|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Random Thoughts As Random Thoughts came into my head I decided to put them to music. Actually it is just me having fun and trying to learn how to arrange strings. BiaB Style = Pop Ballad at T=60 - Slow Ev.16 Tempo = 60 BPM I deleted the bass and drums. I also rewrote parts of the string track. Piano = EZKeys2 - Session Grand - Preset Jazz Lounge Guitar - Kontakt - Amadeus - preset - Harp Strings - Kontakt - The String Collection - preset - Minoi Strings Me - my Squire P-Bass My Harley Benton fake Gretsch Via my keyboard controller the following 1-Staccato Strings -Kontakt - Amadeus - preset - Full Strings - staccato option. 2-Keys - Syntronic - preset - Clavier 3-Keys - FilterBank 3 synth - preset - SYN Great As always all comments are welcomed.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747 |
Much of my career revolved around solving probabilistic problems; as in probability and statistics using random variates; bell curves and the like. So when I saw "Random" in your post it caught my eye, a good thing because I really enjoyed this composition.
Peaceful and serene come to mind.
I'm not sure of the name of the musical device you used where the music briefly pauses or is diminished in volume. It has a "pulsing" but not quite percussive effect on my ears. I don't think it's a stop-time. In any event very enjoyable, especially when it takes on a foreboding feel but then returns to a "lily pond of serenity".
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,827 |
Mario,
Nice simple, melodic guitar.
I really like the idea of the stops. There is something about them that seem "less than organic".
The change at 1:44 is Sweeeet.
A GREAT idea to be studying string arranging. Too few people ever go down that path (a worthwhile one).
I think it is "wrong" ("odd" might be a better word?) to mix strings to one side. They need to fill the spread. (opinion)
fj
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,008
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,008 |
Nice thoughts indeed. The strings sound fine to our "uncultured ears."  Sounds like the learning is going well and great to hear it's fun. Enjoyed it! J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,672 |
Hi Mario,
Very interesting and beautiful thoughts you made. Very nice melody!
I was hesitating about the reverb on the piano, but when the song continued it felt ok.
it belongs in the song, or your thoughts.
I always have strings on one side, say at 45 to the left, but also on 65 on the right with less volume.
In my opinion that gives a full sound with an accent (to the left). I do so because in my view strings are always to one side, brass and piano to the other site (right).
But what your 'thoughts' did to me is thinking when you start singing again.
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447 |
Very enchanting Mario! I was hypnotized. I love your random thoughts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,886
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,886 |
Nice relaxing sound, with a surprising prog rock part.
I personally don't like the string stops and that the strings are only on the left side.
I think they should be more spread (like in a classical orchestra).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,757
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,757 |
Mario,
This is beautiful and serene... The strings and mix sound great. I also love the sound of that Harley Benton.
Great stuff!
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,173
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,173 |
Pretty sound - like floyd jane, I loved the change at 1:44. I'm not a huge fan of mushy, synthy strings when they're up front, but that's my personal preference, and I see no reason you should agree with me.  Have you looked at MuseScore? It comes with some very nice sample libraries, including strings. It's great... if you don't mind working with notation.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Much of my career revolved around solving probabilistic problems; as in probability and statistics using random variates; bell curves and the like. So when I saw "Random" in your post it caught my eye, a good thing because I really enjoyed this composition.
Peaceful and serene come to mind.
I'm not sure of the name of the musical device you used where the music briefly pauses or is diminished in volume. It has a "pulsing" but not quite percussive effect on my ears. I don't think it's a stop-time. In any event very enjoyable, especially when it takes on a foreboding feel but then returns to a "lily pond of serenity". We have a lot in common Steve. I have used statistics in designed experiments. We used SAS as our base statistical program. Thanx so much for this very kind review.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Mario,
Nice simple, melodic guitar.
I really like the idea of the stops. There is something about them that seem "less than organic".
The change at 1:44 is Sweeeet.
A GREAT idea to be studying string arranging. Too few people ever go down that path (a worthwhile one).
I think it is "wrong" ("odd" might be a better word?) to mix strings to one side. They need to fill the spread. (opinion)
fj Thanx Floyd. I based the strings on a classical orchestra setting; that is strings on the left and cellos and double basses on the right. However there were no cellos or double basses in this one, thus your suggestion is spot on. Thanx for bringing that to my attention.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Nice thoughts indeed. The strings sound fine to our "uncultured ears." Sounds like the learning is going well and great to hear it's fun. Enjoyed it! J&B Thanx so much. As I am an oldie but a goodie my learning skills sometimes falls asleep! Sometimes it take a while for me to learn new stuff, but this old dog is still trying to learn!
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,930
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,930 |
You random thoughts are so musically coherent, Mario. Quite an interesting mix, too. I like the melodies you make --so appropriate and so complimentary to the whole. At one point I thought there was something wrong with my headphones because I only heard the strings on the left. Then I realized it was your choice. Lovely tune.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Hi Mario,
Very interesting and beautiful thoughts you made. Very nice melody!
I was hesitating about the reverb on the piano, but when the song continued it felt ok.
it belongs in the song, or your thoughts.
I always have strings on one side, say at 45 to the left, but also on 65 on the right with less volume.
In my opinion that gives a full sound with an accent (to the left). I do so because in my view strings are always to one side, brass and piano to the other site (right).
But what your 'thoughts' did to me is thinking when you start singing again.
Hans Thanx Hans. Great idea about the strings, I'll have to try that. Me sing? The last time I sang it was so bad that programmers came up with synth voices to replace me!
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Very enchanting Mario! I was hypnotized. I love your random thoughts. Thanx so much David. I hypnotized you and sent a subliminal message of "send me money". I am anxiously awaiting that check you sent 
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Nice relaxing sound, with a surprising prog rock part.
I personally don't like the string stops and that the strings are only on the left side.
I think they should be more spread (like in a classical orchestra). Thanx for listening and commenting on my thoughts. I based the strings on a classical orchestra setting; that is strings on the left and cellos and double basses on the right. As I am learning string composition I am using a full orchestra setting. When I get a little more accomplished I will separate the 1st and 2nd violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Mario,
This is beautiful and serene... The strings and mix sound great. I also love the sound of that Harley Benton.
Great stuff!
Bob , Thanx so much Bob.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,400 |
Pretty sound - like floyd jane, I loved the change at 1:44. I'm not a huge fan of mushy, synthy strings when they're up front, but that's my personal preference, and I see no reason you should agree with me. Have you looked at MuseScore? It comes with some very nice sample libraries, including strings. It's great... if you don't mind working with notation. Thanx David. Yes, I have MuseScore and I don't mind working with notation. I haven't looked at MuseScore in a while but I will look at it now. Thanx for bringing that to my attention.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,747 |
We have a lot in common Steve. I have used statistics in designed experiments. We used SAS as our base statistical program.
Thanx so much for this very kind review. SAS? That is a giant in the stat world for sure. And yep, I too applied designed experiments as a Six Sigma Black Belt; good stuff. I never used SAS but I was very familiar with Minitab and I did a lot with Excel. But my most valuable workplace "weapon" was Mathematica. "Non-Technocrats" will never understand how someone can have a favorite all-time distribution. But mine is the Hyper-Geometric; look it up if you never used it. It has origins going back to the 1600s; absolutely brilliant and powerful math. Just a few of my many "random thoughts" PS> I'm not sure if music and statistics are related, but music and math sure is.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113 |
I love the vibe of this, but as soon as it started I thought of Francis Lai - you must have been influenced by his work (he's my 2nd favourite soundtrack guy after Morricone) - and even a few notes reminded me of the beautiful "Bilitis" theme. I wish I could produce something with that kind of a vibe, but due to where I live - a tiny retirement flat with too close neighbours - I can't even play my guitars, never mind sing, without getting complaints, thus BiaB has been my creative saviour as I can compose, sample, arrange and mix with headphones on.
Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,892
Posts797,422
Members39,982
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean