If you are as old as I am you may remember the Maestro Rhythm King. It was one of if not the first drum machine in the 1960s.. It had awful sounding drums and even worse rhythms as well as a foot pedal to make it start and stop on a dime. If you are not familiar with it see and hear it here:
Anyway my good friend BobH was over Sunday and we put on a short drum machine loop as a click track and jammed to it. BobH came up with a great guitar track that fit the repetitiveness of the drum machine so we thought why not make a song out of it. So we added our own parts to the drum track and hopefully spiced it up enough so it wasn't so redundant.
BiaB Style = Awaken2 - Slow Meditative New Age Tempo = 100 PBM
I deleted the guitar track Drums- UVI Workstation - Prime 8+ - preset Clean Frank Bass - Ultra Analog VA3 - 30,867Hz - preset Quzo bass Strings - Ultra Analog VA3 - Angelicals - preset Oxygen PT2 Piano - Ultra Analog VA3 - Factory Library - preset Play A Low Note Utility track - EastWest play - Symphonic Choir - preset Full Choir
Bob is playing the rhythm track on my SX Tele guitar. I am playing the lead and harmony on my Harley Benton fake Gretsch guitar and via my keyboard and breath controller the Swam Tenor Sax. All three went through Amplitube.
As always all comments are welcomed.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Nice job, Mario and Bob! I just finished walking and feeding my 3 dogs their breakfast. This is the first thing I'm listening to. What a cool way to start off the morning.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Bitwig Studio 6; Studio Pro 8; Melodyne Studio 5; Tonalic Studio 1; Acoustica Premium 7 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
Cool track, Mario, nice instrumental bed and I like the melody and harmony parts you came up with on the guitar. Sax sounds good too.
I don't remember that particular drum machine, but I had a much simpler drum machine from Maestro many years ago, called the Rhythm Jester, early 70's maybe. Fun times!
Man, I learned a lot about drums by programing drum machines. Ringo was an amazing time-keeper.
You and Bob have great sessions. Must be a blast! Man, that's some fine "sax" playing. Very moody tune. Sometimes slow beats are harder to keep than faster ones. Good thing you had that drum machine to keep you on track. Keep jammin'.
Enjoy whatever happens! marty
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
Very cool, dreamy song! Doesn't sound redundant in the least. You provided a lot of interest around the theme. I was surprised it ended so abruptly. Thought this would just drift off like a dream...
Ha! Great job on all live instruments, and good on you for keeping your vintage gear in play. It all sounds super!
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Nice job, Mario and Bob! I just finished walking and feeding my 3 dogs their breakfast. This is the first thing I'm listening to. What a cool way to start off the morning.
Thanx so much for taking the time to listen and comment on this jam.
Originally Posted by BlueAttitude
Cool track, Mario, nice instrumental bed and I like the melody and harmony parts you came up with on the guitar. Sax sounds good too.
I don't remember that particular drum machine, but I had a much simpler drum machine from Maestro many years ago, called the Rhythm Jester, early 70's maybe. Fun times!
Thanx Dave.
I think the Rhythm King was the first from Maestro and yours was a later model.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Man, I learned a lot about drums by programing drum machines. Ringo was an amazing time-keeper.
You and Bob have great sessions. Must be a blast! Man, that's some fine "sax" playing. Very moody tune. Sometimes slow beats are harder to keep than faster ones. Good thing you had that drum machine to keep you on track. Keep jammin'.
Marty, yes Ringo was a human drum machine as always kept perfect time.
Yes Bob and I do have a blast jamming. We started using the drum machine so we could not only keep in time, we do have a knack for wandering, but also so we could bring them into BiaB and possibly post them.
Thanx for this very kind review.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Very cool, dreamy song! Doesn't sound redundant in the least. You provided a lot of interest around the theme. I was surprised it ended so abruptly. Thought this would just drift off like a dream...
Ha! Great job on all live instruments, and good on you for keeping your vintage gear in play. It all sounds super!
Thanx Ron. It ended so abruptly because that was the way those old drum machines stopped. I though ending it like that added some realism.
I do have some vintage gear but a drum machine is not one of them. What you heard was from UVI Workstation , a soft synth using bank Prime 8+ and the preset called Clean Frank, weird name for a preset isn't it!
I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Thanx David. I did realize there were so many drum machines! I never used drum machines on a song until I got the UVI software. I always just looped a BiaB drum track. Back when I was gigging I would never use a drum machine.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
As for the "stone age" drum machine, thanks for sharing. I never heard of that thing. There's definately value in history, it gives one a grounded perspective and an appreciation of the technology we have today.
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.
As for the "stone age" drum machine, thanks for sharing. I never heard of that thing. There's definately value in history, it gives one a grounded perspective and an appreciation of the technology we have today.
Thanx Steve.
I hear ya. I wish I had half the tools to make music today when I was gigging. When I was gigging I used a Casio Strat MIDI guitar controller and three tone generators and my long time friend had three synths for his keyboards but the sounds back then were no where as good as the sounds today. But I had fun back then and I am having fun today so that's all that matters.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
This is really cool and inventive tune. The King is used in such a way that I didn't pay any attention to the quality of its sound, thanks for sharing the information about that "beast".
The chord progression is very unique and mysterious, great effects on the guitars, the sax adds enjoyable warmth. Other synth sounds are a treasure chest in this electro-ambient-jazz wonderland, reminding me of a Finnish band called RinneRadio.
This is really cool and inventive tune. The King is used in such a way that I didn't pay any attention to the quality of its sound, thanks for sharing the information about that "beast".
The chord progression is very unique and mysterious, great effects on the guitars, the sax adds enjoyable warmth. Other synth sounds are a treasure chest in this electro-ambient-jazz wonderland, reminding me of a Finnish band called RinneRadio.
Janne
Thanx so much Janne for this wonderful review. I tried to mix the drum machine like they mixed drums back in the 1960's. They were mixed a lot quieter than they are mixed today.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Thanx Floyd. Adding the breath controller with my keyboard opens up a lot of possibilities I don't have with my wind controller. There are a lot of VSTis that are replicating the old sounds.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
That's a really beautiful theme, Mario, and I love that recurring guitar phrase. Gorgeous!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.