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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11 |
Hi all,
My name's David and I'm writing from Newcastle, in the chilly North East of England.
I had checked out BB a number of times in the past, but the GM / MIDI nature of the beast really put me off. For me, MIDI is only an application I consider for electronic music, or keybard tracks within non-electronic music styles. Some of the MIDI 'guitar' parts and particularly the brass solos (those toy trumpet sounds) are just awful. (Sorry, this is leading to something good!).
But, when I heard the demos of the 'all-RealTracks' songs on the PG website, I was blown away at the realism, the sound quality and the possibilities. You are SO on to something here !!!
I bought the BB 2010 MegaPAK on Thursday and although I've only downloaded the core BB program and one subsequent set of RealTracks so far (Set 61 - Ballad Pianos), I am so impressed with the quality and the ability to have these convincing performances built into my tracks. I haven't installed the RealTracks Sets 1-6 and RealDrums 1-3 that come with my purchase, as I'm waiting until the DVDs arrive.
I will be using BB 2010 exclusively for RealTracks and intend to buy every pop/rock/ballad/funk RT that is / will be released by PG .......... in fact I have already bought a further 3 x addon RealTracks; the afore mentioned Set 61 - Ballads, and Set 22, and Set 70.
At the moment, I am just practicing with the program and having fun putting the beautiful Piano accompaniment performances in Set 61, to the chords of the tracks that I am soon hoping to record.
I am a writer / producer of modern pop / rock / indie music, with a general British sound influence. Although I love songwriting and producing, I get frusrtated that my musical performance skills aren't up to my production and technical skills. BB 2010 is therefore the perfect discovery for me, as I can focus on the song writing and prouction, and have BB sort out the nailing of a lovely bass line, or rhythm guitar part!
Brilliant stuff - my only anxiety at present is that PG aren't going to keep up with my appetite for pop/rock RealTracks, or that the focus may be biased towards Jazz and Country (as it does seem to be a little, dare I say). Your Pop and Rock RTs are fabulous, please keep them coming !
Thanks for a great program and look forward to being a part of this great forum,
Regards,
Last edited by DavidRogers; 12/21/09 02:56 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,632
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,632 |
Welcome to the Forums, David. BIAB/RB are great products and, as you have already discovered, PGMusic are sensational to deal with. Enjoy learning about BIAB.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11 |
Thanks for the welcome Noel. Yes, I forgot to say that I ordered last Thurs and given that I am in the UK and PG are in Canada I was not expecting to even see the BB box (being sent via UPS) before Xmas. However I just checked the tracking number and my box was out of Vancouver and over in Philadelphia within 12 hours of it being ordered ! A couple of hours later and it was in Louiseville, departing to cross the big pond, so I may get it tomorrow or Wed, which is unbelievably fast for this time of year!...... that's service ..... Also, I didn't get my automated email with my download links, so I used the 'Live Chat' facility on the web-site. I'm normally very skeptical of these live chat things for support but I put my issue to "Will" (a real person!), and he replied in seconds with my UPS tracking number, and confirmation that he'd resent the download email (which appeared seconds later). The world needs to learn about customer service from the Canadians in my book! Similarly, the purchase, download and install of the RealTrack addons that I subsequently bought was fast, painless and worked flawlessly. 15 minutes after hearing the lovely Piano Ballads demo, I had that addon in my BB, playing my chords! Am I a fanboy ...... guess so ! I do have some suggestions though; [EDIT: I clearly lost the plot on this next bit, as I've checked back at the PG store and of course you can get genre-specific RealPAKs, ie... Rock/Pop RealPAK 3, etc. So just ignore the suggestion below, although I do think it would be good to offer a 'bundle' wher the buyer can choose the RealTrack Sets they want, ie... any 3 RT sets for $70 ..  ] 1). The RealPAKs don't work for me, as they combine Pop/rock tracks with Jazz and Country. I would guess that a lot of people's musical style preferences bias either towards pop/rock, OR, jazz, OR country. Maybe not, but for me, I would much rather buy a 'bundle' of the pop/rock style RealTracks , that don't include jazz and country. I dare say there are some Jazz fans out there that wouldn't want pop/rock tracks. How about offering a 'choose any 3 realtrack/realdrum addons as a bundle and get 20% off' type proposition ? 2). I would guess that RealTracks have elevated BB in a new direction and many people (like me) that would not have considered the original (MIDI only) BB, would be very interested in BB now with RealTracks and RealDrums. But I think a lot of people may be put off by some elements of the name, and imaging of the product. Also, although the 'plug in mode' is awesome, there are some elements that could be better aligned to use with external DAWs. (for those not using RB). Eg.... You could developer a 'RealTracks/RealDrums only' product called "RealSession" which focusses on the automated production of performances (to selected chords) for various instruments, to go straight into tracks in a seperate DAW. Sure, that's exactly what BB does now, you say !! But the workflow could be changed to make this something more like 'EZ Drummer' (but for musical tracks, with the ability to choose chords). It could be a true plug-in in the DAW, and for this type of product/application I would leave out some of the more traditional 'accompaniment features', like Melodist, etc. I hope you 'get' where I'm coming from here - I love the program and it's amazing putting these RealTracks into my songs, but the BB format as is, isn't the best suited for this type of DAW-orientated application; I guess it's better suited to the live accompaniament side of things, as was originally intended. Thanks for an amazing product that is currently without peers!
David,
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 137 |
Maybe you wourld have been better off David getting the ultrapulus pak on usb drive and probably saved a lot of money in the long run.
Then you could have tried out everything as there are hundreds of realtracks. I'm in UK too and the usb drive is the business.
If you decide to go this route then I'd contact PG before the sale ends.
Paddy
Last edited by pwhack; 12/21/09 06:20 AM.
Paddy McGurk,
Liverpool,
Don't mention the Beatles!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 11 |
Hey Paddy, I thought about that, but the problem is I have no interest in all of the Jazz and Country content. Then again, by the time I buy all the Rock/Pop RealTrack sets, I'll probably have spent the same, which I guess was your point ! Still - I quite like buying bits progressively as I need them - it keeps things interesting, rather than knowing you have everything there, all at once, at the beginning. I'm just about to buy some RealDrum sets, now that I've confirmed which ones I get with the MegaPAK (to prevent buying something I'll already be getting when the DVDs arrive ). Cheers,
David,
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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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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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
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!
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.
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.
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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