Probably another simple question... :-) Can I set the default noname.sgu file that loads with BIAB? I made some changes that I want BIAB to default to and saved as NONAME.SGU, but BIAB doesn't load my modified file (instead loading the default file with the C chord).
Is it just that BIAB loads its default file from a different directory?
I don't think BIAB actually loads a file from disk called no name. That's just the default name for what's in memory.
What I do is to create a file with my default file settings, save it, then make it read only. Then I launch BIAB from Windows Explorer by double clicking the file. Since it's read only, that forces me tho "save as" so I don't overwrite it.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
Press Ctrl + E or got to Options > Preferences to open the preference window. There are a few selections that you can change to control what is loaded when Band-in-a-Box opens. I've marked them in red in the screenshot below.
Always save song with "U" extension I leave checked. That way as I find and load older BiaB song files from the internet the song files will be saved with the MGU or SGU file extension that is more common today. The other file extensions were used as memory aids to help users remember which MIDI style was used to create the song.
At program bootup ... I set to Don't open song or style. That way the program always opens with the defaults of no song project and the zzjazz.sty Jazz swing style. When I'm working on a song project I'll change this setting to Open previous song. That way the program opens right where I stopped last session.
Bootup in the directory of the last session is checked. I make a folder (directory) for each song project. EVERYTHING having to do with the song is copied and saved to the song project directory. The song project directory is stored on the windows desktop until completed and then archived to multiple locations. While working on a project I frequently save the project under a new name. Band-in-a-Box will load the last saved project when a new session starts.
I have allow multiple instances of BiaB to run so I can copy chord progressions between projects.
I have allow fast bootups enabled because my computer can handle it.
Thanks for your very detailed reply! Makes it so clear with your screenshots as well. And thanks for the tip about running multiple instances of BIAB - I never realised you could do that!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Video: Enhanced Melodists in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows®!
We've enhanced the Melodists feature included in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows!
Access the Melodist feature by pressing F7 in the program to open the new MultiPicker Library and locate the [Melodist] tab.
You can now generate a melody on any track in the program - very handy! Plus, you select how much of the melody you want generated - specify a range, or apply it to the whole track.
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