Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
B
bobc Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
Can you help me identify a PG Music product I think I have ?

All I have is a list of around 60 MIDI files that must have been in the product. They are all classics, like As Time Goes By, Danny Boy, My Funny Valentine, Lady Be Good, Wind Beneath My Wings, You Made Me Love You.

The file format for all of them is JP0xx.MID where the xx is numbers from 0 to 65 or so, e.g. JP057.MID. I think the "JP" must stand for Jazz Piano.

I think the program may have also included instructional features, because there are things called "ii V I Changes", "Blues Changes", and "Coltrane Turnarounds".

If you can identify the PG Music Program that would have these things in it, is it still for sale in case I cannot find the program ?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Bob Carwell

Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
I don’t know. But I question it would be a PG Music product because song files have proprietary extensions like .SGU and .MGU.

If that isn’t the point and all you want is a program that reads these MIDI files, many programs can do that, especially including Band-in-a-Box by PG Music.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 730
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 730
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
I don’t know. But I question it would be a PG Music product because song files have proprietary extensions like .SGU and .MGU.

If that isn’t the point and all you want is a program that reads these MIDI files, many programs can do that, especially including Band-in-a-Box by PG Music.


I agree with this. Most of the PG Music products if not all, are in the proprietary format. I have some old files from the BIAB users group that used to be on Yahoo and has moved on to another service now. It seems some of them were MIDI and had titles like you indicated with JP0XX etc. Maybe you had downloaded those at some point?


My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 730
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 730
Originally Posted By: bobc
Can you help me identify a PG Music product I think I have ?

All I have is a list of around 60 MIDI files that must have been in the product. They are all classics, like As Time Goes By, Danny Boy, My Funny Valentine, Lady Be Good, Wind Beneath My Wings, You Made Me Love You.

The file format for all of them is JP0xx.MID where the xx is numbers from 0 to 65 or so, e.g. JP057.MID. I think the "JP" must stand for Jazz Piano.

I think the program may have also included instructional features, because there are things called "ii V I Changes", "Blues Changes", and "Coltrane Turnarounds".

If you can identify the PG Music Program that would have these things in it, is it still for sale in case I cannot find the program ?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Bob Carwell


What folder were they stored in?


My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
PG Music created several karaoke programs that included MIDI files. Working from memory but I believe each song had an associated MIDI file for the song melody and an MGU song file to play the song. Song lyrics displayed during playback.

That is the format I remember of their program of 50 Christmas carols. I wish I could find the floppy disk so I could see if an update is available.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
B
bobc Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
Thanks to all for responding ! Unfortunately mystery continues.

I don't have the MIDI files, just an alphabetical listing of the song titles and midi file names.

Why its driving me crazy and I suspected it might be from a very old PG Music program is I was recently disappointed to learn Tech Support can give me only a listing of programs I purchased in the last few years, not dating back as far as when I started purchasing PG programs.

I still have the little blue manuals for programs like "The Jazz Soloist for Windows" and "The Christmas Pianist for Windows", both copyrighted 1995 (but I don't have the programs- I assume they were on CDs).

And there are others like "New Orleans Pianist", "Gospel Pianist", "New Age Pianist", "Ragtime Pianist", "Jazz Guitarist", and "Essential Blues Guitar". Some of them I have the CDs for still.

But one of them I ran across was "Jazz Pianist". And THIS is the one that I was suspecting my mysterious MIDI file list related to (and of course I cannot find the Jazz Pianist program.

It is also a mystery to me exactly why PG Music, after going to all the trouble to produce these programs, no longer sells them. The content would be timeless. I though based upon the list I found perhaps there was a copyright problem with it, as the titles for the 60+ tunes suggest many if not most are not in the public domain.

As you all suggest with the standard PG Music file conventions of SGU, etc. maybe what I found related to a non-PG Music product. They are clearly .MID files though with the two leading characters being JPxxx.MID.

Oh well, maybe someday I'll figure it out, as I would really like to have MIDI files of those 60+ classics to study (assuming they were good of course).

But now my biggest mystery is exactly WHY PG Music discontinued alot of those titles. The subject matters were GREAT- New Orleans, Gospel, Latin, etc. I'm sure alot of that is contained in the new styles of BIAB, etc. but these were actual courses.

Any input re the foregoing is still welcome.

Best,

Bob

Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,945
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,945
Some of our older products have been discontinued and so we no longer distribute them nor have the old files for them anymore. Some of the programs you mentioned however can be found here: https://www.pgmusic.com/products.win.htm

We do sell these ones on the page we linked you which do include MIDI files:

  • Latin Pianist
  • Modern Jazz Pianist
  • Blues Pianist
  • New Age Pianist


But the Jazz Pianist in particular we no longer offer nor have the old files for - just the Modern Jazz Pianist.


Cheers,
Ember
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,122
Bob, "The Christmas Pianist for Windows" shipped on a 3.5" floppy diskette. That is the program I mentioned above.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
B
bobc Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
Still don't understand why some programs are discontinued when there is no fault with the content. Unless the demand is so small as to not warrant it.

BUT: my original mystery SOLVED (well, at least partially). I finally FOUND a CD I had burned of all the 60+ MIDI files of classics, not just a print out of titles. And I am guessing now I must have found them somewhere on the internet and that they are probably NOT PG Music files !

I've listened to some and they are terrific, high quality. Still wish I could figure out where on earth I found them. And I still wish I could find my PG Music program New Orleans Pianist and a few others. But I'll take this success of at least finding the MIDIs of the files I was hunting for !

Best,

Bob

Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
B
bobc Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 145
The biggest mystery has now been solved as to why PG Music discontinued these great programs. I found this and should have Googled better in the first place. Now that I know they were from the '90's and on FLOPPY disks (!) I know better where to hunt for them in my barn. The one in particular I was hunting for is called The Jazz Pianist

For you history buffs about PG Music here is what I found:

pgmusic used to have a bunch of "pianist" programs, which consisted of midi files and a player program that had extra info, etc. most of them have disappeared except for the few that are left on their website. they were (are, if you're lucky enough to have them) great programs. i'm not sure what's left to buy - these are the ones i know they have had:
blues pianist
children's pianist
christmas pianist
gospel pianist
jazz pianist
jazz soloist
latin pianist
modern jazz pianist
new age pianist
new orleans pianist
ragtime pianist
the pianist (6 volumes of classical works)
my understanding is that it was mostly copyright issues that took them off the market. too bad - probably the only place to find them is from someone who wants to sell them. i recommend getting any of them you can find, but especially the jazz pianist.

i have it for pc (the 1993 1.01 version ! ) and you're right, it's a cool program (with around 60 midi files to playback with in real-time, in different styles of jazz, staff, on-sreen piano, and even lessons, and trivia).
when i check the help/index section, i find nothing about updating it online.
just an address and phone nbr : pg music inc 266 elmwood avenue, suite 111, buffalo, ny 14222 .... ph (800)-268-6272 or (905)-528-2368 ... (if it still alive), maybe they might enlighten you with that.

************************

Now to find my floppies (and a floppy drive to try to run them on !)

Best and thanks for all your input. ALL mysteries now solved !!!!!

Bob

Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,384
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,384
Those tunes were "The Jazz Pianist". It was long ago discontinued but worst of all the files lost compatiblity with MS operating system upgrades. It was a favorite of mine in the day.


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
Fun thread.

This sort of problem occurs with updates to the OS. As a programmer, I wrote tons of programs that no longer work, or require some kludges to work. It could be worse; think of those who use Macs (including me) where the OS seems to destroy backward compatibility more frequently.

I wonder if that address was Peter Gannon's when he first wrote BIAB.

At any event, Bobc, you could consider going back to your first post and clicking Mark as Resolved.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Other PG Music Programs
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 299
Bobc got it right when he said it was copyright issues… The “nature” of biab-files, as they aren’t wav files, is that they are labeled as “scores”, if they include the melody (MGU) or easily identifiable chord changes, The copyright cost for sheet music is considerably higher than for reproductions, like MP3’s.

But what great performances in the Jazz Pianist! Maybe not as cool as the Modern Jazz Pianist (Renee Rosnes is playing all this modern Hancock-Beirach inspired harmony and it’s really next level music), but still, what a pity it isn’t for sale any longer. Anyways, it’s available somewhere on the web.

On the other hand, the software looks and feels dated, even if it still kinda runs on windows. The fonts, visuals and interface… it’s got 90’s written all over.


Biab, Kontakt, Sampletank and lots of nice libraries, from Fluffy audio to Abbey Road drums.
Check out these great contemporary Jazz Styles: www.jazzstylezz.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

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!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

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.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

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!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

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!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

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.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,582
Posts734,694
Members38,499
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Tusar Sarkar, RTW, wtsy365, DerFlex, xabialonso259@gmai
38,499 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 200
DC Ron 111
dcuny 82
WaoBand 75
Today's Birthdays
AlberMaxSax, Lloyd Morris
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5