|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Got my 2024 BIAB installed yesterday and couldn't wait to get started. I was greeted by all kinds of demons. Here is one of them:
When I open my songs, there is nothing showing but the bass clef, stave-like lines above that (empty), and the chords. No notes. When I do as one of the AI devices told me and click on the melody instrument in the mixer, all the notes reappear and the extraneous detritus disappears.
However, when I saved it and opened it again the problem was still there.
I made another query to AI and it said, "Save it using SAVE AS, but that didn't yield any results either."
When I sent all this info to PG's chat person, they said they would send a form for me to fill out for their techs to use to try and decipher the problem and that they would be in touch in 0 - 2 days. I am impatient.
Somebody, somebody, please help!
Natcheztoo
Jerry Krouse
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 02/02/24 01:32 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
When I open my songs, there is nothing showing but the bass clef, stave-like lines above that (empty), and the chords. No notes. When I do as one of the AI devices told me and click on the melody instrument in the mixer, all the notes reappear and the extraneous detritus disappears. Do you mean when you open the Notation Window? If so, could it be that you have the Bass Track selected? ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=27253&filename=2024-01-31_10-13-13.jpg)
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 161
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 161 |
Also, in addition to what Audio track said, have you generated the song? Nothing will show until then.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Audio Track and Lee N,
It turns out that the BASS TRACK was selected. You didn't tell me how to change it! When I clicked on it, I got a drop down menu with a lot of instruments. I clicked on electric piano (since the song used an electronic piano) and the notes appeared. However, after I saved it and reopened it, it was the same as before. How do I make it stick?
Audio, the screen capture you show above was exactly what I saw when I first used the new BIAB 2024. After some fiddling around, the notes and numbers went away just leaving empty staves and chord symbols. I don't even know what I did or how that happened.
And Lee N, it was a finished song. This program is too smart for me by a lot.
Awaiting your further help with great hope!
Thanks.
Natcheztoo
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Gents,
I just got this off chatpg and it worked:
To make the change from BASS to electric piano permanent in Band-in-a-Box 2024, you can follow these steps:
Open the song in Band-in-a-Box.
Click on the black bar above the music sheet where BASS is highlighted.
Change the track type from BASS to electric piano.
Once the notes appear, go to the File menu and select "Save As" to save the song with the updated track type.
Choose a filename and location to save the song.
Close Band-in-a-Box.
Open the saved song file to check if the change from BASS to electric piano is now permanent.
If the change does not remain permanent after following these steps, it is possible that there may be a technical issue with the software. In that case, it would be best to consult the Band-in-a-Box support team for further assistance.
Thanks. If this doesn't hold for good, then I'll be back.
You guys re great!
Natcheztoo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
It turns out that the BASS TRACK was selected. You didn't tell me how to change it! When I clicked on it, I got a drop down menu with a lot of instruments. Sorry, I showed the mouse cursor over the box, meaning click here to select some other instrument. I should have perhaps made it a bit clearer. Anyway, glad you got it sorted. Please consider to open your original post and mark it as 'Resolved' (there's a button you can press for that). This can assist other in the future.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673 |
When I open my songs, there is nothing showing but the bass clef, stave-like lines above that (empty), and the chords. No notes. When I do as one of the AI devices told me and click on the melody instrument in the mixer, all the notes reappear and the extraneous detritus disappears. Hi Jerry, This is normal. When you open your song, the tracks will be empty until they are generated, and each time you generate (by pressing Play) the tracks will by a little bit different. This is how Band-in-a-Box works. UNLESS you freeze your track(s). To freeze your track, you can click the "snowflake" icon in the Mixer.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Wait, hold on! I thought "WE" had cured this annoying problem. Here is what I am doing and what is happening:
1) I load a completed song.
2) When I click the NOTATION button it shows BASS in the small black window.
3) I click on BASS and change it to the melody instrument which, in this case is an ORGAN.
4) i Click on SAVE AS and save it by clicking SAVE AS - the first listed way to save it (there seem to be ten choices).
5) A window opens that asks, "Ok to replace existing file?" and I click YES.
Seems simple enough, but today, at least, every time I reopen the song it is stuck on BASS in the black window. It is not the end of the world to reset it and other songs every time I open BIAB, but for the money I spent to upgrade to 2024 MegaPak, I expect it to work properly.
Any further thoughts?
Natcheztoo
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673 |
The currently selected track is not something that is saved with songs. The selected track shouldn't change when you load in a new song, and it doesn't as far as I can see in my testing. At the start of a session, it defaults to selecting the first track, which is normally Bass. It could be argued that it should default to the Melody track...
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Andrew,
That is all very interesting, but what does it mean or do for actually correcting my BIAB so that it resets to the Melody Track?
I know this complicated program wasn't designed to work this way.
Jerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Andrew,
BTW, thank you for hanging with me on this problem.
I thought it might make a difference if I changed the BASS to the melody instrument in the mixer instead of the black box. It doesn't,
When we got into this earlier,I was certain the problem was fixed. I am now wondering if it works sometimes and other times it doesn't. I know that doesn't make much sense especially dealing with electronic commands and things.
Jerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Andrew and anybody else out there,
This never, ever, happened in my previous three versions of BIAB. I just upgraded from 2020. Before that it was 2016, I think. I do not remember the year of the first one.
Something has to be wrong. And, by the way, the current problem came from the download off the HD that way.
If all else fails, why can't the brains of BIAB put in a fix so that it would always reset to the Melody Track when it closes.
Jerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673 |
When you open the program, the first track is initially selected. In previous versions, the Melody track was initially selected, and that's probably the way it *should* continue to work. Simply opening a song file does not change the selected track in my testing. Let me know if this is not the behaviour you are seeing.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Andrew and anybody else that can help,
Some songs (very few) do not open with the BASS in the black box. So, I started checking. That is just an anomaly; most open with BASS.
I tried an experiment that failed. I changed from BASS to ELECTPIANO for one song, then hit SAVE AS. If I stayed in the program and opened other songs but eventually came back to the problem song, it would open with the correct melody instrument.
However, If I closed the program, reopened it, and loaded the "corrected" song, it always reverts to BASS in the black box.
I really, really hate this, and it is not what I expected (or paid for). My IT guy who loaded it from the HD I got onto my PC is the head of IT at a local college and he knows his stuff. After loading it, registering it, and opening it, it was doing the BASS thing from the very first try out of the box.
Something must be done to correct or ameliorate this horrifically annoying problem.
Have you any suggestions?
BTW, before I came to the forum with this problem, I got on the Chat Help and told the tech exactly what the problem was. They said they were sending me a form to fill out with all my computer info and for me to describe the problem. They said they were having the "technical department" look at it and somebody would contact me in 0 - 2 days. Nobody, to my knowledge, has contacted me.
I would like some relief, but how and what? Do I need another HD program shipped? I'd be glad to ship this one back.
I await your positive response.
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,673 |
Here is a set of specific steps that I did to try to duplicate the problem.
1. Open / re-open Band-in-a-Box. File | New
.... Bass track is currently selected as expected (*see note)
2. Select Melody track, by clicking on Melody in the Mixer window.
3. Open StylePicker, select _PRIME.STY, click [+] button, click Load song demo for current style.
4. OK to exit StylePicker.
.... Melody track is still selected as expected.
5. File | Open, navigate to bb\Demos\MIDI Style Demos\Styles00, and select ZZJAZZ.MG1
.... Melody track is still selected as expected (If auto-generate track labels is enabled it will say "Trumpet" instead of Melody, but regardless it is the same track.
So far, this is working as expected. Can you please post detailed step-by-step instructions similar to the above that I can use to see the behaviour you are seeing, where the selected track changes by itself.
(*note: I know that you want the program to open - i.e. step 1 - with the Melody track selected initially)
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
...
I really, really hate this, and it is not what I expected (or paid for).
...
Something must be done to correct or ameliorate this horrifically annoying problem. Jerry, this is not as challenging as I believe you are suggesting. If you want to see the Melody in the Notation window, just click Melody in the Mixer. One single mouse click is all that's required. I don't consider that single click to be "horrifically annoying"  Personally, I don't find that particularly stressful. Just one-single-mouse-click. ![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=27296&filename=2024-02-03_11-16-40.jpg)
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
Last edited by AudioTrack; 02/03/24 03:16 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Audio Track (and others),
First, I just opened BIAB. Not a song, just the program. At this moment there is a MELODY in the mixer. However, if I open a song (which I am doing now), there is only:
BASS
PIANO 1
DRUMS
GUITAR
ELECPIANO (the MELODY instrument in this song)
Just below that, but not highlighted and not used in the song are the usual: Soloist, Thru, Audio, Utility#1, etc.
I have checked this on a good many songs and it holds true.
Yesterday, in a long, tedious, trying session on PG chat (not ChatPG), in which I was finally able to take a screen shot and send it to the moderator, I was told this:
BIAB Chat Person: I see, thank you. This is a known issue that we have reported to our development team. They are currently working on a fix and it will be added in a future build update.
Jerry: So, I am stuck with it until then? Will I get a notification when and if the future build update is ready? And, how long might that be?
BIAB Chat person: Yes, we will reach out to you via email as soon as we have a build update available in the next week or two.
I am trying to learn how to send screen snips. I think I am gaining ground on that. Hopefully, a couple will follow soon.
Jerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
Jerry, could you please respond with the steps that Andrew asked: So far, this is working as expected. Can you please post detailed step-by-step instructions similar to the above that I can use to see the behaviour you are seeing, where the selected track changes by itself. I'm thinking that you always want it to open on the Melody track, and you are not prepared to click the Melody track first. Is that correct? (If they changed the software to default to the melody track, what if a user wanted the default to not be the melody track?) Re: BIAB Chat person: Yes, we will reach out to you via email as soon as we have a build update available in the next week or two. It's interesting to learn that they'll have an update / fix out so soon. In the meantime, could you answer Andrew's question?
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Audio Track,
I will try to respond, but this stuff is really difficult for me.
BTW, I just watched the Australian movie, "Boy Swallows Universe," set in 1985 Brisbane. Excellent movie.
Thanks.
Jerry
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,735
Posts795,446
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=27297&filename=SelectingTrack.gif)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean