There have been a LOT of great new additions to the guitars (both electric and acoustic) with many that are aimed at "singer songwriter" style of playing. (Thanks! for that!!!)
This is NOT the case with the BIAB pianos. We have a HUGE amount of GREAT piano tracks. But they are mainly intended to be part of a full production - and are often very "busy" - "full bodied" you might say.
Singer songwriters who play piano typically play "subtle" piano. Mainly chords (on the beat) with grace notes (before or after the chord).
It would be nice to have a full suite of subtle songwriter piano tracks that could be used to create "intimate" piano/vocal recordings.
Often these songs will begin with JUST block chords. (A section?) Then the second verse opens those chords up a little with grace notes. (C section?) The chorus will, again, be slightly busier - but NOT "showy". (B section?) In addition - as an alternative, there are often later verses (or a bridge) that will use chords up an octave (no bass notes) for a "softening"... (D section?)
NOT Elton John or Billy Joel piano (they are "showy" players)
Floyd, I don’t write in that genre, and I don’t recognize most of the tunes you wisely gave as examples, but I’ll add a comment and a question.
Comment: there does seem to be more emphasis on new guitar tracks than on piano tracks.
Question: just checking, in the styles you use, do the piano RealTracks have the ‘Simpler’ option in the picker, and does it do anything in these tracks? For example, if it played block chords, then you could generate two tracks, with just one using the Simpler option, and mute each track where desired.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I will ask you though Floyd, have you looked at some of the MIDI or MIDI SuperTrack styles? There are a fair number of styles that include piano. I've found one that has only held chords, some really nice patterns for right hand and left hand pianos, rehearsal piano, country ballads. Add a nice sounding VSTi and you might already have some of what you're asking for.
FJ, thanks for all the examples. Allow's us to know exactly what you are looking for. And ya, these are not the typical RT piano offerings from BIAB.
For me I look first at the BAIB MST pianos for this groove/feel. But really because this provides for the piano sound by VST, which is critical when it is just voice and piano. You don't get that option with RTs.
Then there is the Singer/Sounwriter pak from ToonTracks. I think this provides the most midi options for this sound. These provide multiple options to insert intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, bridge all at specific designed tempos. But you already know that...
Yes EZKeys and Yes thats the Midi pak, and Yes about that Rabbit hole thing. But there are several of us here in the forum who have traveled down and back several time. I suspect FJ may be one.
And in regards to expensive. The secret is buy only when on sale (just like BIAB). That Singer Songwriter pak was likely $10-12 USD when I got it on sale.
Yes, they require EZKeys. Just wait for a sale. I have picked up a few EZKeys for around $50-$70 USD when they were on sale.
But you only need one EZKey to run all of the MIDI. There are a number of simple piano styles included in the following EZKey's MIDI: Big Band Classic Soul Contemporary R&B Emotional Ballads And many others. I also purchase them only when they are on sale.
They are found under Variations 01.
You can take an EZKey MIDI, drag it to your DAW, and use it with a BiaB style. I have done this a few times. You may be able to use EZKeys in BiaB but someone else will have to verify that as I don't that kind of thing in BiaB.
I am really impressed with EZKey MIDI.
Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer. It's called the Heineken Maneuver.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Floyd, I don’t write in that genre, and I don’t recognize most of the tunes you wisely gave as examples, but I’ll add a comment and a question.
Comment: there does seem to be more emphasis on new guitar tracks than on piano tracks.
Question: just checking, in the styles you use, do the piano RealTracks have the ‘Simpler’ option in the picker, and does it do anything in these tracks? For example, if it played block chords, then you could generate two tracks, with just one using the Simpler option, and mute each track where desired.
That's a good thought. However... Anytime that I have tried the "Simpler" option I cannot tell much difference from the original RT. Having to build a track for multiple tracks (muting), would have to be labeled "a work around". RTs dedicated to the style - "simple songwriter piano" would certainly be better - and might draw a few new customers who might be looking for that type of tracks...
I will ask you though Floyd, have you looked at some of the MIDI or MIDI SuperTrack styles? There are a fair number of styles that include piano. I've found one that has only held chords, some really nice patterns for right hand and left hand pianos, rehearsal piano, country ballads. Add a nice sounding VSTi and you might already have some of what you're asking for.
Another good suggestion. However... I find it difficult (quite tedious) to try to find this style of piano in MIDI styles. (For me) that requires loading in every MIDI style and then auditioning the piano. I don't know of a way to narrow that search down. I once tried to do a similar thing for acoustic guitar MIDI tracks (that are included in early styles). It was FAR too time consuming to continue for long....
Then there is the Singer/Sounwriter pak from ToonTracks. I think this provides the most midi options for this sound. These provide multiple options to insert intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, bridge all at specific designed tempos. But you already know that...
Yes, EZKeys provides a lot of what I am asking for in RTs. And I have about 20 EZKeys MIDI paks (including the Singer/Songwriter pak). The problem there is that the "answer" is "Go buy EZKeys and the necessary MIDI paks..."
It would be nice if BIAB provided a whole suite of "Songwriter Piano" RTs. So that the "answer" would be "Buy Band-In-A-Box!!!"
1839:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm PopModernGrooveA-B Ev16 075 ....isn't bad
2365:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085 - works for some things. The piano sound of the the RT is questionable, but there is a MIDI SuperTrack, so you can choose a different sound source (a good thing!)
MIDI SuperTracks 2999:Piano, Rhythm CountryFolk8thsMike Ev 085 - not bad MIDI SuperTracks 2853:Piano, Rhythm CountryPopMike12-key Ev 085 - nicely if you keep the tempo lower (60-65) MIDI SuperTracks 2831:Piano, Rhythm GospelSlowBalladMike Ev 085 (nice at 65 bpm)
MIDI SuperTracks 3674:Piano, Rhythm NewAgeArp16 Ev16 090 - This is quite nice if played at 70 bpm
Last edited by floyd jane; 01/06/2305:00 AM. Reason: Adding more RTs that "work"
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 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 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean