Hi Bob, I have to offer you this thought. If your son is young he may have peers like himself who have the time to get together and play live. Whereas, we family folk, at this stage of our lives may have a free moment here or there. But, it just never seems to coincide with the free time of others in our position. And should the time actually sync up between friends.. the music won't. BIAB makes it feasible for those in our position in life to still keep our chops somewhat sharp and still have fun playing with the sounds of other musicians expecially with the creation of Real Tracks and other VSTi.

Besides I don't know if I agree wholely with your son on the sound. Unless he is in a band with more than the standard rhythm section of bass, drums, piano, and guitar I think he would be hard pressed to find the sound any better coming from their amps! The only thing this idea lacks that can never be intergrated would be the live interaction where you read the other players and improv as it occurs. If you are one used to playing by the chart, then this should make you feel right at home. If you are one given to improv, you are locked with what you start with.

RickeG