Just listened to the Johnny Hiland Styles/Real Tracks & there is something badly wrong. I can't exactly say what the problem is but they sound out of tune - what do you think?
Plus they sound like they were recorded in the next building - way too much reverb which means they cannot be added to a mix.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I just listened to RealTracks solos of 'ChickenPickinTrainJohnny' (3297), and I hear the discordance, but I'm not sure that this is or isn't deliberate. Like this song at the 1:23 mark.
'ChickenPickinWesternSwingJohnny' (3298) sounded OK.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Just checking to be sure, but is the tempo of your song and the Real Track you're trying to use compatible? Generally speaking you get some wicked artifacts if you go too far outside the intended tempo range of the Real Track. The slower the tempo the more noticeable it is when trying to add a RT with a faster tempo. That's not always the case but I've found it to be so more often than not. When you say out of tune or discordant, that's what it makes me think.
I was right the first time - _CROSS and _BYROAD styles - the lead guitar is hopelessly out of tune regardless if you play the songs in their nominated BPM or not and also regardless of the key.
I continue to be amazed at the BIAB community - virtually none of them can hear errors in the real tracks and even when they do they don't comment, complain or even mention it. They also never complain when PG Music completely and totally ignore their requests for new Real Tracks.
This is pathetic and almost funny except when you remember you've just paid NZ $250 for these styles/real tracks.
Not that I expect PG Music to do anything about it as they have not rectified any of the faulty real tracks in the last 18 months.
Deeply dissapointing!
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I did spot check Johnny Hiland RealTracks earlier and didn't encounter the problem that you seemed to be hearing. I didn't know from your description if it was something really subtle, or actual wrong notes, or what. Will check those specific styles that you mention. Any other specific details would be welcome. We update RealTracks on a regular basis. Every patch has updated RealTracks files.
I was right the first time - _CROSS and _BYROAD styles - the lead guitar is hopelessly out of tune regardless if you play the songs in their nominated BPM or not and also regardless of the key.
I continue to be amazed at the BIAB community - virtually none of them can hear errors in the real tracks and even when they do they don't comment, complain or even mention it. They also never complain when PG Music completely and totally ignore their requests for new Real Tracks.
Nigel, perhaps a little unfair. I took some time to explore and provided you with what I found. I even searched and found an example of what might have been what you experienced in the audition. I took quite a bit of time to do this.
Perhaps you need to be reminded that when you were right "the first time", you never even bothered to mention the names of any of the styles. Now you identify them. Why didn't you name them originally? You could save yourself some frustration by simply including specifics of your problem. It's not that hard.
Perhaps I am amazed at how this unpaid volunteering community is sometimes treated by other users.
There. I feel better.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
1. Subtle or just some notes - every note is wrong - it is like Johnny Hiland is playing in a completely different key to the rest of the band. 2. "We update RealTracks on a regular basis" - excellent - which Realtracks have been been updated for the 2020 release? 3. "Every patch has updated RealTracks files" - I'm not sure what this means - please explain in more detail.
Thanks & Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
I ran the demo you mentioned and soloed the bass and lead guitar. Johnny is certainly all over the place, but not really in a bad way. Its blues! I did near some sour notes in a few places with a critical listen. So I ran it over into melodyn to see the individual pitches. For the very most part Key of E as claimed. Mostly major blues, with the occasional G (flat 3rd) A#(b5) C(b6). Take a look. Nothing really unusual for a blues player in my (limited) experience. But "hopelessly out of tune" - not what I heard.
Thanks for your analysis of the Johnny Hiland solo. I have re-listened to his _CROSS & BYROAD Style solos and included in the mix Real Tracks 3248 by Sol Philcox and 422 by Jack Pearson. As you will hear for your self there is night and day between these two guitarists and poor old Johnny's efforts.
I think I will just have to put it down to someone trying to play the blues who is simply not familiar with the genre. There are quite a number of Real Tracks that suffer from the same fate e.g. 3257 by Jim Clark and 3211 and 3292 by LD Miller. These Real Tracks don't have specific bugs in them but they simply don't work at all because the musicians are being asked to play in an unfamiliar genre.
The answer is to get some bone fide blues musicians into the Studio - Guitar - ask Buddy Guy, Horn Section - ask Roomful of Blues or the Fabulous Thunderbirds Horn Sections, Blues Harp - ask Kim Wilson.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
OK, that is a quite a bit different than "...out of tune". You are certainly permitted to have a personal preference for the playing style of any of the artist. That is why there are so many to chose from, but we can't ($$) have them all.
Buddy is a Chicago guy. I run into him occasionally at his bar. He is 86 and still is seen playing, but I don't believe he is up for a trip to the west coast of Canada to record in the PGM studios. - but I do like where you are going with this - keep the fresh talent coming and we can sort it out with the yearly download of new RT's.
I ran through the same exercise as Dan this morning, including the Melodyne dump, and agree with his analysis. I did find a few places where a solo line resolved to the right note but that note was a few cents flat, which bugged me.
I do understand Nigel's last points: This RealTrack doesn't come off sounding very musical to me. And I KNOW Johnny can flat BLISTER a fretboard. But for whatever reason this one doesn't quite work.
There are a few things in BiaB that I just don't use for similar reasons. But I use BiaB every day just the same, and each year I get the Audiophile update on the first day it's offered. Awesome program.
The only thing possibly more awesome than the BiaB program is the BiaB forum. By far the most helpful community of people I've run into on the net...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
The only thing possibly more awesome than the BiaB program is the BiaB forum. By far the most helpful community of people I've run into on the net...
Thanks DC Ron, you've restored my faith
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
1. "We update RealTracks on a regular basis" - excellent - which Realtracks have been been updated for the 2020 release? 2. "Every patch has updated RealTracks files" - I'm not sure what this means - please explain in more detail.
Thanks & Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
About 200 RealTracks have had updates since the release of 2019, not including the new RealTracks released in 2020. These were included in the regular Band-in-a-Box patch updates during 2019, and are included with 2020. Typically the updates are in the ST2 database. The recorded audio rarely needs to be replaced. I'm not saying that the blues soloists can't be improved, I'm only clarifying that updates are ongoing unlike what you said earlier.
I look forward to checking out the Johnny Hiland Styles/Real Tracks mentioned when I get my 2020 upgrade (from 2018) next month.
Yes, Johnny is one of the best players around at the moment, I'm also looking forward to hearing his realtracks in a week or so. I always wait to do the upgrade until after Christmas (but before the end of the year so I can still get the good price
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.
- keep the fresh talent coming and we can sort it out with the yearly download of new RT's.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean