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navarro

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Over the last few weeks I have heard from fellow newbies like myself references to `Band In A Box` as a very effective learning tool. A keyboard player who I jam with on Friday nights is a fervent disciple of said `Box.` What he forgot to mention was the cost for just the basic.

Are there any forumites who have experience with the afore mentioned and is it worth me investing a part of my meagre pension to purchase it. ( Incidentally I categorically deny the `Bus Pass` currently being open to bids on EBay is mine.) Best regards Wry sardonic humour N.
 
Young Mr "N" This website http://www.pgmusic.com/ Will tell you all you need to know. The live chat is very good and the customer service is 2nd to none... It all depends on what you want to do with your music, as to what version you buy. If you have any more questiions feel free to ask..

Chris...
 
It looks interesting...is it complex enough as it says it is?
 
There is a general divide between those who think learning "standards" (and mainstream playing) is all there is, and those who don't. The majority of beginners are pushed to learn standards. The band in a box is good for practicing and reading so that you can put yourself "in the band" and be playing with real players and good arrangements. The problem is that they are standards, for which (despite the passion of many players) there is little/no audience. As an exercise tool it can be excellent for beginners. As a template for professional playing it's unfortunately about as useful as learning Dixieland or Ragtime. It's a specialist field of music from the past whose ardent players don't seem to recognize its time has past, but audiences certainly do.

A challenging exercise that's free, but requires being a bit more advanced is to put on the radio to any station, any style, any tune, and see if you can play along. This requires hearing the style, anticipating what's coming, adapting to the style, and playing relevant improvisations. It will stretch you in every way possible.

My opinion is that band in a box can have its place but it's like using training wheels. As soon as possible you need to cast them off, get your balance, and ride in the real world.
 
Thanks Wade, sound advice and I most certainly will explore that medium. Best regds. N
 
Good advice Wade as usual. But! " The problem is that they are standards " BiaB is more than that it is what you put in. It caters for many different styles of music.. Just so happens I kinda like jazz...Plus you cant rewind the radio..

Chris..
 
Jim, it all depends on the version of BiaB people are using, Sometimes these files can be out of date..

Chris...
 
Looks interesting, but wow that is a lot of money. Looks like yearly updates too are a bit up there. I guess it depends on if you upgrade and what you have to spend.
 
Good advice Wade as usual. But! " The problem is that they are standards " BiaB is more than that it is what you put in. It caters for many different styles of music.. Just so happens I kinda like jazz...Plus you cant rewind the radio..

Chris..

Right you are. My mistake, was thinking generically and specifically about Aebersold. Apologies.
 
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