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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
Please guys this is driving me crazy.Can someone tell me what i need to upgrade too?
I have the Ultra Pack 2016,All xtra style packs 1-3.2017 Bonus 49Pk and 2017 pluspak upgrade.
I only want a download.Do I get the 2018 plus pak and will that include everything for me?99$
or one of the ultra packs.
Many Thanks Everyone.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822 |
If you have the current UltraPlusPak, then you have (pretty much) everything (don't want to revisit that thread  ) up through 2017. The PlusPak gives you all the new stuff, but requires you to have 2017 (which you do) and brings you up to date. Add in the bonus pack and 49-pack, and I think you'll be pretty up to date. I believe the PlusPak is downloadable and ships on a DVD, but is not a complete BIAB package (it just gives you the new stuff to add to 2017). The UltraPlusPak will give you (pretty much) everything (minus some specials that may have occurred over the years, but on an external hard drive that you can use to re-install everything from scratch (or just run from that hard drive). So, if go with the PlusPak, if you have to re-install BIAB, you would have to first install the 2017 UltraPlusPak (and the other add-ons), and then re-apply the 2018 PlusPak to get back up to speed. If you had the UltraPlusPak USB, you could do a re-install from just that (plus any other add-ons you might buy). Hope that made sense.
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 for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
Thanks so much John the PlusPak it is then.Plus the Bonus Pak of course ;-)
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
John... Based on your answer to LocalHero above, I am still confused on which package makes sense for me.
I have the 2017 UltraPlus Pak. Seems I can get your suggested PlusPak upgrade for $99, but it also shows I can get a MegaPak upgrade as a 2017 owner for $89. The only difference I can see is that the new RealTracks (Set 278-300) is not specifically listed in the popup box when you move the cursor over that option.
So is that the difference here? The MegaPak upgrade does not include the new RealTracks set?? Obviously worth the $10 difference for the PlusPak upgrade if its not included.
It is so confusing.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
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If you want the new RealTracks, you need to either upgrade your UltraPlusPak (which has "everything" up through 2017, minus possibly some add-ons along the way that you didn't previously get, as well as some bonus packs if you didn't order them) using the PlusPak (which gives you everything new in BIAB, although you have to buy the additional bonus material if you want that), or the UltraPak (which gives you "everything" on an external USB drive (much like your original 2017 UltraPlusPak.
If you ordered the MegaPak, you would only get the new BIAB and RealBand programs, but none of the new RealTracks or RealDrums content (and the limited number of RealTracks/RealDrums that come with the MegaPak, you already have with your 2017 UltraPlusPak).
My recommendation, if you have the 2017 UltraPlusPak and you want the new RealTracks (and why would you not), then either upgrade with the PlusPak (which will come on a DVD with just the new material) or the UltraPak (which will come on an external USB). The difference in price is really the price of the external USB drive.
Just note that if you order the 2018 PlusPak and you ever have to re-install BIAB, you would need to first re-install BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak, and then install the 2018 PlusPak over that to bring you back up to date.
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 for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 47 |
If you want the new RealTracks, you need to either upgrade your UltraPlusPak (which has "everything" up through 2017, minus possibly some add-ons along the way that you didn't previously get, as well as some bonus packs if you didn't order them) using the PlusPak (which gives you everything new in BIAB, although you have to buy the additional bonus material if you want that), or the UltraPak (which gives you "everything" on an external USB drive (much like your original 2017 UltraPlusPak.
If you ordered the MegaPak, you would only get the new BIAB and RealBand programs, but none of the new RealTracks or RealDrums content (and the limited number of RealTracks/RealDrums that come with the MegaPak, you already have with your 2017 UltraPlusPak).
My recommendation, if you have the 2017 UltraPlusPak and you want the new RealTracks (and why would you not), then either upgrade with the PlusPak (which will come on a DVD with just the new material) or the UltraPak (which will come on an external USB). The difference in price is really the price of the external USB drive.
Just note that if you order the 2018 PlusPak and you ever have to re-install BIAB, you would need to first re-install BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak, and then install the 2018 PlusPak over that to bring you back up to date.
Thanks so much John Ive gone with the Plus Pak as I have all the additionals from previous years and also the Bonus Pak plus pack 4 addt'l styles.
Paul Morgan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822 |
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 for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Please guys this is driving me crazy.Can someone tell me what i need to upgrade too?
I have the Ultra Pack 2016,All xtra style packs 1-3.2017 Bonus 49Pk and 2017 pluspak upgrade.
I only want a download.Do I get the 2018 plus pak and will that include everything for me?99$
or one of the ultra packs.
Many Thanks Everyone.
I hope I'm wrong, but I think these replies are incorrect. I'm in the same boat as the OP - I have the 2016 Ultra Plus Pak on a HD. Then, last December, I got the 2017 PlusPak upgrade. That added in the missing real tracks. But, from what I understand, you can only do that every other year. In other words, NOW, this year, in order to get the latest real tracks (up to 300), I have to once again get the 2018 Ultra Plus Pak for $149. I cannot, like last year, just get the 2018 Plus Pak for $99. I believe the best way to avoid any confusion is to call them and ask as I did last year. They look up your account, and what you've previously purchased, and tell you exactly which upgrade you need to get the features/add-ons that you want. The confusion I saw in the replies were based on someone thinking the OP had the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. He does not. He has the 2016 Ultra Plus Pak with the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade - just like me. At least that's how I read his email.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822 |
The 2016 Ultra Plus Pak and the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade is effectively the same as the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. It gives you the new program files and all the new content (RealTracks/RealDrums/SuperMIDI/etc).
I would think that you should be able to upgrade to the PlusPak again just as long as you install over your existing installation. So 2016 Ultra + 2017 Plus + 2018 Plus is effectively the same as 2018 Ultra.
Ask PGMusic, but my guess is they will tell you what I just said.
At least that's how it was previously explained to me.
And in that case, again, if you ever have to re-install, you need to start back with the full UltraPlusPak and then re-install each year's subsequent PlusPaks to get everything back up to date (and of course any other add-on material you purchased, such as the Bonus 8-pak or the 49-pak).
Again, PGMusic has the final answer, but I don't believe I'm wrong.
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 for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
The 2016 Ultra Plus Pak and the 2017 Plus Pak upgrade is effectively the same as the 2017 Ultra Plus Pak. It gives you the new program files and all the new content (RealTracks/RealDrums/SuperMIDI/etc).
I would think that you should be able to upgrade to the PlusPak again just as long as you install over your existing installation. So 2016 Ultra + 2017 Plus + 2018 Plus is effectively the same as 2018 Ultra.
Ask PGMusic, but my guess is they will tell you what I just said.
At least that's how it was previously explained to me.
And in that case, again, if you ever have to re-install, you need to start back with the full UltraPlusPak and then re-install each year's subsequent PlusPaks to get everything back up to date (and of course any other add-on material you purchased, such as the Bonus 8-pak or the 49-pak).
Again, PGMusic has the final answer, but I don't believe I'm wrong. Well, I went to the "horse's mouth," and called them. I'm embarrassed to say that you are 100% correct. They said exactly what YOU said. And even though I'm annoyed that I got it wrong, I'm glad that you responded or I might have just ordered the HD. You saved me $50, for which I'm grateful. I ordered the PlusPak, and am going to download it this afternoon after I finish licking my wounds. JFord, thanks so much. Bob in South Florida
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,822 |
So glad you got it worked out, Bob.
- John (in the western panhandle of Florida)
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 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!
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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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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
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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