BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Guitars that sound good need the structure to be very lightly damped. 3D printed structures have too much damping. Mouthpieces for brass instruments are more of a possiblility with direct metal laser sintering method. But they would have to go through a significant polishing routine because DMLS results in a very rough surface. Possible though since they make ball and socket joints this way
In case anyone really is interested, they use computer-controlled lathes to scrape mouthpieces out of a block of brass. Increasingly though, they can make mouthpiece parts (particularly rims that contact the lip) by molding materials such as Delrin. So I was thinking more about having a player like me who doesn't have a machine shop be able to tinker with designs inexpensively. The smallest of adjustments to a myriad of different surface angles in a mouthpiece makes a HUGE difference in playablility. If it didn't, we brass players wouldn't constantly be searching for a better mouthpiece (no matter what we might say in public).
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.
Matt the issue with 3D printing anything that needs to be smooth is that no 3D technique is inherently smooth and needs post processing. I. Was responsible for 3D printing of custom earpieces for hearing aids and hearing protection using light cured acrylics and the smoothing technique was quite complicated and was just external surfaces. A mouthpiece would need the internal surfaces quite smooth, yes?
I could easily see trumpet mouthpieces designed and printed on a 3-D printer. Would save a lot of time prototyping. Maybe they're already doing it?
Well if they can print full on guitars, I'm sure they are making other stuff too (Like trumpet mouthpieces). Would be nice if someone can find a pic or two
Matt the issue with 3D printing anything that needs to be smooth is that no 3D technique is inherently smooth and needs post processing. I. Was responsible for 3D printing of custom earpieces for hearing aids and hearing protection using light cured acrylics and the smoothing technique was quite complicated and was just external surfaces. A mouthpiece would need the internal surfaces quite smooth, yes?
Oh, absolutely. Inside and especially outside (the rim, where it meets the lips). But I've been mentioning prototyping only. If I had a few minutes with a new mouthpiece shape, I could put up with a rough surface long enough to see if the design worked.
Just to give you a quick example, most people don't know that trumpet maker Vincent Bach made his mouthpieces with a hole of .27" because he expected the user to ream it out. I've taken a mouthpiece all the way from 27 to 17 (wider) in increments of .01 to feel the effect. It's huge. I like mine around .22. But once you get there, going down to .21 ruins the mouthpiece. It works like that, and there are a dozen such places you can adjust. I'm sure you can see the appeal of printing inexpensive prototypes to experiment on. My mouthpieces aren't the inexpensive store Bachs, either.
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.
If that's the case that reaming is needed anyways, then the rapid prototyping of choice would be machining rather than 3D printing.
3D printing is still generally misunderstood by the public as to what you can realistically fabricate with performance features that come close to more traditional manufacturing. Not even close to making actual guitars with it. Re read the article and you will see that this is a traditional guitar with just the cosmetic body shape printed. The heart of the guitar is wood as well as the neck. The "brighter" comment in the article is because of the lack of resonance in the printed structure.
I was interested in getting a flugel-ish sound from my trumpet, and the Trent Austin ACB-TF looked pretty cool.
But money was (as always) lacking. Fortunately, my co-worker had access to a 3D printer. I found a parametric trumpet mouthpiece model and learned OpenSCAD. I learned a lot about trumpet mouthpieces than I though I'd ever know, and eventually came up with two different models a friend printed for me.
The first was a complete bust. It looked good, but I couldn't coax much sound from it.
The second (based on the ABC TF) was a lot more successful. It required a bit of sanding, but the deep V cup came out with something closer to a flugelhorn. As a novice, I appreciated it being a lot easier to play in the middle register.
As an added bonus, it was - for a number of reasons - a lot quieter, which my family appreciated.
Brass players are not the only ones constantly checking out mouthpieces. I have several sax player friends and it's the same with them. One who has the money will spend $6-700 on a custom piece, use it for a few gigs and go, naaaah.
Then there's the B3 fanatics like me. Don't get me started on all the organ clones out there plus the aftermarket leslie sims. I've got em all. On stage does anybody care except me? Of course not but hey, I'm the man...
Bob, you're right about sax mouthpieces. I've had both my soprano and tenor pieces refaced. It might be easier to print a sax mouthpiece than a brass one; fewer critical angles involved, I think.
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.
Dcuny, some use a Mark Curry piece to approximate a flugelhorn response out of a trumpet. It's popular with those travelling who can take only one horn.
And there's always a flumpet.
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.
For brass mouthpieces, Schilke has been doing this for decades (to the extent possible concerning technology at the time). I had a few experimental mouthpieces made by them. Rim curve, depth/shape of initial recess/cup, taper to the bore, and bore depth/diameter all customized. Heck, they even stamped my name on the side as a custom mouthpiece back in the 90s. There is an actual RHarvey trumpet mouthpiece in their records somewhere. If I recall (and this was long ago) I think their code was a 6B8C made for my MFHorn bore (large) back in the day .. I think I customized it further by adding a pickup to it .. I'll dig it up and post a pic for fun.
For 3d printing; I found it quite interesting that the military could 'sample' say, a tank part and have it created overseas years ago.
It IS fun to see another technology reaching the point where it is accessible to us musicians. Edit: Sure enough; found it in the MF Horn case with a BB pickup still epoxy'd in .. hey it works! If anyone wants a one of a kind custom mouthpiece like this I have 1 left. Starting price around $120000000000000000000000000000 Hey it's one of a kind! Soft rim, shallow initial cup, tapered bore to the deep end (on a curve) and large end bore to accommodate air flow for large bore horns ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Dcuny, some use a Mark Curry piece to approximate a flugelhorn response out of a trumpet. It's popular with those travelling who can take only one horn.
And there's always a flumpet.
What I really wanted was a C flugelhorn!
I got a Bb trumpet off Craigslist last year for $70. It was in decent shape, and the poor guy was letting it go because his arthritis had bent up his finger something awful. I eventually got a Tromba plastic trumpet in C. Lots of fun, but I'm still nowhere near to being good enough to play in public.
I've seen some attempts at 3D printed trumpets, but the technology isn't really there. And a completely plastic trumpet isn't all that great - that's why I went with Tromba instead of Tiger - some parts still need to be made out of metal.
I've managed to acquire an inexpensive flugelhorn since then, as well as a used plastic Tromba flugelhorn. I think the Tromba trumpet works better than the flugelhorn, but it's nice to have an instrument and leave out and not worry about breaking.
The flumpet looked cool, but it's way out of my price range! The Phatboy looks even cooler, and just as out of reach!
My birthday is coming up, and I was considering getting a Wedge mouthpieces (made of Delrin) or even the Trent Austin I had cloned, when I found out that Nuvo had come up with a new instrument: the jSax, a plastic kid's soprano sax in C. I've already go their plastic flute and Clarineo (a C clarinet) - both of which are very cool.
Although their instruments are made out of plastic, I don't think you could 3D print them - getting a flexible plastic spring would be quite a trick. And that's ignoring any issues with the pads. (The jSax looks like it's got plastic o-ring seals).
I ended up getting a C Melody sax on Craigslist instead, and am getting ready to disassemble and re-pad it, because that's what happens when you buy an old sax. Wish me luck!
I probably should have stuck with the jSax. It's a toy, but cute!
Somebody said above you couldn't make decent guitars. I have seen (but not heard) nice-looking 3D-printed electrics, and I have seen and heard a nice violin. Given composite and carbon-fiber axes like the Ivation Adamas series, I don't know why you couldn't do decent acoustics, too.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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