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Hello,
As a multi-instrumentalist songwriter, I have a lot of instruments and digital recording equipment (TASCAM multitrack and Sonar on Windows). Unfortunately, a few years ago I was diagnosed with severe RA in my hands, and can no longer play. Of course, nothing is as depressing as being a musician who can no longer play his/her instruments, so I decided to try the digital route. I purchased the AKAI MPC Studio and software, but it's primarily for rap/hip hop (I write rock/blues/ballad). It's usable, but I wanted something better, so I bought BIAB UltraPAK.
And now, my questions:
Is it possible to use MIDI (tracks recorded in Guitar Pro or a MIDI keyboard) to write/compose in BIAB?
I'm a complete novice in this new digital realm, so anyone offering any advice, set-ups and tips to get me started will be much appreciated!
Thank you in advance!

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Welcome to the forum, and that’s a shame about the arthritis. I have a touch as well.

Yes, BIAB can import a MIDI file, and interpret the chord progression from the notes of the file. You can add a style or individual instruments, and change pitch or tempo if you like.

Roanoke is very pretty. I played a concert in the library there.


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I had bursitis so bad I couldn't drive a car without an ice pack behind my hips.

The arthritis in a finger that had a youthful basketball accident was so bad I was skipping playing all the G#s, plus low C#, B and Bbs on my saxophone.

A doctor prescribed the Arthritis/Bursitis diet. I felt great improvement within a month, in a few months, 99% better. Now, over 20 years later, I'm still on the diet, and not bothered by it at all.

It's restrictive, but I decided it's better not to eat some of my favorite foods than be in pain.

I've shared this with others, and it's helped everyone I know that tried it.

If interested, give it a month (no cheating) and see if you feel better. Of course, if you have special needs, consult your doctor first.



For both arthritis and bursitis, treatment is similar:

Try the dietary approach first, and if that doesn't work, take stronger action.

Foods that may contribute to chronic inflammation are foods with a high glycemic index (foods that convert to sugar quickly), such as fruit juices, sugars, simple starches, or rice cakes, foods heavy in polyunsaturated or saturated fats, and foods high in arachidonic acid. Some specific foods to avoid are:

* Fatty cuts of red meat (high in saturated fats) lean is good
* Organ meats: liver, kidney, and so forth (very high in arachidonic acid)
* Egg yolks (very high in arachidonic acid)
* Poultry - chicken, duck, turkey (very high in arachidonic acid)
* Pasta (high glycemic index)
* Juices (high glycemic index)
* Rice, especially rice cakes (high glycemic index)
* White bread (substitute whole grain breads such as rye)
* Nightshade Plants bother many people (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, paprika)

Glycemic index charts can be found on the Internet.

Better choices are foods with a low glycemic index and foods that are heavy in monounsaturated fats. Some specific good foods are:

* Salmon and other fish
* Oatmeal
* Low glycemic fresh fruits and vegetables
* Olives and olive oil
* Peanuts and other nuts
* Whey proteins
* Lean beef is good, 100% grass fed is better


That's it.


Insights and incites by Notes ♫


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
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It's amazing what a simple diet change can accomplish.

Just eliminating sugar and bread will go a long way towards a better life. Drink water.


You can find my music at:
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Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Thank you!

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I read somewhere that the reason chicken and eggs are so high in arachidonic acid is because we are feeding them corn, which biologically is a fruit and contains a lot of fructose. Chickens have evolved to eat seeds (no fructose) and insects. I never looked it up to verify, because I don't eat chicken any more and rarely eat an egg. I do miss them, but I like being pain free better.

also...

I had a neighbor who walked her dog while using a cane for herself. She was in her late 40s. She had arthritis in her knees.

I gave her the diet, and within a month she was no longer using the cane. Quite a few months later, she was using the cane again. I asked her if the diet quit working, and her answer was, "I just couldn't give up my pasta and fruit juice." I admit it's her choice, but I'd rather walk than eat macaroni or any other food.



Insights and incites by Notes ♫


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Back to the original question…

I lost complete use of my dominant arm & hand 16 years ago when I suffered my stroke, no fun for a string player. A year later, Apple released the iPad and about 15 months after that, GarageBand Instruments came about. Now I can play bass and other instruments by tapping on the glass—both internal sounds and as a MIDI controller. I can also trigger internal sounds and MIDI from as USB keyboard. Anyway, BIAB responds just fine.


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