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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
I would like to see the way I input notes into the notion menu from the horrendous grid style method, to way most modern notation softwares have you input note by selecting the note value and dragging the note onto the staff. I find BIAB's approach very inefficient, and confusing.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,605 |
Personally, I really like the way notation works in BIAB. It is, by far, the most efficient method of note entry I've ever used.
BIAB is always the first place I go to when I want to create a lead sheet. If I need more sophisticated notation (such as an arrangement or 4-part harmony, etc.) I go to either Musescore or an old version of Encore that I bought many years ago.
To be honest, I'd be quite disappointed if BIAB's notation entry method changed.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584 |
Oh, please, no. The unique approach used by BIAB for note entry is fabulous, and I've tried just about everything else. I even use BIAB for MIDI note entry when the final product won't even involve BIAB.
If this wish were granted, all that I ask is that the old method remain as a choice.
I'm willing to discuss the reason for the OP's request. For example, it could involve having to know how to read the duration of written notation and how to translate that into knowledge of "the grid". It would be helpful to know what it is the OP wants to do that cannot easily be done now. Then we can move forward.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
I agree. The BIAB method is very simple. There are times I would have problems identifying the length of note, but I know exactly where the next one starts. Dragging a note from a palette seems so inefficient and prone to error when you can just point at the start of the next note and have the software work out the appopriate note length
+1 for NO CHANGE
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
Oh, please, no. The unique approach used by BIAB for note entry is fabulous, and I've tried just about everything else. I even use BIAB for MIDI note entry when the final product won't even involve BIAB.
If this wish were granted, all that I ask is that the old method remain as a choice.
I'm willing to discuss the reason for the OP's request. For example, it could involve having to know how to read the duration of written notation and how to translate that into knowledge of "the grid". It would be helpful to know what it is the OP wants to do that cannot easily be done now. Then we can move forward.
My reason is that I don't understand the grid system and I would rather just be able to select a note value and place it on the notation editor.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 15 |
Please don't change the input method in BIAB. I find it so much easier, less time consuming and more straightforward than most of the notation software that I have examined. Instead, expand the notation software to input (and display) grace notes, 16th note triplets and cuplets, turns and mordents, as well as real dynamic entries. Perhaps this would need to be a separate BIAB compatible program. I love the way BIAB will produce lead sheets with jazz notation and fonts. Moreover, the RealTrack renditions of arrangements are outstanding compared to the MIDI instruments in notation software. I don't care about composing a symphony - I just want to make jazz transcriptions and easily prepare lead sheets that can be transposed quickly and accurately. Some enhancements to the notation portion of BIAB to do this would make this software even more fantastic than it already is.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
+1 for present notation system. I find the drag and drop system daunting. I'm making an effort to learn Muse Score, you should do the same for BIAB.
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584 |
My reason is that I don't understand the grid system and I would rather just be able to select a note value and place it on the notation editor. OK, I can appreciate that answer. But wouldn't you still need to understand the grid system to place the note correctly "on the notation editor"? I'm wondering if there are PG Music videos that would help you with the grid system. I confess, I've watched very few because I learned this stuff long before there were any videos, but perhaps someone here knows a good reference? About the overall method for entering notes, we all have our preferred ways of working. My mouse hand gets very tired very quickly dragging notes between a palette and a score on a job of any length, and it's a lot of eye movement that also gets tiring. But that's not a bother for some people. I suppose I just object to the term, "awful" with respect to BIAB notation entry. I absolutely love their system. All that proves is that, if you don't, then a new choice could be considered, but leave the existing method as an option, please. Islansoul (and VihnSon), do you have specific examples of a modern notation entry system you really like? Maybe we can get behind your request as an option.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
One of the reasons I like Noteworthy Composer is that most everything can be done with the keyboard (you can use the mouse also, but it's a lot faster with the keyboard). And on the keyboard, I have ten fingers to work with, so I can knock things out bam, bam, bam. Some of it requires a little thinking; for example, if I jump from a C to the A above it, instead hitting the up arrow five tims, I can hit Ctrl-Up to jump the octave, then come down two.
I know others only want to use the mouse, but like Matt, my hand gets tired on the mouse. On the keyboard, I usually keep my right hand on the arrow direction keys and my left hand over the main keyboard. Once you've internalized the commonly used commands (doesn't take long), it's easy to enter notes, chords, rests, clefs, time signatures changes, bar lines, etc.
Of course, now it sounds like I'm singing their praises like Pipeline does for RapidComposer. LOL.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,584 |
Oh yes, I'm all for keyboard equivalents for mouse actions. I use a combination with software, depending on how many of the keyboard shortcuts for each program I can remember!
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.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
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OP
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
My reason is that I don't understand the grid system and I would rather just be able to select a note value and place it on the notation editor. OK, I can appreciate that answer. But wouldn't you still need to understand the grid system to place the note correctly "on the notation editor"? I'm wondering if there are PG Music videos that would help you with the grid system. I confess, I've watched very few because I learned this stuff long before there were any videos, but perhaps someone here knows a good reference? About the overall method for entering notes, we all have our preferred ways of working. My mouse hand gets very tired very quickly dragging notes between a palette and a score on a job of any length, and it's a lot of eye movement that also gets tiring. But that's not a bother for some people. I suppose I just object to the term, "awful" with respect to BIAB notation entry. I absolutely love their system. All that proves is that, if you don't, then a new choice could be considered, but leave the existing method as an option, please. Islansoul (and VihnSon), do you have specific examples of a modern notation entry system you really like? Maybe we can get behind your request as an option. I really like Notion's way of imputing notes.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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.
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-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
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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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
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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)!
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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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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