Band In A Box....what do I need?

[tonewheelkev]

Have been thinking of going down this route for a while now.
Just wondering if any BIAB users out there will tell/advise me just what I need to get going!?
I can see that the basic software retails at around £100.....but more superior packages rocket up in price from there.
Am hoping to 'corner' a laptop fit for purpose....am I right in thinking I'll also need an external soundcard of some kind?

....Unfortunately....it won't be a Mac, or I'd have already been onto Basil.

Would appreciate any comments before I get my feet wet!!

[Basil Henriques]

BIAB uses its own soundfiles to create the backings, so an better internal soundcard or an external one, are unnecessary, unless you intend to play the backings direct from the computer, and even then the internal sound chip should be more than adequate.
Even in its basic stage BIAB can generate pretty good backings, it's the users who make it sound good or bad depending on their expertise and ability to RTFM..
Playing live from the programme is NOT the WTG. You generate the backings and convert them to whatever format your playback system uses, usually mp3.
There's a plethora of mp3 apps that allow you to set up a playlist in seconds..for Smartphone or iPad usage.
There are tutorial videos included even with the basic BIAB that explain all.
My advice is to watch every bit of them, and then try out what you've learned. Trying to make your own backings straight away is the temptation most succumb to, consequently NOT learning enough about the nitty gritty.. If you have ANY questions about its usage when you get it, just ask me.. 24/7 text and voice from 08:00 -02:00am any day 07800-646-645
Finally, it's NOT rocket science, just a case of memory intuition and the ability to assimilate instructions. Of course some knowledge of chords is an advantage, but even that can be circumvented by getting the info off the net and typing in the chords you've found..NOT the best way.

If you ever want the chords to ANY tune, just send me the song/tune as an mp3 or a link to a video etc and I'll send you the chords back in BIAB format ready for the programme to play and you select the key-tempo and sounds.. etc.
You can e-mail my 'phone that's always with me. [email protected] or PM me on Facebook, both of which I get instantly as well as text of course.

I won't advise on what computer to get because almost any one nowadays will be fine. What I can advise is that if you get a laptop, get a mouse, It's a far more practical way of using the program. BUT looking at this post again, what is the computer you're using right now to access the 'net' ? it's probably more than good enough to host BIAB and serve as the main base for your programming..
When you've purchased your version of BIAB, join the on-line forum http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthread ... ng=english

[Basil Henriques]

Just looking at your OP I noticed you said:

Am hoping to 'corner' a laptop fit for purpose....am I right in thinking I'll also need an external soundcard of some kind?

So presumably you're buying a laptop to play the BIAB files. WHY ? for sake ?
I could play a set list from my iPhone, and also I could set up a new list in about a minute.
iPad, iPad mini, iPhone or any "SmartPhone" that supports apps, or any mp3 player, and you have a playback machine that's FAR more convenient.

[tonewheelkev]

Hi Basil
....and thanks for the...comprehensive...reply!!
I really do appreciate the open offer of help that you make!!

Having recently attended the NSGF, (Thanks Tony and Digby!) I'm aware that players used MP3's as accompaniment to performance, and to great effect!
For me, I was thinking of BIAB as a practice tool, in the first instance....allowing some control over key, speed change, perhaps some selective looping!! Of course, I can see why MP3 is the way to go once a backing is complete.

Would like to know more about the.....

plethora of mp3 apps that allow you to set up a playlist in seconds..for Smartphone.....

....a couple would do for me

My phrase...

'corner(ing)' a lap-top

.....I carefully avoided the 'buy' word here! Presently I have an 'office' based PC that isn't conveniently situated for music related stuff....just musing at the idea I suppose!!

Thanks again....much appreciated

[Basil Henriques]

BackTrax is THE one to use..
Pro Gigger is pretty good and of course there are MANY more..

As a practise tool BIAB is very smart. You can set-up practise scenarios that increase with tempo over the number of plays set in the loop etc.
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthread ... 57&gonew=1

THIS is a very informative page:-
http://www.pgmusic.com/practice.htm

[tonewheelkev]

BackTrax is THE one to use..
Pro Gigger is pretty good and of course there are MANY more..

Thanks for that...but I actually have less intention of buying an i-phone/pad than a laptop...

Suppose there might be equivalents for Smartphone?....I've also got a Blackberry Playbook....

[Will C]

Well, a Playbook plays MP3 files....

[tonewheelkev]

Well.....I've acquired a laptop...and installed a version of BIAB that seems to be working.....

Hells Bells.....it looks complex!!!

Any tips....suggestions for tutorials to get started...would be most welcome!!

[e9b6]

Have a look at

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewforu ... b412c0d511

You can get a DVD which will point the way for you....


Colin

[tonewheelkev]

Thanks Colin...watching it right now!!!.......