Band in a Box

[Steptoe]

A lot of songs I perform live are simple 12 bar rock & roll songs, there are others I would like to do but because they aren't as popular as the obvious songs Midi files are hard to come by.
Which brings me to the topic heading, I have Band in a Box on my computer but have never really had much success with it. Is there a simple tutorial or manual available for download?

[rogerch]

Steptoe,

I'm sure I have something on BB at home for you. I doubt that it's a simple thing! They keep adding more and more to these proggies and it becomes nut's!

I only use it to extract guitar sheets W/ Lyrics for my guitar player, they are the exact cords used with the midi file instead of trying to figure the cords out or grabbing someone else's rendition of the song.

I have yet to hear a good song sequenced on BB in comparison to something done in cakewalk. But you make think the ease is worth the time for you.

I'm not sure at this time if what i have is a video or a PDF file that came with the proggie but we shall get it off to you somehow.

Roger

[levi2]

Just play around with it set how many bars there will be in the song you can always add them
type in yer chords select a style play
I got a 2005 manual which wont be much different gimme a email and i will send

[rockabilly]

Hi
Just upgraded to 2006 version - Video's available at www.pgmusic.com/bbdemovideos.htm.

It has some significant improvements and I agree, it is OK to get some sort of backing (especially if you don't play keyboards) and is useful to use midi files to modify the backing styles etc. Have not got fully in to the whole thing and have found some of the things to be bloody frustrating - trying to produce the sound that I want etc - but the lead sheets and overall usability and concept makes it a worthwhile addition to the tools armoury!!

Upgrade to 2006 looks like it is worthwhile if you use the program regularly (a couple of VST additions and some useful additions make it usable - eg load complete wav/mp3 song and slow it down like slowGold and the midi chord recognition is useful even though it is often 'over the top')
Kev

[axill]

Here's a link to band in a box files

www.midistudio.com/basement.htm

[Steptoe]

Thanks everyone for there input, guess I'll really have to pull my finger out now and get stuck into it.

[a.j.]

Hi John,

You don't mention which version of BB you have. We've used it for years - currently on 2005 (I haven't looked at the 2006 features yet to decide whether to upgrade).

Admittedly, like any clever software, most people use only 10% of its capability (we probabaly fall into that category), but I find that the song styles are useful for creating midis where you just want to type in chord shapes, and end up with a resonable backing for something, and then tweak individual tracks if you need to. I used to be able to spot a band-in-a-box midi a mile away, but it's becoming more difficult.

You should have received a manual with your original pack, but I have found that the tutorial videos are easier to follow. You will find them at the following link on the PG Music website www.pgmusic.com/bbdemovideos.htm. I've also found the email support at PG Music very helpful (and prompt) on a couple of occassions - maybe they can email you a PDF manual for the version that you have.

Alternatively, if I can help with anything specific, I'd be more than happy.