Could some of you check this out for me, please. Is it an issue with my system or the RealTracks?
Using BIAB 2018 Build 513, I entered the chords for Jim Croce's Time in a Bottle and selected _CACTUS.STY as a suitable style. Then, when auditioning each instrument via the Solo button, I noticed dropouts in RT 2055; Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryWaltzBrent Sw 140.
To check this I opened another BIAB window and entered a I, iim, IV, V7 progression over several keys and found that RT 2055 only played the V7 chords. I went back to Time in a Bottle which has some 6ths, min6ths, 7ths, etc. and realized that only the "numbered" chords were playing. To confirm this I randomly altered the other progression to include 6ths, 7ths, 9ths etc. and again only the "numbered" chords played.
This also occurs with; RT 2054; Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryWaltzBrent Sw 110. RT 2053; Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryWaltzBrent Sw 85.
I checked out the other Fingerpicking Waltz RTs (very few) and they seem OK.
Just a thought - do you have it set for "Natural Arrangements"?
As far as I can tell, "changing" an SGU from what I have inputted to their suggested Natural Arrangement because I have a certain percentage of, by definition therefore, UN-NATURAL chords, like your min6ths etc, robs it of its required complexity.
Perhaps the recorded guitar player didnt record them at PG, which I would have thought a tad odd a) considering that Mr Brent knows more chords than I ever will ;-) and b) these kind of styles REQUIRE subtlety of chording, not just wham-bam.
What happens if you input the chords in English? lol. Do they come out right or are they still not there?
Cheers ian
Last edited by sixchannel; 04/02/1802:38 AM.
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
The RTs are playing over the "numbered" chords, e.g. DMaj7, Gm6 etc. but dropping out on the "plain" chords, e.g. D, Gm etc.
I used the Roman numerals to indicate that on my test progression I had entered 4 bars, C,Am,F,G7, i.e. I, iim, IV, V7 then repeated several times changing key each time, so the next line entered was D,Bm,G,A7 and so on. Standard chord lettering was used on all tests.
The RTs are playing over the "numbered" chords, e.g. DMaj7, Gm6 etc. but dropping out on the "plain" chords, e.g. D, Gm etc.
I used the Roman numerals to indicate that on my test progression I had entered 4 bars, C,Am,F,G7, i.e. I, iim, IV, V7 then repeated several times changing key each time, so the next line entered was D,Bm,G,A7 and so on. Standard chord lettering was used on all tests.
Sorry for any confusion.
Regards Vintage
My understanding is that IF you have it set on Natural Arrangement it will ignore your Dmaj7 and just give you D, ignore your Gm6 and give you Gm and so on.
I really dont get the point of NA - IF I wanted a plain D, I would type in a plain D. If I wanted the maj7 I would type it in and expect it to play it.
I hope someone with more in depth knowledge can contribute here and correct me if I've got it wrong.
Cheers Ian
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
The RTs I quoted are playing over the Dm7, G6 etc. but over the "plain" chords there is silence. All other RTs in that style perform as expected as do other Fingerpicked Acoutic Guitars that I tried.
I also tried with and without Natural Arrangement as you suggested, no difference.
I suspect the three RTs are at fault as others I tried are OK.
If someone can replicate this using the same RTs I will pass it on to support.
Well, i posted this with PG; frozen and all, Kent probably saw it, and no reply yet:
i have some issues with RT 591, Scott Vestals soloist banjo, a very useful one for me in creating backing tracks for (bluegrass) fiddle students.
At times it misses a half bar, often at the beginning of a chorus, re-generating some times fixes that. Yesterday i was messing with a BIAB MGU exchanging these two styles within the arrangement for a few bars between 590 and 591.
Then when i imported the MGU in to REALBAND (v5), at the style change bars, there where simply gaps at these bar numbers, across all (realband) tracks.
BTW i couldn't edit-access these changes as with BIAB's bar Settings menu. Is there a trick for that in Realband? - F
I did get the drop-outs in your frozen song, but not when I unfroze and regenerated, so I'd say you just need to reinstall RealTracks set 187. I've added a link to your online account.
Noel, That looks pretty horrible and can only suggest that, since Kent didn't pick this up from the same files that I emailed yesterday, it may be caused by Dropbox.
re New file; I made several new files using these RTs with the BLANK34.STY and others, all with the same dropouts.
re XML; I have never used this.
Have just opened this song in RB using the right click menu, something definitely strange.
I have RB set not to generate tracks when opening .SGU or .MGU but this generated RT's and MIDI, complete with dropouts in RT2055 and its MIDI. Also, instead of naming the tracks as normal, they are named BB RealBass 0: J_SWING, BB RealPiano 0 etc.
On a new track I generated another instance of RT2055, guess what, no drop outs.
Closed all this by selecting New file and not saving then re-opened from File, recently used. Generated as before except this time tracks are named BB RealBass 2055: Guitar Acou, BB RealPiano 2055: etc. and only two MIDI tracks were generated.
Files made using BLANK34.STY and RT2053, 2054, 2055 behaved as above when opened in RB.
Tried a few recent .SGU or .MGU files that do not contain RTs 2053, 2054, or 2055; opened as expected with no tracks generated.
Tried your suggestion of opening in RB and saving as Newname.SGU, same dropouts when opened in BIAB.
In a new BIAB file re-entered the same chord progression using BLANK34.STY, then generated the same RTs as _CACTUS.STY substituted RT2055 with RT823. The resulting .SGU has no issues in BIAB or RB.
This points me towards RT2053, 2054, 2055 as the problem.
I have a couple of work around that will let me move on with this song, but I really would like this to be resolved.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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.
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean