Band in a Box?

[Rich]

I'm looking at this demo for Band in a Box (computer software), and it seems like it could be great for practicing tunes, but I'm wondering how much work it would take to learn to use, then to enter the songs I'd want? #Any advice on Band in a Box out there in Mando world?
Thanx

[August Watters]

I use BIAB all the time, and require my students to use it for practice. It's VERY powerful software, because it plays backgrounds for you while you practice. It's great for giving you the feedback you need to improve your time, and for learning to play over chord changes.

Entering tunes is a matter of seconds -- just type in the chords. #Melodies take more time, but I usually don't bother. There are already resouces on the web of bluegrass (and other styles) tunes. Try the Virtual Bluegrass Band:
http://websites.cable.ntl.com/~onlinetraining/index.htm

The .mid files were created by BIAB, and can be played on any computer, without BIAB. The .sgu files DO require BIAB -- they'll sound the same (if you have decent acoustic instrument sounds in your computer) -- but they'll also give you control of tempo.

August Watters
http://www.galleryofstrings.com

[Rich]

Great link! I'm going to have a great time with BIAB now. Thanks again,
Rich

[lhamilton1]

Hi,

I find Band in a Box 2004's midi capability rather useful now. I can bring a midi into BIAB (it imports the entire midi into the Melody part). Then I let it play.

As it plays, I can see the various midi channels playing on the piano keyboard. From that I can find out what the number is for the channel or channels are that are carrying the main melody.

Then I simply use Band In A Box to move those channels from the Melody over to Solo. Then I can turn off Solo (once I get comfortable with how the tune fits in with the background) and I've got a fairly decent background that isn't just straight chords.

Then I can convert the background to wav if I want to work with it off a CD later.

Naturally some midis are better for this than others.

Linda

[August Watters]

That's VERY clever. I'll have to try that. I'll bet the midi files on the Virtual Bluegrass band website would work just fine this way.

Thanks,
August

[Corbin Smith]

I love BIB. My old guitar teacher had a program called "slowblast" come with his. Does anyone know how to get this or a similar program separately from BIB since I already have BIB?

Thanks
Corbin

[lhamilton1]

Hi,

Both Band in a Box and Slowblast are from PG Music. They sell Slowblast separately for about $20:

http://www.pgmusic.com/slowblast.htm

Linda

[Pete Martin]

Anyone considering buying this program will love it. I've used it a ton since it first came out. The jazz stuff is especially good.

The sounds you get out of this program depend on the quality of your sound card. If you are going to use this a lot, get a good quality card.