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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
I agree with Matt - the discount can only come out of PG Music profits. It's only been an issue for the past 18 months due to VAT rule changes in the EU and UK. We all used to pay the US Dollar price with no additions.
The discount code is a personal commitment from the PG of PG Music - Peter Gannon. Can't see many tech company owners showing that level of loyalty and concern for their customers. My code arrived this morning and I'll definitely be upgrading.
So thank you Peter, its reassuring that you are so hands-on. And it's also good that through live chat and these forums we get to know the team behind the software - Andrew, Simon, Chantelle and Ember to name just recent forum posters.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
I should say, I don't KNOW that it comes from PG Music's profits, but how else could it work?
I imagine it gets added into Cost of Goods Sold and can be budgeted any way PG pleases. Sales and discounts, after all, are part of doing business. Sorry. I have a Mac, Santa has a lump of coal for me.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64 |
Before we get all sappy about how generous PG Music is I would like to call attention to the fact that prices have actually increased for many users.
In the past, upgrades came via disk drives, thumb drives, or hard drives and an immediate download capability was included as a feature. Unfortunately, the pricing model has changed. Download has become the default and thumb drives and hard drives add additional charges. With this pricing model in mind, without the hard drive, why would anyone (not subject to VAT) purchase the full download upgrade only to reload software they already have. The Plus Pak seems to be the only option that makes sense.
Over the decades I have gotten use to the quirky PG Music marketing and pricing bundles, but unless I am missing something, $149 download without the hard drive makes no sense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
i think times change and we are all used to digital downloads as the norm. in the UK i always used to get dvds but downloads are so much more convenient.
and sorry about the lump of coal Mark but it's unusual to hear a Mac user unhappy with their choice of Mac over windows! Merry Christmas.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,944
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,944 |
It can be debated whether physical media or digital downloads are more convenient. They both have pros and cons. The point is you used to get both for the same price they are charging now for downloads only. This is a back door price increase.
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only? I believe the $149 upgrade is going from lower priced version, the Pro and Mega versions, to the UItra version. The $99 plus version just adds the additional RTs, RDs, MIDI, etc to bring the 2021 Ultra and Ultra Plus versions up to the 2022 versions. If I am wrong then please correct me.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
yes Mario - you're right. if someone has 2021 Pro they can upgrade to ultrapak for $149 whereas if you have 2021 ultrapak the upgrade is just $99
$149 is an amazing deal if you have one of the smaller packages and download is quick and easy
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 185
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 185 |
I still do not understand the value of the $149 download only upgrade over the $99 Plus Pak upgrade. If it's download only, why download what you already have for additional cost when you can download the upgrade only?
I spoke to support about this yesterday, there is a slight difference - the Pluspak is an incremental update and not an upgrade. If I understood correctly, in simple terms, the upgrade is a full product while the update is a separate installation and can only update from the previous year. What this means in practice is that if you were in need of a fresh install, eg., after a computer crash or whatever, then the full upgrade will be a single straightforward install. If, however, you have purchased the Pluspak for the past few years then you'll have to first install your last full purchase / upgrade and then incrementally install each of the Pluspaks to bring it back up to date. No real biggie, just messier, but you don't lose out on anything. All assuming I understood correctly, somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 17 |
Installation with the Install Manager went very well (and long).
Looking forward to understand the new features
Wolfgang from wet Austria
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
the upgrade options really are quite simple. if you have 2021 ultrapak, getting the new program and new realtracks is $99. if you have the 2021 propak - the smallest pack available - for £149 you get the program update and all the other realtracks in the ultrapak which is a huge amount of extra music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 64 |
The difference between the PlusPak upgrade and the full upgrade is understood. The real point of the discussion is that last year you got a hard drive for that same $149 and now you don't.
I have always had the Ultra Pak and every few years I would buy the hard drive update in order to have the latest factory version of the complete program. It would come in handy many times, allowing me to avoid the "Return to Factory Settings" option on my desktop or for other flexibilty. This no longer makes sense.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,842
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,842 |
It reminds me of when Apple removed the cd player to refine the silhouette and move people to the cloud. Everything is dematerialized but remains the essential: an excellent program. Less pollution, less waste, good music.
Biab Audiophile 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149 |
a little bit of bad news, apparently this is the last year of the 20% discount to offset european VAT so next year we'll be back to US Dollars plus VAT for the upgrade.
thanks to PG Music for two years of subsidy but it really was too good to last.
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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!
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.
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!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
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!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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