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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56 |
I am new to the forum and would like some advice before purchasing BIAB.
Let me tell you who I am and what I want to do.
I play Old Time and Bluegrass fiddle and would like to use BIAB as a back up to my melody using guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass.
I think I can construct the chord and timing backup from the limited information I have on BIAB. Alternatively I know a couple of websites that appear to have many standard Bluegrass/Old Time backup files. I can't vouch for their quality as I haven't purchased BIAB yet.
If I do it myself, I assume I simply construct the back-up (chords, timing etc) and press the Enter key, and I can practice for ever?
If I purchase tomorrow, I assume I would buy 2009.5.
* Will BIAB do what I want (as above)?
* What benefits do Real Tracks 11, 12 and 33 (Bluegrass) provide that are not in 2009.5?
Any other advice for a BIAB novice would be most welcome.
Thank you.
Harry
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Short answer: Yes, BIAB will do what you want (and, of course, much more). You can loop tracks and play as long as you want. You might want to investigate the Conductor function for more control of real-time playback.
Real Tracks will sound from slightly to dramatically better than MIDI tracks, depending on the quality of the GM wavetable in your sound card.
I hope you make the choice to come aboard. It's a great product and a great community.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393 |
Harry,
I think there's a demo version available - look on the website. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
For what you're describing, I think it will fit your needs.
Bruce
Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Welcome to the forum, Harry Advice? Never challenge a tiger to unarmed combat  As far as PG software goes, it will do all you want and more. Get it
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56 |
Thank you gentlemen for that positive advice.
Any thoughts on the purpose of Real Tracks 11, 12 and 33 which are Bluegrass add-ons?
How or why do they enhance 2009.5?
Thanks.
Harry
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
If you buy just the basic Pro version, you won't get RTs. They are then add-ons. Thus, they do enhance the programme.
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
Real Tracks will enhance your song(s) because they are actual recordings of the instruments rather than computer generated. Granted, the computer will be a large part of the final product, but I have not heard midi instruments that sound as good as the real thing (I suppose there are some, I just haven't heard them). For practice purposes I don't think it will change anything about your fiddle playing - that is all you. But for me, when playing the exact same thing along with BIAB RealTracks versus midi, it is just much more fun and better sounding overall with Real Tracks. It is like having some friends over and jamming. The only things missing are beer and laughter (and an occasional mistake).
There will be a slight learning curve to get BIAB generated songs to sound right, but basic stuff is fairly easy. My limited experience with Bluegrass is that it is pretty simple most of the time in timing and chords, and that makes it easier to be successful with BIAB for a new user. Jazz guys are at the top of the list from my standpoint on complexity of the music, but BIAB is rooted in Jazz and handles it very well.
This is a long answer to what should be a short one - get BIAB (with as many real tracks and styles as you can afford - the UltraPak is a good one). It is an addictive program and will improve your enjoyment of playing music greatly.
Good luck and welcome to the fold.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 56 |
Thank you Barry.
Yes the keys, chords and timing are pretty simple is Bluegrass and Old Time fiddling.
I'll proceed with the purchase including Real Tracks.
Harry
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Good idea! Well done 
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,557
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,557 |
Couple of quick reactions to the replies:
Babarton, I know there used to be a down-loadable version of BIAB to demo. I can't find it now. Does anyone know the location of this - the link - so we can point it out to prospective buyers?
Sam, you stated there are no Real Tracks in the basic Pro version. I believe that may not be correct. This is from the website description of the least expensive BIAB version:
This package includes Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, Styles Sets 0-3, Soloist Set 1, Melodist Set 1, RealDrums Set 1, and RealTracks Set 1.
That means a purchaser of any version will get a chance to work with some Real Tracks and Real Drums. A smart marketing idea, I think, on PG Music's part.
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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Well done, Matt I stand corrected Makes sense that you should have at least a taster of the RT´s in the basic version, so that you are enticed to head right into the main zone...
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,557
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,557 |
No problem. Sam, do you happen to know where to find the down-loadable demo of BIAB? Does one still exist?
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; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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I don't think it does, Matt. There is a '30 day money back guarantee' (which I don't think has ever actually been called up - I mean, who would? Once they have been introduced to Peter's babies, what are they going to do? ) and there are now so many videos that I can understand that Peter just doesn't bother with a 'light' version any more Presuming that that is what you meant If you mean the demo video, I think it is on the product page
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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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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Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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