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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
Interesting N and W ASCII codes/values are 78 and 87, may be a clue. Well, probably not. The bit pattern for N is 01001110 The bit pattern for W is 01010111 So the processor would see those as two totally dissimilar values. I realize that, it was just interesting to me that they just happen to be mirrors of each other non binary speaking.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
Our old weekly gig is coming to an end. The owner of the venue is also a musician and wants the day. He likes what we did for him, and to show his appreciation has recommended us to his competition, who was happy to have us.
This is a weird business. We're building a crowd, so the owner wants the date, but because he likes us is happy to encourage us to go to his competitor, which will diminish the crowd we built up at his venue.
Ah, but stranger things have happened in this biz. I'm glad we're not losing a week-day, in public gig.
Notes ♫
Got the email notice about this. It is weird that he would not just take another day and keep you where you were bringing in customers. Unless he wants to play every day? Anyway, hope it works out. My job may be taking me towards St. Lucie, so that would be good for me. Of course you are working/playing while I am working during those hours.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
Our old weekly gig is coming to an end. The owner of the venue is also a musician and wants the day. He likes what we did for him, and to show his appreciation has recommended us to his competition, who was happy to have us.
This is a weird business. We're building a crowd, so the owner wants the date, but because he likes us is happy to encourage us to go to his competitor, which will diminish the crowd we built up at his venue.
Ah, but stranger things have happened in this biz. I'm glad we're not losing a week-day, in public gig.
Notes ♫
Got the email notice about this. It is weird that he would not just take another day and keep you where you were bringing in customers. Unless he wants to play every day? Anyway, hope it works out. My job may be taking me towards St. Lucie, so that would be good for me. Of course you are working/playing while I am working during those hours. He has 7 nights of entertainment, his wife does 4 nights, and the others are covered by people who have been with him much longer than we have, so it's proper that they get loyalty. I suspect he has been running the business end of the venue and is just missing performing. I can't say as I blame him, and I appreciate the extra effort he made to make sure we were still gigging somewhere else. Nobody has ever done that for us before. We had a 12 year running gig at another competitor. COVID came, new owners bought the old place, and they don't know what kind of money we brought in because the old owners used a 'simplified accounting method' (we got cash, which I of course reported to the IRS as this is what I do for a living). The new owners decided to hire single acts that do sonic wallpaper. I wish them luck, I hope it works for them, and I hold no ill feelings. I've been in this biz long enough to know gigs come and go, and it isn't a big deal when someone wants a change. 12 years, once per week, in the same venue was a good ride. Covid was the 13th year, so I guess in this case 13 was unlucky. Now we are working on #14 with the same afternoon party, but at a new venue, and the manager seems excited to host us. We also did 20 years at a particular Yacht Club, two evenings per month. A new manager comes in and the first thing he did was change all the entertainers. I don't think too much about losing the gig, I found replacements, I do think fondly of the 20-year run and the friends we made with the club members. Thanks to lingering COVID variants, we are still only doing outdoor gigs. I've refused a couple of indoor gigs which I think were risky to my health. I'd rather err on the safe side. We have an RV resort that we gig at twice a month, and have been doing that for quite a few years. It has 900 pads and in the winter 600 are filled by Canadians, mostly from Quebec. They are just starting to trickle in. Nice people. We missed them and hope that they don't get called back to Canada due to omicron. I'm glad to be gigging after 1.5 years off due to the plague. I'm not gigging as much as I am used to, but at least I'm getting my ya-yas out and making a few bucks. Life is the perfect way to pass the time of day, and gigging is Mrs.Notes and my second favorite thing to do. Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
I got a chance to reboot the other computer in the non-Windows mode. It's the keyboard.
I haven't decided if I am just going to use the USB keyboard or try to fix it with a 40-some dollar aftermarket replacement. It depends on how much hassle the USB keyboard turns out to be.
It's my first ThinkPad hardware failure. And so far I've gotten excellent use out of it.
Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
I got a chance to reboot the other computer in the non-Windows mode. It's the keyboard.
I haven't decided if I am just going to use the USB keyboard or try to fix it with a 40-some dollar aftermarket replacement. It depends on how much hassle the USB keyboard turns out to be.
It's my first ThinkPad hardware failure. And so far I've gotten excellent use out of it.
Notes ♫ Well I can't say I didn't expect that, but it was worth a shot. Keyboard replacement on most Thinkpads is usually straightforward - My old X220 only required 2 screws to swap it. Of course, depending on how old said Thinkpad is, buying a cheap used replacement might be the cost of the keyboard itself. What model of Thinkpad is it?
I work here
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
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OP
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<...snip...> What model of Thinkpad is it? L540. I usually get the T series, but when I needed one, they had this big sale on the L series, so I got it. It has served me well for 9 years running, so I can't complain. I see replacement keyboards on Amazon from about $35 to $50, and I suspect taking one out and putting the other in wouldn't be too difficult. I'm sure there is a YouTube video that shows how  Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734 |
I'm sure there is a YouTube video that shows how Notes ♫ I'm sure there are several to show you how not to as well!!! Joe
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
<...snip...> What model of Thinkpad is it? L540. I usually get the T series, but when I needed one, they had this big sale on the L series, so I got it. It has served me well for 9 years running, so I can't complain. I see replacement keyboards on Amazon from about $35 to $50, and I suspect taking one out and putting the other in wouldn't be too difficult. I'm sure there is a YouTube video that shows how Notes ♫ If $35-50 is worth keeping the machine, it might be worth a try. On my previous Thinkpads it was VERY easy to change. Here's the hardware maintenance manual for that machine: https://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/l440_l540_hmm_en_sp40a26004.pdfIt seems to be 6 screws and 1 ribbon connector to replace the keyboard, so assuming it is in fact the keyboard itself (which seems very likely) then that should do it for you.
I work here
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2000
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Thanks!
I'm over 90% sure it's the keyboard as the on-screen keyboard works, an external USB keyboard works, and in the DOS-Like non-Windows mode the same problem arises.
The computer itself probably has years of service left for the function I'm using it for now.
Decembers are busy, the first two weeks of January are usually slower, so it seems like the time to put one of those aftermarket keyboards in.
I suspect the more expensive ones would be better, but I'll investigate reviews first. One nice thing about ThinkPad keyboards is they feel nice under my fingers.
Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Yeah I'm pretty certain it's the keyboard as well - my only thought being if it happens to be a problem with the PS/2 bus as that's how Thinkpads connect the keyboard and mouse. I'd say chances of that are slim to none though.
I agree, Thinkpads are usually among the best keyboards going, and is a large part of why I buy them.
I work here
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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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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®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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