I've just upgraded from an older Band-in-a-Box version and was interested to see ABC import and export as a feature. I've been using that format for years to generate MIDI files and lead sheets for songs.
My problem is that I don't understand how this implementation is supposed to work. Most of the files I try to import give me a rather dire warning:
"List index (-1) out of bounds.
Press OK to ignore and risk data corruption. Press Abort to kill the program."
Those that don't give a warning also have no visible result that I can see.
I even tried the simple sequence of exporting an ABC file from the program, using File->New, then importing the file with no modifications. Nothing obvious happened (empty grid except for one C chord)...which makes me think, maybe I don't know what should happen.
Here are two ABC files. CTM.txt is one of the ones that produced the error message. Pegasus.txt is the one that was created by Band-in-a-Box, but silently did nothing when loaded into a new Band-in-a-Box song.
For Pegasus: It looks like Band-in-a-Box does not write 3/4 time signature correctly sometimes. You can work around this by editing the file, and changing the M: header to: M:3/4
For CMT: Band-in-a-Box does not support importing multiple verses like this file has. If you remove the multiple lyric lines then the error does not occur and the file can be imported, though not with the structure that you might expect... We'll add it to our list to look into these issues further.
Changing 3/0 to 3/4 doesn't make any difference for me. Attempting to import the file through Open Special or with drag & drop still leaves me with a blank workspace and no message to say what failed.
That doesn't matter much, though, since Pegasus was only created because I figured the easiest thing for Band-in-a-Box to read would be a file it wrote and thought that would be a good starting point for debugging.
Practically, I have to treat the feature as significantly worse than useless if it requires me to destroy the utility of existing files on the chance that it might import them...and then need more work to restore the structure.
One more experiment shows me that MuseScore does a reasonable job of importing ABC and will then write MusicXML, which Band-in-a-Box can read. If I feel I need to use my existing files, I'll see if that workflow suits me...at least until I hear of bug fixes.
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Thanks for trying to help. ABC import was never going to be a critical factor in my use of the program. It was more a case of seeing something that could have been a pleasant bonus.
One more discovery: On my failed attempt to open Pegasus, I note that the program created a number of files in its data directory, including one that seems to be a conversion to some intermediate form.
Maybe it explains why the workspace wasn't updated. Is there anything that can be done with this kind of file?
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
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.
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