You may see in the BIAB 2025 description (I didn't) that there is a "muted electric guitar" in the new Pop & Rock Real Tracks. I didn't read it because I usually run through the styles when I buy BIAB. So I wrote a post recommending Rubber Bridge as a new style, like a dummy. Maybe I should read the description? Doh!
I think there are some more muted guitar sounds inthe 2025 49-PAK--not the Bonus pak.
They call it "muted electric guitar." You can find it in the Realtracks Set 459: Songwriter Potpourri, styles 99-104. PGMusic says this is a technique where "a foam mute is placed under the bridge to get a great muted effect." I've never heard of anybody using foam, but maybe it would work. Anyway, "Bridge" is a misnomer, unless you consider the saddle to be part of the bridge. A piece of rubber replaces the bone saddle that usually sits on the bridge--that's where the strings touch and that's where they are muted.
Anyway this makes 2025 BIAB an insta-buy for me.
If you're curious about what the sound is and why PGMusic included it, the rubber bridge guitar is the leading trend in indie folk (and some pop) today. It's a modded guitar with a distinctive muted sound. (It's actually the saddle that is rubber.) To be fussy about it, it's most often played on an acoustic guitar, modified with pickups. Or, as in the video below, played through a mic that runs through guitar pedals.
Inspired by Blake Mills' rubber bridge banjo, they were first modded from old guitars by Reuben Cox. Popularized by Phoebe Bridgers, it has been used in songs by Wilco, Olivia Rodrigo, Madison Carpenter, Blake Mills, Taylor Swift, and dozens of others. It's in many of the songs in Bob Dylan's "Shadow Kingdom." It's generally used more for arpeggios and repeated patterns than strumming, and often a lot of effects are put on it. A good example of the sound is Ariel Posen's instrumental "Tumble Away."
Here's a Phoebe Bridgers' "Garden Song," from "Punisher," the album that kicked off the trend. You can see how the repeated pattern drives the song. Also, it's lower than a regular guitar, so it really shows off her vocal range.
The sound is not for everybody, but to me it is very beautiful. Thanks again, PGMusic. I look forward to using it.
I am very glad I didn't post this in the right place because I feel like an idiot and maybe less people saw it. There is exactly this sound in BIAB 2025. I have changed my headline.
BIAB calls it muted electric guitar. But the sound is the same.
You can find the Rubber Bridge sound in the Realtracks Set 459: Songwriter Potpourri 99-104
I also think that it will go well with some of the Acoustic Piano in the Potpourri.
Anyway, thank you for the information about the other forum section. As a noob, I should be more careful.
I'm glad you found a RealTrack that sounds like the sound you requested. I'll have to investigate RealTracks Set # 459 as that muted sound can be used in a lot of different types of music. Thanks for sharing where you found it.
Sometimes the idea behind a thread can "fit" in several forum sections. It's a matter of choosing which forum section best accomplishes what you want to achieve when you post the thread.
PG Music's employee, Tobin, is a frequent visitor to the Styles & RealTracks wishlist forum section. Tobin's questions, clarifications and responses implies he has a lot of input about the production of RealTracks. You rarely see Tobin post elsewhere in the forum so I don't know how much of the rest of the forum Tobin monitors. That is why I suggested you repost in the wishlist forum section.
That's a cool sound, and nice that there are some new tracks with that included. For another option, a decent approximation could be created with fingerstyle or arpeggio MIDI guitar tracks and an appropriate VSTi sound. Maybe just a muted guitar, or perhaps a harp. Will have to experiment with that...
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
You may see in the BIAB 2025 description (I didn't) that there is a "muted electric guitar" in the new Pop & Rock Real Tracks. I didn't read it because I usually run through the styles when I buy BIAB. So I wrote a post recommending Rubber Bridge as a new style, like a dummy. Maybe I should read the description? Doh!
They call it "muted electric guitar." You can find it in the Realtracks Set 459: Songwriter Potpourri, styles 99-104. PGMusic says this is a technique where "a foam mute is placed under the bridge to get a great muted effect." I've never heard of anybody using foam, but maybe it
Are these what you are talking about? If you hadn't pointed it out to me, I would never have found it. It's so hard to find...
I'm glad you found a RealTrack that sounds like the sound you requested. I'll have to investigate RealTracks Set # 459 as that muted sound can be used in a lot of different types of music. Thanks for sharing where you found it. .
Without his hint, could you find it? It's hard for me to find it, because it's hidden so deep that we can't find it.
So why don't you design the realtrack catalog well, right? It's too bad now.
Also, how can I find it quickly according to this information "Realtracks Set 459: Songwriter Potpourri, styles 99-104"? Can you tell me, I don't know how to do it.
I found it according to the muted electric guitar information.
One way would be to filter using the terms "mute", "guitar", "muted acoustic guitar" or "muted electric guitar".
In this case, Tiger The Frog indicated he found the sound in RealTracks set 459 so click on the Set column to arrange all the RealTracks by set number and look for Set 459. Notice that when you click on a column header and * is displayed to visually indicate how the RealTracks are sorted.
Thank you! Although English is very difficult for me, especially facing the interface with a lot of content, but your tips have helped me a lot and I have made progress today.
That's a cool sound, and nice that there are some new tracks with that included. For another option, a decent approximation could be created with fingerstyle or arpeggio MIDI guitar tracks and an appropriate VSTi sound. Maybe just a muted guitar, or perhaps a harp. Will have to experiment with that...
One thing you could do is download this virtual instrument, "Rubber Bridge Plucks," by Jon Meyer. It's a "pay what you want" instrument, but it has a suggested price of $5. It's not exactly a rubber bridge--he used an eraser!--but it's interesting.
You may know Jon Meyer from Pianobook, but he has started a new company, Somerville Sounds.
My experience using this and an expensive one made by Orange Tree Samples is it just didn't work for me. I needed to get my own guitar. But still, having these styles in BIAB will be a huge help when I put my songs together--before playing the parts myself.
The 20 bonus RealTracks included with the 2025 49-PAK feature lots of user requests and more to add to your RealTracks library! There's requested muted trumpet soloist that is perfect for smooth jazz and pop grooves. We’ve also added more "layered acoustic guitar" RealTracks, which, when combined, create an acoustic "wall of sound" ideal for pop or country songs. A versatile gospel organ RealTrack that also works well over country and blues styles. There's more singer-songwriter "indie-folk" styles, with bouzouki, banjo, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and a RealTracks first, muted electric guitar. This instrument was recorded with a foam mute placed at the bridge and delivers a cool, understated effect, perfect for mellow modern pop and folk tracks. Additionally, we’ve included exciting new RealDrums, many inspired by user requests on our forums. We have "flat tire blues," a specific blues shuffle approach where the snare is accented on the off-beats. There's "rock 'n' roll clave," a groove popularized in the '50s; and "tango lounge," a blend of classic Argentinian tango and mid-20th-century American pop. Finally, we have some wonderfully understated brushes drum styles, including BluesFolkBrushesSw & SongwriterSlowBrushes.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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Maybe I should read the description? Doh! 
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