| Author | Message | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 84 Registered: 6-2002 |
I came across "Band in a box" on some other threads where somebody asked about "Band-minus-one"-play-along CDs and BIAB was mentioned. For decades I have known this software(?) was around but I believe I never understood how it really works, i.e. how one can really work with it. Is it something like an arranger tool? If so, how does it work? Or is it just some playback tool for premade music to play to? How "natural" does it sound? Is it just a toy or for the serious musician? Can you use it on your own compositians too? All of the above? I am really curious since I haven't played with other musicians for a while and like to get my dust off and play to practice on various music styles. Sorry if this has been discussed before! Thanks a lot! Hartmut | ||
| bassman10096
Senior Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 668 Registered: 7-2003 |
I'd echo Hartmut's questions as I'm in a similar situation - in need of practice on a variety of styles and no logical playing partners on the horizon. Bill, the bass one | ||
| echo008
Intermediate Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 106 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hi.... I sometimes use band in a box to go over Jazz standards, they have these Real Book add-on packs that I have taken a liking to, there great for working out solos, and for practicing arpeggios/scales whatever over chord changes. I do not use it as an arranger tool so I cant really comment on those features, but it definitely does not sound "natural" when playing back songs its sounds rather artificial and sometimes just plain bad, but it is an easy way to learn changes, and you can turn on and off any instrument in the mix. As far as I kow you can compose your own music with this software, you just plop chords down on the page and it will play it back at specified Key, tempo, timing, etc. I would think to get a general idea of how your compositions (chords) will sound this might be good to use. again this is onnly my expirience I have really not gone much further with this software than just practicing real book standards with it. hope this helped a little bit. - Tom | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 86 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks Tom! What I don't understand is in which way is that concept different compared to your average MIDI-player/sequencer? Can't I just do the same stuff with any sequencer software or is the band-in-a-box-data different from a standard MIDI-file? Can you use extra sound modules as you would with a sequencer or MIDI-player or is the band-in-a-box an all inclusive package? Is band-in-a-box oblivious for those who have an advanced MIDI-sequencer à la Cubase or Logic or is this a completely different concept? Still trying to understand... | ||
| gare
Member Username: gare Post Number: 55 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's been a bit since I've used this software. Its not like a MIDI player/sequencer. Although you can generate MIDI data from it. Instead of actually playing into like a sequencer, you enter the parameters..chord progressions, tempo, etc, and the software generates the data/music. The add-on packs I havent tried. Like Tom said, it can be a cool practicing tool, especially if you happen to have a MIDI module or 2 laying around. I think it can still be had for under $75. Gary | ||
| echo008
Intermediate Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 107 Registered: 2-2003 |
Like gare said its not like a sequencer... its pretty simple to use at least on a basic level... Again I havent really gotten too into it...but for running through songs to get a better handle on them this is a great tool. - Tom | ||
| gare
Member Username: gare Post Number: 56 Registered: 11-2003 |
Try this website.. http://aitt.acadiau.ca/tutorials/music/bandinbox/ | ||
| dadabass2001
Advanced Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 264 Registered: 6-2002 |
gare- Your web link above does not work for me.  Mike | ||
| bigredbass
Advanced Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 311 Registered: 9-2002 |
I always had this perverse idea to play Holiday Inn lounge Piano Bars: MIDI up a bunch of tracks ( 'Feelings' 'Girl from Ipanema' you lnow, all that Mel Bay FakeBook stuff), stand behind the piano with my bass, cheesy tux, tip jar, and just Bill Murray it to death. But of course, I'd use a FENDER ! I guess there's still time . . . J o e y | ||
| bob
Advanced Member Username: bob Post Number: 340 Registered: 11-2002 |
I'm not sure how much I can really add here, but I played with this thing a little about ten years ago, and it was fairly popular at the time. The general idea was that you specified a chord progression (or outlined a song, with head, chorus, various repeats, etc.), then you picked a style (various flavors of jazz, for instance), maybe a tempo variation (ballad vs. something more upbeat), and a selection of instruments, and it would then generate parts for the various instruments. You certainly weren't going to record these and sell them, but it did a surprisingly good job, of playing whatever progression you came up with, in varying styles. You could literally just choose an alternative style from a menu (perhaps even for a single instrument, like swapping out your bass player or drummer, I forget), and hear the same thing played in a completely different way. The MIDI stuff is just a distraction here. It helps if you have the capability, but as gare said, that's not what this thing is about. As I recall, I read something (on a usenet group back in the days...) about an add-on set with some Coltrane stuff, but they were going through a phase where they were no longer supporting Macs (though maybe they've come back?) and you couldn't get some of this stuff anymore. I'm not making a recommendation one way or the other, though personally I'd rather spend my time playing an instrument than a computer these days. But it was surprisingly good software back then, and I can imagine it being a useful educational/practice tool, depending on what you're looking for. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1681 Registered: 9-2002 |
My friend guitarplayer used it to practice new solo's and highly recommended it to me once. He explained it as a "play-along tool". Nothing for programming and composing. As Bob said: you can set up FI a jazz standard to style, rhythm, speed, etc. The thing can generate a bass-line that one can accept, alter, hear, look at and be printed. So you actually play what the computer suggest, or find your own line. It seems to be quite good for practicing in playing along: you can put the computer-bass off and you play the showed music on the screen so you sound as playing with a band in a box. Paul the bad one | ||
| mrfunkwool
New Username: mrfunkwool Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2004 |
I had BB 10 years ago and actually didn't like it. However, a few months ago, I tried it again. and I have to say, its much, much better now. You must have a descent sound card... If you don't have a descent sound card, forget it, BB will sound like absolute crap. You don't have to go crazy... even a low end SoundBlaster is descent enough. Although, the better the soundcard, the better BB. I use it exactly like Paul TBO stated... as a play along tool. One nice feature... the current bar playing is always highlighted so you can easily find where you are if you happen to get lost.. distracted... you know when you go to take a sip... You can find the entire real book already transcribed in the BB format if you search the web or if you want just email me and I can send you the zip file. Oh, besides using it to play along w/ jazz standards, I find extremely useful to practice the scales that Dino throws at me. -Mr Funkwool (disciple of Paul TFO) | ||
| gare
Member Username: gare Post Number: 57 Registered: 11-2003 |
Sorry about that web link..hmmm copied it exactly..I found it using Google. 3 rd one on the list..search Band in a Box. I also spotted it at ProAudioMusic.com for 59.99. Lounge band..done that, oh what fun..the singer had a habit of never being in the same key as the band, but he paid the bills. He dissolved the band and bought a motel in El Paso, he's gotta be better at making beds than singing ! My condolences to El Paso. G | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 87 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks for all the posts! Looks like an even more useful tool than I originally expected. | ||
| lbpesq
Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 66 Registered: 7-2004 |
Great info above me. You all convinced me. I bought B-I-A-B 2004 off e-bay. When I break on the popular scene as the hottest, hippest, newest, almost 50 budding rock-star, I'll have all of you to be grateful to. Bill, the guitar one (Message edited by lbpesq on October 14, 2004) | ||
| hollis
Senior Member Username: hollis Post Number: 415 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill TGO, You'll be an overnight sensation! | ||
| haddimudd
Member Username: haddimudd Post Number: 89 Registered: 6-2002 |
Seems like I will be BIABoxing soon too  . Does anyone know of a link to download free BIAB songs? |
