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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143 |
It would be great to have a printed user guide similar to the Band in a Box user guide. I know there is a .pdf file, but it's not as portable as the printed copy. I'm old school that way I guess...still like and use the printed manuals.
Thanks.
Annette
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Dec 2003
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Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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If they do publish a printed manual, I hope that they make it available on a separate cost basis for those who want to have one instead of having to force the initial purchase price for everybody higher in order to cover publishing costs.
--Mac
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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I think Kinko's can take a PDF and make a spiral bound manual out of it... and that would fulfil everybody's needs (those who can live without it don't pay for it, and those who absolutely want one can get one)
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 143 |
I had sent an e-mail to PG Music to enquire and they said there is no manual, but offered the PowerTracks manual for $10 plus shipping. RealBand is very similar to PowerTracks I guess. I'm guessing that's why the never did a version for RealBand, but you'd think a manual, whether it be RealBand or PowerTracks, would be included just like the Band in a Box manual. I've gotten the BIAB manual every time I've updated.
Fortunately for me I have a copy of the PowerTracks manual, I just haven't used the program for a long long time. But, this is an option for others who may not have PowerTracks.
Maybe the experts here of PowerTracks and RealBand can let us know if there are enough similarities to warrant the price of the PT manual.
Just my thoughts.
Annette
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83 |
If you have an ebook reader, just copy the pdf book on that. I did this with all the pdf manuals and that is a great way to have them always, when you need them. Since the printed version is about the same size as an ebook reader, it realy turns out very nice on my Sony reader.
So long,
mos
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Quote:
I had sent an e-mail to PG Music to enquire and they said there is no manual, but offered the PowerTracks manual for $10 plus shipping. RealBand is very similar to PowerTracks I guess.
Maybe the experts here of PowerTracks and RealBand can let us know if there are enough similarities to warrant the price of the PT manual.
It seems to me that the PTPA manual would only cover maybe 1/2 of the RealBands functions...it really IS a different animal from just plain 'ol PTAP IMHO. 
And as for printing out the PDF's, the local Office Max / Staples here will not print out anything that has any type of copyright © notice, at all....even if it states on the same page that you are allowed to reproduce it! I don't blame them tho, really....  
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Gee, I wonder what's to prevent someone from simply stripping out any copyright and mention of copyright from a .pdf file using any old freeware .pdf editor and then taking the file into the place?
OH SHOCKERS!
"Git-R-Done, son..."
--Mac
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Well Mac, probably because they check it out! I had some lit from Creation Science Seminars that I wanted to copy, and tho the one book itself had no copyright in it, they went on the net and found out that ON THE SITE it stated that all materials are ©...thus they would not print it. Again, I really don't blame them, as "sue-happy" as people are today.... "Check yer facts son..." 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Go to another shop, Pop...
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
If I could find one it would ROCK!
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
You mean that in all of Acron Ohio you can find one printer that will bind it for you?
When it all fails, print it yourself and three ring punch, and place it in a notebook. You can even get one of those that has a little plastic slot on the back for the label.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I did it that way. Printed 260-some double-sided pages, punched for three rings. It took hours and about $25 in ink. I didn't hear the suggestion about taking it to Kinko's until later.
I have militated for a printed manual WITH A COMPLETE, PROFESSIONALLY-PREPARED INDEX to be included with BIAB for years, and add my +1 to the request for the same with RB.
Ten dollars or whatever is a small price to pay for added functionality, i.e., being able to study the documentation in the manner I prefer--with a pencil and highlighter, wherever I choose to sit or lie down. Wite-Out just wreaks havoc on those flat screens.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Another "easy to say" that likely would become excoriation immediately following the higher price...
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I like the tech-docs approach:
1) issue a comprehensive printed manual in a 3 ring binder for the initial purchase
2) for revisions/upgrades, make available for download any additional pages to be inserted into the manual, and any replacement pages that supersede old information.
3) archive the incremental manuals for those who don't upgrade every time
4) page numbering system would have to be modified to accommodate insertions.
(section.page.paragraph , so the index might reference page 2.17.35)
It's not too bad printing a limited number of new pages for each upgrade. Not so convenient to print out the whole manual every time.
But, if you have EVER printed out the manual once, you can always use Adobe to print individual pages or ranges of pages from the new document and then insert them into your binder. But it would be a bear to keep it indexed.
An alternative would be to print out ONLY the section that you refer to the most. Much of the program is so intuitive that no manual is needed.. but if you find yourself opening the PDF every time you deal with a particular feauture, just print THAT out
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
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Posts: 3,926 |
I like it better than what I suggested. It's how the UCMJ (military legal) docs were handled. I'm sure many other administrative, legal, and technical enterprises do it just like that.
If PG want to keep a hard copy optional, that's fine with me. I'll pay the freight to have the manual in the form which my learning style best accommodates.
Still want that exhaustive index, too.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I actually used the manual in the old days when there was a spiral paper version that woukd lie flat beside the computer while I played.
When things went to PDF, I got out of the habit because my computer did not multitask well, and the screen was small.
Now that LCD flat screen makes a large monitor cost-possible, and computers are faster and able to handle more apps at one time, I find that using the PDF manual is not so frustrating.
I like that when you serach for a topic, you get links to ALL references of the topic.
I DON'T like the fact that some features don't show up at all when you search for them. Don't ask me which ones because remembering things is not my forte.. but it has happened at least 25% of the time when I search for information in the PDF.
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RealBand Wishlist
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
If you have an ebook reader, just copy the pdf book on that. I did this with all the pdf manuals and that is a great way to have them always, when you need them. Since the printed version is about the same size as an ebook reader, it realy turns out very nice on my Sony reader.
Excellent idea. Thanks. I'm going to try it on my Kindle.
Stan
Update: Yes, it did import into the Kindle okay, but the font is so small that it's not readable for this old guy. When reading a book that's in ereader format, the font size can be changed smaller or larger. Apparently this opotion is not available for the pdf file or maybe there may additional formatting needed? Oh well.........
Last edited by Shastastan; 02/09/10 08:39 PM.
Cornet Curmudgeon
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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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!
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-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
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- 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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