Band in a Box

[saxobell]

Does anyone use band in a box or know anything about it? Is it background music? Is electronic equipment required? Is any special talent required (like wiring)?

I think I saw Band in a Box discussed somewhere on this forum but wasn't interested at the time. Now, I've tried to search it but can't find anything. I've googled it but can't find any instructions.
Would appreciate being pointed in the right direction or given some help. Thanks in advance.

[gary]

I've tried to search it but can't find anything. I've googled it but can't find any instructions.
I'm one of the ones who squawks the loudest about people not using the search function but it seems amazingly feeble. I don't understand why the search function couldn't glean what you were looking for. Whatever.

Go to www.pgmusic.com and you'll find everything your heart desires about the product; probably more. I have been using it since it was only available on floppy discs and I think it's a great product. I use it for practicing tunes and also for arranging. It's a very big bang for the buck.

[saxobell]

Thank you very much, Gary! I found the site and you're right - it is probably more information that I can process. It really looks great if I can learn to use it.

Thank you also for not squaking loudly at me - I do enough of my own squaking on my horn. :lol:

Maybe if I used hyphens between the words (band-in-a-box) the search engine may have worked better.

[Bill Mecca]

actually better yet, trying searching the acronym BIAB that is how most refer to it in type.

Ihave an older version and use it a bit, I have never gone past the basics of putting in some chords picking a style adn telling it to play. I have heard some people, do some good stuff with it.

[saxobell]

Hi Bill, you were right. I entered BIAB into the search engine and there it was. Guess I know how I'll be spending my afternoon. Thanks that was very helpful!

[Troy]

I use this too. Found out about it on this forum...well, the old version. It is way cool and will do way more than I need it to. A super value for the bucks.

Also, one of the finest pieces of software that I use. Small, light, fast, does clog or crash anything else on Windoze. Sweet!

[New_Alex]

Dear saxobell,

It is my honour to have a female Artist in this male dominant art.

This is my experience with BIAB. Its limitations tell me that I could be better off with an arranger Keyboard.

It is a great Software for Jazzists but the following limitations have been noted:

1. You can not control it live by using an external keyboard e.g use your left hand to control the chord.
2. You can not create your own styles with ease so the styles availble in the internet by users are not existent like e.g for a Yamaha arranager Keyboard....
3. Better use a GM or an XG instrument for it otherwise you will get irrational output.

Appart from this BIAB can be used for creation of Music on the spot for practise purposes.....

Alex

[pknight]

Band-in-a-Box does apparently have limitations, as most software programs do. However, if you want a quick-and-dirty way to generate neat accompanimnet for your practicing, it can't be beat. You can also print out the individual parts of the accompaniments and give them to members of a combo to play, if needed. This is what it does, and it does it well.

[New_Alex]

Band-in-a-Box does apparently have limitations, as most software programs do. However, if you want a quick-and-dirty way to generate neat accompanimnet for your practicing, it can't be beat.

I couldn't agree more!!!

Alex

[Bill Mecca]

Jammer Pro by Soundtrek is also quite good, and it has a sequencer window where you can adjust individual instrument levels etc. I've used that more than BIAB and my verson of BIAB is 9 and Jammer PRo 4 (it was completely re-written in version 9. I find JP's drum patterns to be a bit more realistic.

just another option.

[saxobell]

Dear saxobell,

It is my honour to have a female Artist in this male dominant art.

Appart from this BIAB can be used for creation of Music on the spot for practise purposes.....
Alex

Thank you kind Alex, but it is my honor to have been accepted by this "male dominant art" and I've noticed quite a few other nifty females in this forum.

My only use right now for BITB is accompaniment for practicing - it makes me sound so much better and helps me with timing - much nicer than a metronome.

[New_Alex]

It is always my advise and lately I follow it myself, that you play any instrument along with a full band. Listening to the root bass notes, helps you improvise better and especially piano players. Because the chords on your left hand move freely on other than the bass notes.

Band in a box could be the best solution if you are not engaged in the Arranger Keyboard world.

Thanks
Alex

[pknight]

Jammer Pro by Soundtrek is also quite good, and it has a sequencer window where you can adjust individual instrument levels etc. I've used that more than BIAB and my verson of BIAB is 9 and Jammer PRo 4 (it was completely re-written in version 9. I find JP's drum patterns to be a bit more realistic.

just another option.

Bill,

BIAB has changed its numbering system, so that the current version is "2004." I believe that the one prior to that was version 12. I know that there have been a lot of changes since verison 10, which was where I started. The most notable change in 2004 is that it is now a completely 32-bit program. Much nicer interface and much more reliable.

[saxobell]

Hi Everyone!

You've all helped me make up my mind to buy BIAB. Won't that be a nice Christmas present to myself :D ?

Thanks, I really appreciate all the advice as the local music store told me that I wouldn't want it because it is for teachers. I've decided that if they don't sell it - they don't want anyone to have it. Gesh!

Now, I'm hoping that I have the computer/software skills to get it up and working.

[beezer]

In my neck of the woods, good bass players,drummers, and pianists are like rocking horse **** , so I go on gigs with my laptop, a decent PA system, and BIAB.
Financially more rewarding too.
Beware the squeaky sounds with rubbish soundcards though. I use a Roland midi module which gives acceptable P, B, D.
Try editing the Styles to improve sounds.

Cheers, (Old) Dave

[gary]

Now, I'm hoping that I have the computer/software skills to get it up and working.Hey Carol - some of the bundled BIAB packages from pgmusic come with a CD tutor on how to use it. If you don't get one of the bundles, check out the availability of that CD anyway. I wouldn't think it would be too expensive, since pgmusic is known for their low prices and it would probably be well worth the cost.