I have been reading information about BIAB, thought about purchasing the software but I want to get some feedback before I commit to the purchase. It look like it would be a great song writing and a great practice tool not to mention a good way to teach students learning to play. I not sure how well it would work on a live performance but it seems if you have a good rig and equip. you should have no problems. I would like to hear what others think about this software let me know how easy it is to use and if it is worth the time and money. I am always wanting to redefine my lead breaks and this looks like a excellent tool just for that purpose.

I don't own it personally but several here on the HO do and speak highly of it.  Recommend you do a search on it and you should get plenty of reading material to help with your decision.  Also hang on and others will chime in for sure.

Bobby

I'm not sure what Dave Hum uses when he records his songs on here but he sure does sound good !

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Originally posted by drefoss

I'm not sure what Dave Hum uses when he records his songs on here but he sure does sound good !

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Dave Hum records his own, I believe.

BIAB is really good.  I spent about 100 thru Janet Davis for the 2011 software that came with the so-called bluegrass pak.  Then I spend a little more to get additional bluegrass tracks - they call them 11 and 33 I think.  Anyhow, the people at PG Music are very supportive through their tech support toll free line, and the book with the software is very detailed.  Newer software versions may vary slightly from the book however, which is where PG comes into play with support over the phone.  It's a somewhat complicated program to get started but the fundamentals of using it can be quickly learned.  PG website will also have updates for whatever version you buy so pay attention or ask them about that if you buy it.  The additional tracks for bluegrass were worth the money.  They are large downloads so be patient and get on high speed internet connection for these if you buy. 

Great feedback on how you sound with a little accompaniment, and I find it to be a glorified metronome helping me with timing and consistency of speed throughout a song.  It takes a little experimenting with each song to determine which "style" you want for a particular song, but you'll catch on to that as you learn BIAB.  Scott Vestal played the banjo backup tracks in the added tracks for bluegrass and is excellent.  I think that was tracks 33.  I would buy it again.  No buyer remorse.  Not sure about promotional pricing anywhere but shopping around is always advisable, right?  You may not do any better than Janet Davis, while her shipping rates continue to annoy me.  Example:  Let's say you buy three quality bridges and get up around $100.  Their shipping rates are based solely on dollars so they would want around $15 or something like that.  You know how bridges are mailed in their little plastic cases - 3 in a padded envelope probably costs them around $1.50 to get it out the door.  Rip.  But they are a good company other than that IMO.  I like Elderly Instruments policy of free shipping for orders over $49.  But I don't know if they sell BIAB.  Check it out.

Just came across this which may be the best price at the moment.

http://www.midi-store.com/Band-in-a-Box-Pro-2012-Windows-p-16204.html?gclid=CP-ciaOVgq4CFQF6hwodMArY6A

This may be of interest to you

http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/218356

I use BIAB for practice every time I practice. I highly recommend it as it will play as fast or slow as you want/need, it never gets tired or wants a smoke break & entering songs is not that hard altho it takes a little practice. I still don't like the Real Tracks because if you play them slower or faster than they recommend, they start sounding funny & I don't like the guitarists style of playing. (Too folkum)  I listened to some of the new version & it does sound somewhat better. I have a style with just guitar & bass that I play against & it works out pretty well. If you don't have Real Tracks, your computer plays the MIDI instruments that all sound cards come with. They sound sort of lame but I use them because the playing is more traditional & I am all about tradition. I also have about 225 songs that my brother entered which I will give to anyone that asks, along with my style. YMMV...

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Originally posted by Jason Wilkerson

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Originally posted by drefoss

I'm not sure what Dave Hum uses when he records his songs on here but he sure does sound good !

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Dave Hum records his own, I believe.

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Thanks, everyone has been very helpful. I believe I am going to purchase the software.