run multiple instances - just above the OK button - you can run the old picker 2015 alongside 2016 just copy the name you like then paste it in 2016
Getting back to the Style Picker - I also prefer the "OLD" Style Picker and also plead for a "Toggle" switch between the two versions I was making a "Hybrid" style and I noticed that the "OLD" Style Picker came up there when you rebuilt the styles So surely as it is there it must be able to be as an alternative jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022 Windows 10 64 Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD Roland keyboards
The new style picker also doesn't display non-BiaB styles properly (Norton Styles, Hawkesford Styles, Mayrent Styles, Fine Tuned styles, and any styles you might make yourself, including hybrids).
Peter says he's working on a fix for that though, but even if he accomplishes that, I prefer the old one.
A toggle would be nice. They we could choose and use whatever works best for the situation we have at hand.
The new style picker does have some merit, there are a few things I like about it, but for just browsing styles, I still definitely prefer the old style picker window.
I'm mostly okay with the new Style Picker, but want to be able to do my own categorizations (what we used to do with the LS3 files), as well as modify the comments associated with each style.
I would also like to see a common look and feel between all the various BIAB "pickers" (Styles, RealTracks, RealDrums, SuoerMIDI tracks, Songs, etc).
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
... I would also like to see a common look and feel between all the various BIAB "pickers" (Styles, RealTracks, RealDrums, SuoerMIDI tracks, Songs, etc).
In the menu code there is an "Old Stylepicker" I changed it to that but it still brings up the new style picker. You will just have to tell them the new options you need the new picker to do.
object StylePopup: TPopupMenu AutoPopup = True Left = 63 Top = 648 object Stylepicker1: TMenuItem Tag = 401 Caption = 'OLD StylePicker (browse all styles)...' OnClick = Stylepicker1Click end object NewStylepickerbeta1: TMenuItem Tag = 408 Caption = 'StylePicker...' OnClick = NewStylepickerbeta1Click end
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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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.
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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!
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!
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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.
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)
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