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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142 |
been playing since the 60s with various degrees of success. in electric bands and acoustic bands i played with live musicians in various line ups. some of the guys i played with were excellent, some average. but the stuff i still want to play -either recording for my own entertainment or as backing tracks for occasionallly playing out is much the same as in four or five piece bands.
i find that most of the time BIAB styles sound just like the bands i used to play in. sometimes i stray into RB to finish a track and add extra RTs.
but the individual instruments in BIAB sound similar to what the other guys played. bass, drums, guitar - they sound like my old band mates.
i've always upgraded BIAB but quite frankly most of the new 'features' don't apply to me. i like new RTs but i've got so many that i'm spoilt for choice. have i reached the saturation point?
would be interested to know how many BIAB users upgrade every year and whether the number is dropping. is the bulk of sales new users?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
Thus far I have upgraded the engine every year. Depending on my money situation I upgrade to the Ultra pac and purchase the extra stuff.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,727
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,727 |
Bob, I don't know how one would determine the percentage of repeat customers vs new customers; I'd guess that would be internal and company-proprietary data.
However, I agree that most of the new features that come along don't apply to me either. I have too many RTs and RDs to effectively hunt through to find what I hear in my head. Interesting enough, for me this hasn't been all bad because it has forced me to compose much more on my physical keyboard than would otherwise be the case, thereby contributing to my overall music skills.
But I can say that I do upgrade every year for 2 basic reasons:
1. PGM is an innovative company and BiaB is a great product deserving of my continued business and favorable word-of-mouth. My loyalty has been earned.
2. I have hopes that future upgrades will have relevant improvements such as smart search, filtering and mapping capability to address the above mentioned "too many RTs problem". Perhaps this, and other features that musicians need, will be implemented in the coming months via AI solutions.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,053
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,053 |
I upgrade every year because...
1) I find that a good number of new tools & additions significantly improve my workflow.
2) There is always some cool & surprising content that inspires me to create.
3)There are only a small number of companies that I believe deserve to be supported annually, PGM is one of them.
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As it was evident from the Rob H's Poll, most people who responded are in favor of optimizing workflow & existing features + fixing known issues and limitations, instead of introducing new items. After this year (2024) update, I support that philosophy. Would I upgrade if the 2025 would primarily focus on maintenance? Absolutely.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 875
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 875 |
upgrade every year.
Mostly because I want PG Music to stay in business.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Heddon Super Spook XT (Mullet)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 12
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 12 |
I have upgraded every year since 2013. I like to support companies that supply a good product at a fair price. Most companies pester you with email and texts forever after you order something. BIAB doesn't do that. I like the ability to make backing tracks which is my main use. I adment I don't use all the bells and whistles but I do like playing with some of them from time to time.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
I started with BIAB in it’s earliest years, upgrading each year. I did skip 2022 and ‘23 for some reason. Now, using 2024. Don’t use any of the latest bells and whistles. Not a song writer, or creator of original stuff. I play out live with BIAB straight from the chord/lyric screen on a laptop. Works great. All I need is a 4 or 5-piece rhythm section. I upgrade for new, or, improved styles and real tracks, working several times a week in retirement homes. I hope PG Music will be around for a long time to come.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1 |
how 'bout that i to have some biab floppy's around somewhere (3.5 not the 5") you may have come in before me with the 5" floppy.
sounds like you got a nice rig for the senior circuit. where are you out of? i'm outside philly. i was in that biz from 1987 to 2013. made way more money in nursing /retirement communities than playing bars/parties as a sideman...
i stared using biab on those kinda gigs but performance /karaoke tracks were just tooooo easy pop in and re key if needed and just to work.
now i write musicals so making the rhythm sec in biab and then importing the midi tracks into Sibelius for orchestral treatments if needed. i like the human feel of biab over writing it all out in a piano roll in cubase. biab adds a human feel to the projects. tons of versatility with a system like this.
anyway, i digress, since i was busy playing guitar, a laptop didn't fit my work flow and had to many choices. i'd get all distracted wondering about a new way i could manipulate the software etc. OCD.
none of this digital tech existed when i started that circuit. karaoke tracks were on cassette tape which was never in tune and i play guitar on these gigs as well, so that sucked. then we got DAT tape which held pitch but ya had to line up your sets cause you had to physically fast forward that digital audio tape to search for a song and that took time. if i recall correctly, then came the CD and i could find songs really fast for the first time. finally enter, the ipod/zune! it was a gig rig in the palm of my hand. nowadays i'd use my phone for playback if i were still active.
there was one other bit that was coming into vogue as i was retiring from performance. using pitch to midi software or a good daw to extract midi from karaoke tracks and produce them in any key with no artifacts.
do you have any tracks posted? i'd like to hear what you're doin' with biab.
gary murway
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
............................
do you have any tracks posted? i'd like to hear what you're doin' with biab. The User Showcase forum has all of the BiaB customer's songs so head there to hear them: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=50&page=1
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 58
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 58 |
I upgrade every year. I usually go with the UltraPak as I really don't like not having the full set of styles and RTs at my fingertips. My primary use is to create backing tracks with bass, drums, piano, and guitar. A real jazz quartet in the box is wonderful to have for my performances.
Bruce Hook - Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxes
BIAB 2023 UltraPak | Intel i7 | Mackie ProFX10v3 Audio Interface | 1TB SSD | Reaper DAW
| Akai EWI 5000 | M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142 |
I think PG does deserve our support and I'll probably upgrade even though I don't need any new features. Interesting SaxaBruce seems to use BIAB the same way I do but for jazz not country folk and pop.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,588
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,588 |
Bob.
i love it that a small cdn company like pg has been successfull.
i always root for the underdog in a market sector.
happiness.
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 269
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 269 |
Bob,
Sounds like we could be twins separated at birth.
This sentence very much applies to me;
i've always upgraded BIAB but quite frankly most of the new 'features' don't apply to me. i like new RTs but i've got so many that i'm spoilt for choice. have i reached the saturation point?
Vintage
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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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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®!
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