I think the only way to tackle Apple's app redundancy policy (where just about every app that is older than a few months has to be made redundant with each update and the developer has to come out of retirement and run behind Apple to re-code it or spend $$$$ to code a 64bit version of it) is use the free VirtualBox with Windows (you can get a Window 10 product key on eBay cheap for a new install only) and use the Windows version of the app, use VirtualBox with an older version of Mac maybe with Rosetta even for PPC apps. If you don't mind paying for a virtual machine look at Run 32-bit apps on Catalina with Parallels Desktop®
Finally I see some perks in not upgrading my Mac's OS for so long
No "security" issues to stop me here, ta
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
By the way, Pipeline, his MyJazzband thing sounds really cool but all his links seem to be dead, if you managed to grab them before they went down or know of alternative places to find them?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
They are in the first post as an attachment ChartTranslate_Win-Mac-Lin.zip.mp4 But the links seem to still be working I think you had an issue with the browser you were another time, unless his server was down.
That service his blog refers to hasn't been up for weeks now, so I took that for simply n/a anymore at all. I'll see what your link gives me, thanks.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
The links were down a while back, I let him know and he fixed them. Try clearing the cache Apple + R or command + R or right click the refresh button or ctrl + F5.
Interesting but still no show for me. Whenever I try click on his .zip link for MJB lite, I just keep getting the same triangle alert page with the text
Haven't gotten around to checking the actual contents of your file however, things getting a bit hectic with my current project.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I think you may have misunderstood me, I got that application just fine. It's the MyJazzBand application that he talks about which I can't seem to get a hold of, neither the Lite version nor the (presumably) 'full' version.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
There is one here https://macdownload.informer.com/myjazzband/ Andrew is very helpful you can contact him sixthhappiness(at)gmail.com I told him about the dead links for the chart translator and he fixed them.
MyJazzBand is a MIDI jazz accompaniment generation application that incorporates intelligent jazz chord and scale analysis, a modern native Mac OS X Cocoa user interface, Band-in-a-Box file format compatibility, and much more. MyJazzBand can import chord sequences from Band-in-a-Box files. This lets you use BIAB files you already have and the large number of BIAB "real-books" you can download from the Internet.
That helps! The one thing I did not have in this latest reply was how to get a hold of the man himself. So with that new piece of information I can get out of your hair about this whole thing now and move forward on my own, thanks
Oh, and I've read that quoted outline you've included about the program already too, it cites precisely why I'm so interested in getting it in the first place
Last edited by Icelander; 03/11/2008:05 AM. Reason: Correcting mistakes
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Thanks for putting me back onto that ! the download links are fixed now https://sixthhappiness.github.io/articles/myjazzband-2-lite/index.html I can add that to Reaper to generate up jazz tracks from user input chords. I tried it on Win10 worked fine, not working on 10.9 or 10.14 (suppose to work on Tiger 10.4), I think you have 10.9 I sent Andrew the error and ask if it's an easy fix or a major issue. Let's hope it's a simple fix !
It works like the chart translator just drag the SGU MGU or text file on mjb2lite.exe/app and it will create a jazz midi file.
I uploaded (below) some midi samples converted from some SGUs dragged onto mjb2lite.exe there's also Blues #40 from the text info below and the apps that I will update if the Mac version is fixed.
Quote:
MYJAZZBAND 2 LITE
MyJazzBand 2 Lite (MJB2Lite) is a complete rewrite of my shareware program MyJazzBand. MyJazzBand, now discontinued, was a MIDI application for generating jazz accompaniments. MJB2Lite has been written as a prototype for testing composition algorithms that will be used in MyJazzBand 2, a shareware program that I hope to build and release in the future.
Information about and downloads for MJB2Lite can be found at my website:
Please ask questions about and discuss the MJB2Lite program on the bulletin board at that website,
MJB2Lite is an on-going project and will be updated from time to time. I am also hoping that the release of MJB2Lite will serve as "advertisement" for my website and my future shareware. For these and other reasons, please do not redistribute MJB2Lite. The software license I have chosen for it prohibits you from doing so. I will greatly appreciate it if you provide a link to my website instead.
FILE FORMAT
MJB2Lite reads chord charts in its "native" format: text files with extensions ".mjb" or ".toe". Here is an example of the contents of such a file:
You can input your own chord charts using a text editor and save the file in "plain text" format with an extension of ".mjb" or ".toe".
MJB2Lite can also read chord charts in files written by the Band-in-a-Box program. Numerous files in this format can be found on the Web. Look for them with Google, for example:
BIAB format files have extensions ".sg?" or ".mg?", where ? is a digit or letter.
Currently MJB2Lite can only generate accompaniment for a chart in 4/4 time in a "swing" style. The style works well only in medium tempo.
USAGE
On Mac OS X, the downloaded and unzipped folder MJB2Bite should contain the application MJB2Lite. Drag and drop one or more input files in the MJB2Lite "native" or BIAB format (e.g., the included sample input file "Blues #40.mjb") onto this application icon. The generated MIDI accompaniment file will have the same name as input file, but with the ".mid" extension added to the end. The MJBLite window will stay open so you can read the error messages if there are any. To quit MJB2Lite, choose "quit" from its menu. The generated MIDI files can be played in the Finder or QuickTime Player, or imported into any MIDI sequencer.
On Windows (tested only on Windows XP), the downloaded and unzipped folder "dist" should contain the program "mjb2lite.exe". Drag and drop one or more input files onto this program icon. Alternatively, you can invoke this program from the command line:
mjb2lite <inputfile> ...
The generated MIDI file can be played in Windows Media Player (double-click on the MIDI file), or whichever program you have set up to handle MIDI files in Windows.
On other systems (such as Linux and BSD), make sure you have Python 2.5 installed. The downloaded, gunzipped, and untarred directory "dist" should contain the file mjb2lite.py. In a shell, type:
python mjb2lite.py <inputfile> ...
Alternatively make mjb2lite.py executable using "chmod". Then type:
./mjb2lite.py <inputfile> ...
If you have questions, please ask them on the bulletin board.
Brill, I'll grab the lot and have a look at all of this... you big "fixer", you
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
The error is because 10.4 used an older version of python. I tried a lot of workarounds but haven't got it to work natively. However I did get it to work with Wine, so if you have Wine installed: in the terminal type
Code:
wine cmd
then change directory to the unzipped windows version, type
Code:
cd Downloads\mjb2lite-win-dist
then with the .SGU or .mjb file in the same folder, type
I'm not sure I understood all of that (meaning I didn't), but given my fairly old OS I was pretty hopeful that it would work but it doesn't After dropping the included "Blues #40.mjb" file onto MJBLite as instructed, I get an applescript error (of which I understand even less) and then have to force-quit the program to get out of it again. Is this the error you're now referring to?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
And now I find that ChartTranslate also gives a constant AppleScript error! So at the end of the day I can't use either of his highly promising programs
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Yes that's the error, 10.4 came with an earlier version of Python this is what the app is using. If you open terminal and type python --version you should get 2.7.5 on 10.9 but Tiger was using 2.3.5 The easiest solution is install Wine and they will all work using the Win version of the apps.
Ah right, now I'm with you, thanks for clarifying.
Still a bit of a disappointment, here's hoping the renewed interest in his programs from here (which are obviously quite dated) sparks his incentive for updating.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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.
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