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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2 |
I am planning to buy BIAB 2018, which I have never used before. I am recently retired and am looking to significantly improve my guitar playing skills. I've played guitar most of my life. I also have been playing mandolin for about 10 years. Most of my playing is at home. However, I also play both mandolin and guitar in a contemporary worship band at church a couple of times a month. My goals include:
Improving my fretboard knowledge (I am also working through several music theory books right now)
Adding backing band accompaniment to my solo playing to add structure, improve timing / rhythm and add a fun factor to my playing
Significantly improve my jazz guitar skills, which are pretty basic
Improve my country jazz / swing skills by playing in a band context
Improve my blues / jazz / country soloing skills by playing in a band context.
Produce lead sheets (and sample music tracks) for use by our worship band.
I am planning to by either BIAB 2018 Pro or the MegPAK version. My question is: is the additional content included with BIAB 2018 MegPAK worth the additional $140 over the Pro version?
Any input you can provide will be appreciated!
Thanks!
TeleSeattle (yes, I do play a Telecaster, and a Stratocaster...)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,817
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,817 |
Welcome to the forums.
Thanks for explaining your goals so clearly.
This subject comes up regularly. The very short answer is to purchase the best package that you can afford, especially if you intend to take advantage of a wider genre of musical styles, as you have indicated.
The Pro Pack is really a very light version and I think you will find restrictions of available styles fairly quickly. In my view, the MegaPak is definitely the best starting point.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,209
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,209 |
Also.... keep in mind that PG Music offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
A number of people of these forums have used this to start with the basic package and then, when they know the program a little better and understand what it can do, they ask for a refund towards a more comprehensive version of the software (within the 30-day time frame).
This is something that you should discuss with the sales staff before buying.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138 |
Agree with the recommendation to by the best package you can afford. I upgraded from 2008 which was a total step change and then upgraded the package I'd bought because in using the program I found so many things to play around with and wanted the ultimate in flexibility. The more you have the greater the possibilities.
You do end up with things you'll never use - I'll never need a 9/8 celtic style - but you'll be surprised at what you do use.
And BIAB is a one time investment. Buy the full program with all the addons just once and annual updates are usually just $99 so once you've invested staying up to date is inexpensive.
Plus you get the best product support i've ever seen for a software package. PG staff are helpful and knowledgeable and the forums are great. THat's useful because the manuals are detailed but huge.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
I was in the same position as you. Go well past the Pro pack, you will not be satisfied with what is available there. The ultra pack is the minimum I would recommend plus add ons if affordable.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,010
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,010 |
I would also check out the FAQ's at this link. http://www.pgmusic.com/salesfaq1.htmAlso keep in mind that if funds are a wee bit short or tight, PG Music will let you set up an interest free automatic payment plan to keep the initial outlay down.
BIAB2025
Windows 10 Pro
WA6NCB
No Longer on a Crappy Laptop!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,354 |
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: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,663
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,663 |
Maybe not the answer you were looking for, but - Ditto!
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2 |
I will probably go ahead and get the UltraPak based on the recommendations of this thread.
And thank you to all of you that took the time to provide input. It's very much appreciated!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117 |
Well, you really can't go wrong with the Ultra. You still won't have every style, but I believe they also give you a discount on the addon packs not included with the Ultra. I think there's an additional four more packs.
It's a little confusing. :-)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
Well, you really can't go wrong with the Ultra. You still won't have every style, but I believe they also give you a discount on the addon packs not included with the Ultra. I think there's an additional four more packs. What you will get are almost all of the RealTracks (minus those in the additional 25-packs, 49-packs, etc that they offer each year, and others that were only available specific years). However, while the XTRA RealStyles are nice, they are just style files created based on existing RealTracks. If you new which RealTracks were in the styles (don't ask, because I'm happy for PGMusic to sell their products), then you can easily create your own. They took the hard work of figuring out which RealTracks played well together and bundled them in styles. But even without the additional XTRA RealStyles, in theory, you can do everything someone with them can do, because you'll have the underlying RealTracks anyway. That being said, I highly recommend the RealStyles, because it is clear PGMusic put a lot of work into figuring out the various combinations that work well together.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,926
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,926 |
I'm late to the discussion but do have some thoughts you might want to consider. First, consider purchasing the Groove 3 video series, +++ Band-in-a-Box Explained +++. Both the Windows and Mac video series are presently on sale for $23.33 US. I suggest purchasing and downloading the video series so you will always have it available for use as a quick reference. Each video is 3 to 7 minutes long and the complete series is less than 1 1/2 hour. It will answer MANY questions you never even thought to ask. Second, Band-in-a-Box for Windows user Joanne Cooper has a video series, +++ Creating Your First Song With Band-in-a-Box for Windows +++ that is very reasonably priced. She provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a song from start to finish. Many forum users have stated her video series gave them a starting workflow process to follow. I'm positive these two products are worthy investments that will save you much time and frustration. Get them now, watch them and get a jump start on your Band-in-a-Box experience.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Like many others I started with the Pro version but soon found I wanted more. I then looked at the bits I wanted and found it was more economical to go directly to the UltraPak (for my needs I can't justify the Audiophile). I also have most extra Paks. I find with the UltraPak I have that much stuff available I can spend hours, if not days going through styles mixing and matching RealTracks then I come up with something I wasn't expecting that inspires me to another song. Unlike some I do a lot of this just for my entertainment and I do find I publicly perform songs I always wanted to but did not have the band for.
My thoughts
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 03/27/18 05:11 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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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: 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)
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.
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