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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 186
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 186 |
Any ideas about what to use as a worktable or desk on small solo gigs? I'm a guitarist so no keyboard. All I need is a place to put a laptop and a small (DFX-6) Mackie mixer. I sit and currently use a wooden TV-tray for the laptop and put the mixer on the floor under the tray. Works, but not great. The TV tray is not quite big enough for the laptop, HD and room to mouse. And it's of course flimsy and only marginally stable.
I see an RTA mix-station in the latest Musician's Friend catalog that looks close, but not quite what I (think I) need. Anybody found a good solution for this?
Thanks
John
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I get a keyboard stand and cut a piece of wood to suit. I have several of these pieces of wood cut in different ways, and it works great. One has a keyboard drawer. If you can find someone to do it, you can slope the thing by putting a 2x3 or some such piece of wood near the back and a lip in the front to ensure the laptop won't fall off... I have 3 'covers', ie the piece of wood is a 1 X 6 or 8 and around the edge is velcro and I have a blue cover, a tartan cover, and a cover with a big shriner's logo in the middle. If the wife and i are going a celtic gig, I hide my legs and cables with this. She's still got the legs so she has a stool beside me so no one looks at me. The neat thing is if you do it right, you fold up your cloth, the keyboard stand folds, bungee the board and the keyboard stand together and you are good to go.
I even have one with the little mixer on a 45 degree angle, resting on the front lip of the board, and a piece of wood to hold it up so I can see it better. Add a little light like the xtra flex led music light and you can see in the dark!
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
I've always been a sucker for Rolling Road Racks...I've got a model 701 (FlintStones Era), that holds a beatiful Peavey Rack Mixer, my Crown Amp, my Roland GM-70 Midi Converter, two Roland M-3R synth modules and some other crap. However, here's something I just ran across on the internet for around 300 bucks...go do the trick in a small Bistro setting: "Peavey Electronics - 00573540 - Messenger Portable Sound System" Price:$292.95 Description Includes two speakers, 100 watt, 5 channel mixer/amplifier, PV i 100 microphone, XLR microphone cable, & two 15? speaker wires; 5-band EQ w/ FLS ; Split Track MIX? w/ independent & master volume controls & 3-band EQ; Storage space for mic & cables; Lid lifts up to be used as a lectern." Of course, mix well and beef up from the original "mix"! That's what G-Daddy would do!! "That was then...This is now. Mostly I play jazz accompanyment guitar to my "Torme" singing...I've a huge "book" of showtunes, etc., for requests. I'm currently experimenting with a 16 Gig Apple Nano, about three fingers long and two fingerwide, and a "reafer" thick!! It just hides there, dangling from my zippered "fly". Who Knew???? This tiny NANO gremlin is holding the vast array of backup Real Musicians from PG, AND, ADDITIONALLY, miraculously, almost all of Blake's Jzzz Real Book MP3-converted, original recordings from the jazz master musicians and singers that had the original hits!! You dig???? Illegal MP3's being reborn through my NANO, at simply unbelievable sound quality levels.....recordings by Shearing, Prez, Sonny, Horrace, Brubeck (you get the idea, Mr. ASCAP??) Love to segue into forbidden territory with my illegal all-stars, wow....do we improvise, or what?? Hell, I start off every gig with Maynard Fergusons Big Band rendition of Star Spangled Banner, followed by Theolonius Monk and I gigging to Poor Butterfly. Can't beat that with an egg-beater!! But where the hell are those "recordings" coming from fellas...the sound spilling forth from the Nano, either Real Band backup cats, or Joe Williams and Basie, doing a tune with me, are no where it site???? WTF??? No kidding, ASCAP, these sounds are like coming from the original sessions!! You go figure!! I'm prepared to meet the ASCAP agent with a very dry double Smirnoff on the Rocks!! http://www.thegigbaby.com Now with the SUPERFANTASTIC Blues and Rock Music Video Page. Gotta check it out!!     
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
When i do guitar and vocal only gigs with BB, (rare, but I do them sometimes) I use a heavy steel black music stand for the laptop.
Now listen up.
To keep the music stand solid and steady, I first removed the rack from the pole and the three-footed base and dropped a free weight over the pole. About 20lbs IIRC. This puts a low CG on the stand and turns the whole thing into a "dweeble toy" should it get bumped. It would take a very hard bump to knock it all the way over.
Then I put the rack back on the Music Stand, and open the laptop up FLAT.
I use two small black bungee cords to hold the laptop to the rack of the stand like that. Both wrap completely around laptop and stand rack and are right in the middle of the laptop where the hinge is opened flat. They don't get in the way at all, being two of those thin bungees, not the big thick motorcycle type. i use two for the sake of redundancy. Should one come loose... (Although that's never happened to date and this rig is going on six years old.)
The keyboard and touchpad are easily accessible "in the vertical" like that for selecting BB songs, running the Conductor, etc. (I also use a two button USB programmable footswitch with this rig, set to do two critical BB commands. Play is one of 'em. The other is usually set to Repeat Choruses using the Conductor.)
For those gigs, I don't take the big mixer as I don't need all of that. I use a teeny tiny Behringer UB802 (now discontinued but they have one this size in the new series) to connect up to two mics and three line inputs. Typically I use only one Line Input, from the earphone jack of the laptop, but occasionall I don't want to lug a guitar amp and use another line input for a hardware guitar amp sim like the Digidesign pedalboard or the old and might Johnson J-Station.
The top of the laptop screen sticks up above the top edge of the stand somewhat, but not a kill with the right height stool.
Most people think its just a Music Stand, as it turns out, they are very surprised when they find out that there's a laptop on the other side of it.
Cost. Effective.
And it works.
--Mac
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
You can get inexpensive folding metal tables of different sizes at Target or Walmart. I use one for my laptop and it's very stable. Later, Ray
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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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 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)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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