Well, knowing they are not made anymore, that kind of narrows your odds of finding a new one, Wouldn't you agree?
Even when you buy it at a store it isn't "new". The store owned it first, possibly hundreds of shoppers have tested it. Everything is used to some degree. I'd like a new 1959 Edsel too...
That's like asking your baby to take his first steps again.
Well, knowing they are not made anymore, that kind of narrows your odds of finding a new one, Wouldn't you agree?
Even when you buy it at a store it isn't "new". The store owned it first, possibly hundreds of shoppers have tested it. Everything is used to some degree. I'd like a new 1959 Edsel too...
That's like asking your baby to take his first steps again.
Disagree totally Eddie, my experience in buying from a store or Amazon has been that the packaging/carton has not been opened so there's little risk of it being used/abused by a prior customer. I'm not talking about floor models or returns here; my policy is to not buy floor or returns, only new, especially when electronics are involved.
But that's not all. GuitarCenter (for example) has a very generous 45 day return policy. This I know about 1st hand as during the pandemic I bought a high-end Roland drum machine from them and after 2 weeks I determined it wasn't my thing. Two weeks after that I returned it for full refund; no questions asked. It was then put on the floor as used. With this policy and their competitive pricing, they will always have me as a customer.
Have you checked ebay's return policy?
As for narrowing odds, nope. There are other manufacturers (see above) that I can do business with.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
This photo brings back a memory from about 15 years ago.
We were attending a Church and one Sunday a guest trumpet player was introduced and played with a backing track for about an hour; he was good.
Inbetween songs he made a remarkable (to me anyway) statement. He said
If I skip a days practice, I notice it. If I skip 2 days practice my wife notices. If I skip 3 days practice the audience notices.
I wonder if this is specific to brass instruments because, in part, of the lip and breath control required. Or if this is true for pro muscians in general. Apparently for this guy, a vacation from his instrument was not an option.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
My brother, pro trumpet player in New York City who taught me how to play, got the gene that required at least four hours of practice per day. I got the gene that allows me to get the horn out of the case two days before a concert, check it over, play about an hour, and I’m ready for the gig. So I suppose different things work for different players. My practice is in my head.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Dude, you said yourself they ain't made anymore, you have no option. So if want one you really do, used it will have to be. Packing, return policies.. all moot if they aren't made anymore. Wish in one hand and crap in the other and tell me which hand is full and which is empty.
Did the 1959 Edsel reference not explain that concept of "There ain't no mo' of these"?
Dude, you said yourself they ain't made anymore, you have no option. So if want one you really do, used it will have to be. Packing, return policies.. all moot if they aren't made anymore. Wish in one hand and crap in the other and tell me which hand is full and which is empty.
Did the 1959 Edsel reference not explain that concept of "There ain't no mo' of these"?
What part of I do have options don't you understand??
They aren't made anymore . . . check I buy only from outlets that offer return policies . . . check, not moot as you say Other manufacturers have acceptable product . . . check . . . for the 2nd time, see above No crap here . . . check Life is good . . . check
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
- Roland RD-1000 (fully weighted) which I use with the Ivory VST sound library
- Casio PX-S3000 fully weighted 88 key keyboard which I use when traveling.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Play through a Line6 Spyder 3 modeling amp and a 2x10 closed back cabinet.
<... end snip ...>
I recently picked up a Boss Katana 50 MKII (1x12" open back combo) modeling amp. It hooks up to the PC and has a program to create and save settings and whatnot similar to the Line6.
The JC-120 remains my #1, but the modeling amp is different, a lot of fun and very interesting.
Some days I seem to spend more time monkeying with different settings and effects than actually playing guitar.... I'm not playing the guitar, I'm playing the amp. Not a bad thing, though.
I do like the flexibility and options of the modeling amp. A lot of potential there.
@Matt I had a pair of Pioneer CS99a that I bought at the PX in Vietnam and shipped home. No markup, no tax, no duty. That was a nice perk for us. Bought those, a Son8y reel to reel, a power amp, 2 turntables... Since we got paid in military script, we weren't earning US dollars and paid no taxes. 18 months of that! Plus I was a good poker player and had a little loan business going. When the dopers were out of money (I was NOT a user) and needed 40 bucks to buy "things" I would lend it to them and on payday I stood at the end of the pay line with my notebook and they paid me 50 back. 40 for 50, 60 for 75, 80 for 100. That was what I called the "dope tax". LOL
I sold those speakers in 1999 for $400 each when I went to Bose..
Oh yeah... I've got a pretty red Strat copy that hangs on the wall. It's horrible to play (action is high, intonation is horrible, and cheap pickups) and it was given to me by a customer.... It looks good, and that's about all I can say about it.
Adjusting the action, setting the intonation and even replacing pickups on a Strat are actually fairly easy, at least straightforward and not very complex. I learned to do those sort of things (not because I like to but because I couldn't afford to pay someone else to do it). Basically, if I can do it anyone can.
Who knows, that Strat copy might be more than just good looking....
As a guitarist, yes, I'm aware of all that. In fact, I did work on this guitar including removing the old strings, adjusting the action and putting a new set of strings on it. None of that brought the action into a reasonably playable state. I realize that a high action by itself can be the source of intonation issues. I did not however, remove the bolted on neck and shim it so the angle of neck to body and string alignment was changed. Perhaps, one day when I have the time to mess with it, I will remove the strings and unbolt the neck and shim it to see if that will affect the play-ability of the guitar. It's worth giving it a try to see if it will make a difference.
I looked these guitars up on the internet and most comments are that they are very cheaply made in Indonesia and are not worth the cost to put a single good pickup on it. Folks are saying $20 to $50 on average. I was aware of that and as such, I don't plan on spending any money on it. Putting a shim in the neck doesn't cost a dime so I might try that.
For now, it's a great looking wall hanger that gets dusted every so often.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
1. Fender Jazz Bass w/ flatwounds into a 40W Fender Bronco practice amp 2. Korg electronic keyboard into a pair of JBL monitors
Sweet! Very similar here too, Steve (nice name!)
1. Fender Jazz Bass w/Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalts into a Roland KC 500 Watt Keyboard amp or the JBL LSR 4328 8" Powered Monitors 2. Korg N5 electronic keyboard into the Roland or JBLs. 3. Fender Mexi Strat (matches black/white color scheme of the Jazz Bass) into the JBLs. 4. Yamaha DX-9 --> To Eddie, thanks sir.
You've done reasonable stuff.... I assume you checked the neck and its not bowed or warped, so I too think resetting the neck is about all that's left. Like you say, worth a try just to find out since you don't have to spend any money on it.
Good luck... have some fun with it and no matter what it can still be a great looking wall hanger.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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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