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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86 |
'Tis the season of giving - but if you're anything like me, a few gifts for yourself sneak into your gifts for others !!!
Is anyone planning on gifting themselves any musical goodies, like
- lessons with a great music teacher
- online video streaming lessons
- any kind of music books
- a day off from work (or from your usual retirement routine) just to play, practice, or listen to your favorite music
Best,
Joe
BB/RB 2025
Windows 10
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Absolutely there will be some self-gifts under my tree! First and foremost, I'm giving myself more opportunity to play the drums - I bought a drum kit earlier this year that I haven't had much opportunity to use yet, so I'm going to book some regular time at a practice space. As well, I'm going to try and squeeze in an electric drum kit if I can. Secondly, I started a small collection of nice headphones recently, and I might add to that - I've got a few nice pairs of open-backs, and might spring for a nicer pair of closed-back cans  What are you gifting yourself?
I work here
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eddie1261
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eddie1261
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Absolutely nothing! In my case both the giver and the receiver are incredibly cheap, and If I give myself a gift, then social protocol says receiving me must them give a gift to giving me, and that sets up an endless loop of giving/receiving and receiving/giving that led to me have 8 guitars I don't pay and 8 keyboards I rarely play (I could do with just the Kurzweil I have down here in my office area.) and a rack full of synth modules.
Plus I am also a grouch (or in this case, grinch) and I don't do holidays.
But to all of you who do get involved with this kind of thing, don't be cheap and buy yourself something nice!!
For you, Simon, I suggest a set of Sony MDR7506 phones. $90 at Walmart, or $130 from Sony if you want to feel like you are splurging!! I have 2 of these, one upstairs and one downstairs, and they are great.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621 |
Nothing here. My 14 year old Nikon left us and moved on to that great photoshoot in the sky so all my pennies have to go towards funding a replacement.
You think plugins are expensive....
Byron Dickens BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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eddie1261
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eddie1261
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You going to buy a DSLR or a film model? (Do they even make those anymore?) I picked up a Canon EOS Rebel T6 with a 50mm fixed lens in a pawn shop for $200 a couple of years back. Then added a 75-200 zoom lens, an 18-55 zoom, a remote shutter switch and a monopod. A few accessories, like a body cap and some lens covers because to ones that came with the lenses we non good, and I brought the whole system in for about $500. I don't use it much, but it does a nice job for me. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Cp6pYim.jpg) This duck was about 300 yards from me at Salem Lake in NC when I was down that way for Herbfest in 2022. I know a lot of people prefer film, but I just wanted to share what I picked up as you search for your new stuff. I also know a few Nikon people and they will use nothing else. Like how I used to be a Gibson snob in my day and thought the Les Paul was the only guitar in the universe.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Well, BIAB 2024 of course. The best Goodie out there. I did just buy a luxury item: a Lokius by Schiit Audio (a Texas company). It's a small six-band tone control that sits right in front of me, instead of my reaching for the old multiband equalizer over in the rack spaces. When I listen to music, this little device allows me to tune in, or tune out, the bass etc. to help make hearing individual parts much easier to transcribe. https://www.schiit.com/products/lokius
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.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125 |
Besides BiaB 2024, I've already purchased a few Xtra paks and styles that I need to complete my collection.
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.
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,791
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,791 |
I was inspired by a friend who said he wants to put more of himself into his music, a sentiment I share. So I recently got a good deal from my gear advisor for a drum sampling pad; the kind you play with sticks.
This thing is awesome and provides endless fun and growth. I'm looking forward to using it to add percussion to the BiaB songs I write.
And BiaB 2024 is on order.
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.
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
For you, Simon, I suggest a set of Sony MDR7506 phones. $90 at Walmart, or $130 from Sony if you want to feel like you are splurging!! I have 2 of these, one upstairs and one downstairs, and they are great. I've considered the 7506's, but I've already got a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50's which are pretty similar to the Sony's. I've also got Sennheiser HD 380 Pro (which desperately need new earpads), AKG K7XX, a pair of 1970's K240's, and (currently my favourite) Grado SR60E. Considering a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770's though, quickly demoed them at a store recently and liked what I heard. I did just buy a luxury item: a Lokius by Schiit Audio (a Texas company). It's a small six-band tone control that sits right in front of me, instead of my reaching for the old multiband equalizer over in the rack spaces. When I listen to music, this little device allows me to tune in, or tune out, the bass etc. to help make hearing individual parts much easier to transcribe. https://www.schiit.com/products/lokiusI always suggest having things like that at your fingertips. Years ago I built a studio monitor controller, mostly because I needed switchable inputs and a big volume knob, but I also added in a Mono switch and a Polarity switch, and dang do I use both of those religiously when checking a mix. Good thought about a tone control though, I wonder if I can add that and still keep the design passive... Well, BIAB 2024 of course. The best Goodie out there. Besides BiaB 2024, I've already purchased a few Xtra paks and styles that I need to complete my collection. And BiaB 2024 is on order. Onya mates 
I work here
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Simon, I now use Beyerdynamic 770s. They are great. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
For mixing long periods, I use Alessandro open headphones. Your Grados were modified by Alessandro. Both are comfortable, neutral and clear.
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.
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Simon, I now use Beyerdynamic 770s. They are great. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
For mixing long periods, I use Alessandro open headphones. Your Grados were modified by Alessandro. Both are comfortable, neutral and clear. See I've heard a lot of good things about the 770's and practically nothing bad, that's why I'm leaning towards those. And absolutely, these Grados are incredibly comfortable and clear, though like everyone I'd appreciate just a little more bottom end. Anyway, good to have a handful of nice cans in my line of work
I work here
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Joined: Apr 2017
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Joined: Apr 2017
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…. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
…
. The MDR 7506 is an industry standard. I can count the number of basses in the section of a well recorded orchestra. If only the cords used a jack instead of being hard wired. I dislike that the ear pads fall apart after a couple years or so. I found some Genuine Sheepskin Leather Earpads over memory foam replacements about six years ago and couldn't be happier. They're a little tricky to install but, if I can do it one-handed, anyone can do it with two. Like any new leather gear, it takes a few hours for the leather to break in and become comfortable. Recently, the lip that fits into the groove became too flexible and the cups fell off my most used pair. A small bead of silicone over the groove fixed that and will be easy to remove if these cup pads ever wear out in my lifetime (still looking good). Anyway, all of my 7506s sport these now. I now do critical mastering with the Steven Slate Audio VSX system and those 'phones are incredibly comfortable but I don't use them for anything else. I have an old pair of Grado open air for casual listening but I rarely do that anymore. Because of my limited mobility, I prefer to crank up the speakers nowadays but certain old recordings including anything with Joe Osborne or Chop Douglas on bass just sound like magic on those Grados.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Joined: May 2020
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If only the cords used a jack instead of being hard wired. There are a few websites that offer headphone modification service or DIY parts for that sort of thing - not sure if any of them cover the Sony's though. I dislike that the ear pads fall apart after a couple years or so. That happened to my M50's and my HD 380's - just replaced the pads on the 380's actually and they're like new again. I didn't like the stock pads on the M50's that much, so on a recommendation I used a set of Shure pads on them and they feel incredible now and so far have lasted a lot longer. I also may swap the pads on my K7XX's, they're a bit firm for my liking, although they're also easily the most comfortable big headphones I own. I have an old pair of Grado open air for casual listening but I rarely do that anymore. Because of my limited mobility, I prefer to crank up the speakers nowadays but certain old recordings including anything with Joe Osborne or Chop Douglas on bass just sound like magic on those Grados. Similarly I prefer speakers, but yeah dang my Grados are magical like you say. I can hear new things in music I've been listening to for decades! Honestly headphones for me are mostly for fun and for outdoors - I mix through studio monitors whenever possible. For listening at home I've got my original HR824's and my home theatre which consists of a Marantz receiver and a pair of medium size 1970's Technics speakers - both systems sound fantastic.
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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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®.
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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)!
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- 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
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- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
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- 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
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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