I do a solo act playing guitar and singing and I have the following gear:

AKG C420, TC Voiceworks, Brian Moore i2.13, Axon AX100SB, Roland JV1010, Electrix Repeater, DigiTech Main Squeeze, Pod XT, FMR RNC, Behringer DDX3216 & FCB1010 & VX2000, M-Audio Miidsport 8X8, PV 2600, EV Zx5, IEM, Laptop, ShowPlay 3 SMF Playback Software.

I’m wondering if instead of SMF’s via my laptop to the Roland JV1010, if I bought one of the new arranger keyboards such as the Kong Pa800 (or perhaps latest version of Band In A Box) would I be farther ahead?

Now understand I don’t want to play keys at all, so I let the SMF’s do some and play some with my Axon AX100SB guitar synth.

Could I could produce more convincing backing tracks that equate exactly to the cover songs I play?

Could I do so with greater speed and ease than hunting down SMF’s and editing them with Cakewalk?

Note that I have built a series Cakewalk Application Language files (CAL’s*)that I use to quickly and easily transmute SMF’s to be consistent with my existing SMF’s so bringing new SFM;s into the fold is not too tiresome a task. However SMF’s can be somewhat bland and static at times.

*CAL’s are essentially proprietary Cakewalk macros.

http://www.ketronus.com/midjay.htm
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/015771.html

I have two of these. Great sounds from my SMF's. Editing is easier on a computer.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476225-REG/Ketron_SD2_SD2_Arranger_Sound.html/kw/KESD2
Bernie

BIAB would be worth a try. I have used this PC software for years. Once chords are entered, takes less than a minutes. BIAB will create full backing in less than 10 seconds.
It's a very cost effective program. Suggest you download the demo from www.pgmusic.com

If you're not going to play keys, I suggest a laptop and a sound module (SC88, MU50, X5DR, JV1010). Band in a Box is not for live playing; you can make an arrangement in advance and play it, but you can't change chords and styles on the fly.
The other possibility is a MidJay from Ketron. If you want something real compact you could check out a Yamaha QY100. Lastly, what about a Boss Looping machine, RC20,50 ?

Hi,
why not download the demo of BIAB 2006 http://nn.pgmusic.com/demos/demo_bbw.php
& try before you buy.
The demo unfortunately doesn't have the BIAB 2007 "Real Drums" ( ie audio drum loops that can be used to replace BIAB's midi drums), but at least you'd get some idea of how the program works.
Plus there's demo songs on site using the Real Drums.
Also if you do decide to buy , check out the megapaks & go thru thoroughly of what you get with the paks. In the long run they work out cheaper than buying individual style sets, soloist sets,etc as add ons. http://www.pgmusic.com/pdfs/PGMailer_July2007.pdf
best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Chumly:
[B]

[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 07-19-2007).]

Doesn't this depend on how much you want the "just like the record" sound of a particular Artist/Arrangement?

You said:

"Could I could produce MORE convincing backing tracks that equate EXACTLY to the cover songs I play?"

If I get you right, I would answer: NO.

Use a top quality Midi File.

It will almost ALWAYS be superior to an Arranger style.

But if you're JUST after a time saving method, and really don't care how accurate an arrangement is, using an arranger or BIAB will save you time.