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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: 27,412
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412 |
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 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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: 27,412
Veteran
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412 |
No problem. Sam, do you happen to know where to find the down-loadable demo of BIAB? Does one still exist?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, 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
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Posts: 4,900 |
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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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)
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- 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®!
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