Hi, Y’all, I am so thrilled with BB! It is a fantastic program. I was ecstatic to see that the program accepts Fretlight guitars. I was saddened to find out your program would not work with my wireless FG-671 Fretlight guitar with Bluetooth ☹. I e-mailed Fretlight, and they said that they sent PG Music a wireless Fretlight Bluetooth guitar to try. Is there any chance that sometime in the (near) future, your BIAB will be able to accept a wireless Fretlight guitar? If there are any people out there that have the wireless Fretlight guitar, please let PG Music know, and if there is enough demand, maybe they will update their software to accept one. Thank you all so very much for reading. Please stay safe and well.
Part of the reason I recently purchased UltraPak was so that I could purchase a Fretlight to use the the solo generator and get ideas laid out. So I also ordered a Fretlight (here a few weeks after buying BIAB). The menu in BIAB states to be Fretlight capable. Everything they make now (unless looking at the used market) is Bluetooth. So imagine my disappointment when seeing constant errors telling me I don't have a Fretlight connected. If I were to pay the return shipping and 20% restock fee on the guitar I'd be out a good chunk of money. PG Music - are you planning to add this capability? If not, are you going to correct your in-app menu to specify "wired only" ? I'm not trying to come off snarky, but it seems like false advertising to state the app is fretlight capable when any of the new models won't work.
I'm sorry your comments were not acknowledged earlier. This forum section is typically used by forum members to post new idea requests so it does not receive as many views as other forum sections.
While looking at the +++ Fretlight +++ website I noticed this statement:
Quote:
Your mobile device or computer must have Bluetooth BLE, commonly referred to as Bluetooth 4.0, to connect to a Fretlight Wireless guitar
. +++ HERE +++ I also discovered you can use a Bluetooth 4.0 USB dongle and your PC computer must be running Windows 10. They also suggest you clear the Fretlight guitar memory prior to making a Bluetooth 4.0 connection.
That leads me to ask, have these conditions been met?
I believe Band-in-a-Box recognizes wired Fretlight guitars as a MIDI device. My hope is it will recognize a Bluetooth 4.0 Fretlight guitar as a MIDI device also.
Hi - yes I've tried resetting the bluetooth and clearing the memory. Unfortunately BIAB only works with the wired version. I have also read up on the wired verson - it does not provide MIDI output to any apps. I've seen one individual however place a fretlight wireless neck and hardware onto a midi capable guitar. The wired version could possibly be done too (although they would be two separate attachments).
Ultimately I've tried the Fretlight for a week and I have too many problems to enjoy it. I'm going to put it up for sale.
Issue 1: The pickups screetch with loud noise any time an LED lights up. Issue 2: The wireless bluetooth disonnects if I'm more than 3-4 ft from a receiver. It has also disconnected if I hit the body of the guitar too hard with my picking hand. Issue 3: I just cannot see the LEDs unless I turn the guitar neck to face me (which is not ideal for playing). If I hold the guitar in a playable position the strings block the LED lights so that I cannot tell which string the LED is telling me to fret.
I wish it would have worked out for learning scales. But I've found it to be a bit of a headache.
Thank you for providing the update. Your feedback concerning your experience with the Fretlight guitar may prove useful to and undecided buyer seeking reliable information about using the Fretlight.
I'm guessing Fretlight assumes most users will connect to their smart phones through Bluetooth. When I looked at their website I noticed Fretlight has a mobile app for scales.
I just wanted to throw this out there... I decided to keep the Fretlight a bit longer and have actually found it useful now, when using the chord and scale library on their mobile app. *I pulled the bridge off and found that the ground wires weren't properly seated. I fixed this and it took care of a lot of the LED feedback noise. It's definitely still an issue, but it's now tolerable if I use the middle position and turn the tone down a bit. *After a week, my brain adapted to understanding where the LEDs are lit up. However this does require holding the guitar in a non-traditional way to see the fretboard (angled so you can see between the strings). However It's useful for learning scales and arpeggios.
I still don't know if I could use it to learn songs without some sort of 'Wait' function. Anyway - sorry to go off topic. I do still think that PG music needs to update their documentation to state that BIAB only works with the wired version of Fretlight.
I hope you've contacted Fretlight support and shared your product issues with them. Hopefully you didn't void warranty by pulling the bridge.
It doesn't appear Fretlight has received much discussion in this forum. I'd say there is a fair chance PG Music was not aware Fretlight changed from wired to Bluetooth connectivity.
I am looking to purchase Fretlight guitar for using with BIAB. Could you please tell me, is the issue with the Bluetooth connection fixed? Is it possible to use FG-671 Fretlight guitar with BIAB via wire?
Hi all! Band-in-a-Box only supports the wired Fretlight guitars. At this point I don't have an official answer to whether we plan on Fretlight support over Bluetooth.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 12/20/2111:46 AM.
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!
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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)
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