Has anyone heard of this Blake Milton guy or had any experience with the real book software he's selling at realbooksoftware.com? The product sounds interesting, but the web site has a really shady used-car salesman feel to it. The part about the recordings is really vague, too.

I tried searching the web and talkbass for information about this guy and his DVD, but came up empty. I'm guessing the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, applies here.

Anyone? I'm not affiliated with this guy. I just don't want to waste my money if someone knows it is bogus.

do you have BIAB?

If you do I can send you a folder with all the fakebook songs... for free!
Email me at
yvongravel at gmail.com

Oh, you just happened to see his post..........on a bass related forum?? SPAM!!

Yeah, he registered just to make that one post.

To his credit, typing "realbooksoftware" into Google returns this thread as the first result! That's pretty funny, I think.

In this case it is actually everything it claims to be.

Well, since have your attention, I have a few questions.

You claim that it, "Includes Original Audio Recordings". Please describe these recordings. Original to whom? The original artist recording? If so, how many of these recordings are on the DVD? Your site says it contains "pretty much" all of them. Define "pretty much". Also, what format are they in? Are they the complete songs or just the head/melody for each?

Did someone chop my earlier post?
Not sure why someone would interpret me responding to a post as being spam.
I posted on this forum because Kevin had questions about the product. It is also relevant because the Bass Clef version is part of the product.

About the audios. Famous artist recordings. Full recordings means full recordings - not just the head. They are MP3s. I say pretty much since there are a handful of songs that are in the RealBook that were never recorded - Nimbus/Ron McClure, 12/4 Duplicities, Ay Arriba!, Stu Balcomb, etc

There is also a video up at the site that shows the program in operation and you can see the audio being played.
http://www.RealBookSoftware.com

Again, I strongly recommend getting this. There is nothing like it out there. Being able to have charts and recordings is huge. Can you imagine what size your music collection would have to be if you had all of those charts represented - or how much time it would take you to amass such a collection.

Currently the price is 49.95 - extremely cheap considering! I'm being told that I'm selling it too cheap and that I need to raise the price - I haven't done that because I want deserving players to own a copy. The testimonials on the site are real but represent only a fraction of the "fan mail" I have gotten for this program.

I hope this answers your questions. Beyond that, I know you won't be disappointed or 'surprised' by the program - Instead, I know you will find it worth every penny and glad you jumped on the opportunity.
Thanks,
Blake

Hey Kevin, I dropped dime and am giving this a shot and if it works out I'll respond back. For 50 bucks, damn. Besides if it's bogus I can challenge the charge and get my money back.
B

I hope this answers your questions. Beyond that, I know you won't be disappointed or 'surprised' by the program - Instead, I know you will find it worth every penny and glad you jumped on the opportunity.

One more question. How does the registration process work? Does the "registration number" used to register get generated on my name or other information, or is it generated using some aspect of my hardware? I ask because I'm planning to buy a new computer in a few months and would like to use the same key. If my name or other personal information is used to generate the number, that will work fine. If the software identifies my hardware, that means I can't use it when I get my new computer.

Please advise.

FWIW the disc arrived today and I am in the process of installing it on my other 'puter. I'll keep ya posted. B

FWIW the disc arrived today and I am in the process of installing it on my other 'puter. I'll keep ya posted. B



give us a review!

SO your selling MP3's of famous artists? Is this endorsed by either the artists or the record companies? do they get any cut of the action? it seems to me you have just ripped a music collection and your selling it for profit?

give us a review!
I will as soon as it is sucessfully installed and running.
What is there looks cool but not all songs have installed (stopped in the letter S), not all keys installed no Bb or Eb, and none of the recordings seem to be present. :hmm:

Interesting

What happened? Did it blow up?

Not explosion yet, but (more on that later)...

I will say that all of the claimed info is there, the Real Book Scans in clefs and keys, The MP3s for the songs and the BIAB and Midi files and they are all accessable and work on my old machine.
The MP3 recordings of the tunes are there and sound good, but have not integrated with the reader as of yet. Having the original recordings of all those tunes just might be worth the purchase price alone, I have a huge collection and this has filled some significant holes.
The BIAB files of the RB1 are also cool with correct changes and chord voicings, mostly correct feels plus the melody lines, which are sometimes a bitch to get right. Again almost worth the sales price.
As a learning and teaching tool it really delivers the goods, both my wife and I play & teach and have already used what is working to both our own benefit and our students.
Sorry if that sounds sales pitchy but I am in no way affiliated with the seller of this item, really.

...I would not declare my installation completely successful at this point I have not had the time to devote to just the install, hopefully tomorrow I can get it all in there and working. I'm not that much of a geek and someone more savvy might not have as many problems--otoh this is not exactly a plug and play thing like the advert implies. But then again the problems I am having are probably due to the computer and hardware I am working with and my less than expert skills. I don't think someone with a more current computer would have as many problems. This thing has been as much work as I recall setting up ProTools on my old Dell......
That said my one real gripe is the condition of the disc that was delivered, it looks like something previewed I would get from NETFLIX or Blockbuster not a 'new disc' I purchased.

Hey Brad,
Thanks for providing everyone the info about the product.
Sorry to hear yours came in roughed up by the post office. Every disc shipped out is brand new. So what happens between it leaving and arriving is in the hands of USPS.

Also an important piece of info relevant to this thread.
Version 2.0 just got released this last Monday.
Among the objectives of the new version was a quicker and easier installation phase. It makes a huge difference. No more computer geek skills, just a bassist putting in the disk, installing and then enjoying the program.

For info on the product in general go to
http://www.RealBookSoftware.com

For info on the version 2.0 update go to
http://www.RealBookSoftware.com/Update.html

Thanks Brad and everyone else in this thread.
Blake

Ooops sorry Kevin, I just saw your post about the registration. No problem, I'll get you hooked up on your new system whenever that may be, no worries there.

Ooops sorry Kevin, I just saw your post about the registration. No problem, I'll get you hooked up on your new system whenever that may be, no worries there.

I guess I have to assume by your answer that the registration isn't just based on my Name/Address/e-mail or other personal information. It's based on something about my PC?

Hey Brad,
Thanks for providing everyone the info about the product.
Sorry to hear yours came in roughed up by the post office. Every disc shipped out is brand new. So what happens between it leaving and arriving is in the hands of USPS.
Sorry Bro I ain't gonna let you slide on this point, no way that disc was new
Also an important piece of info relevant to this thread.
Version 2.0 just got released this last Monday.
Among the objectives of the new version was a quicker and easier installation phase. It makes a huge difference. No more computer geek skills, just a bassist putting in the disk, installing and then enjoying the program.

For info on the product in general go to
http://www.RealBookSoftware.com

For info on the version 2.0 update go to
http://www.RealBookSoftware.com/Update.html
Thanks Brad and everyone else in this thread.
Blake

So even though I just bought this with existing known problems you expect me to happily pony up another 15 bucks for the 2.0 version that shipped the day after you sent mine? We're both Texans and musicians but the decorum of this forum prevents my colorful answer.
Maybe now is a good time for the explosion:hiding:

Brad, you misunderstand.
All software undergoes version updates, added features and improvements. Known existing problems? Not at all.
Enhanced features and improvements. Absolutely.

There is no change in the content. All of the charts recordings, MIDIs BIAB etc are the same.
Just improvements in other functional aspects (including the installation phase)

You are welcome to stay at the version you are at and I will gladly offer support for it. The update release and your order is simply a matter of timing. Those purchasing the program after the update was released are paying the higher price.

I'll say again. All discs are brand new. Odd to think that there would even be "used" discs, and even more strange, why would they be shipped instead of discarded if they were in less than new condition.

The post office does not hand cancel these packages. They are processed by machinery. Likely, the condition you are talking about is the result of that process. Probably an uncommon event, but we've all had experience with less than desireable postal service.

Kevin,
Yes, registration varies from system to system. But as I said, don't worry about it. You'll be taken care of.

Blake

Thanks for all the info, Blake. I've just ordered a copy. I'll report my findings here when I get it.

My biggest regret as a musician, honestly, is not playing more jazz. In particular, I have these Real Books already but very old editions. I should have been playing to them every day of the past 20 years. I am going to start getting back into it though.

- Dave

OK... what the heck is this?

I have just sent a message to Hal Leonard and asked them to view the website in question. I also implored them to respond to me if it is legit. Their response will be copied here if one arrives.

If this site is not completely on the up-and-up... well for one thing the "© 2007 Real Book Software" at the bottom of the page is totally audacious.

That said my one real gripe is the condition of the disc that was delivered, it looks like something previewed I would get from NETFLIX or Blockbuster not a 'new disc' I purchased.
Did it get loose in the case? I've gotten scratched up new CDs and DVDs due to rough handling during shipping. When that happens, I've always been able to have them replaced if it didn't play right and I felt like going through the trouble.

What kind of case was it in?

- Dave

Did it get loose in the case? I've gotten scratched up new CDs and DVDs due to rough handling during shipping. When that happens, I've always been able to have them replaced if it didn't play right and I felt like going through the trouble.

What kind of case was it in?

- Dave

Hey Dave, it was in a plain paper sleeve, really no way to explain the damage of the disc I recieved except that it had been used and abused.

talk about MAJOR copyright violation!!!

First all the songwriter copyright violations, but than all the violations for the recordings. Seems hypocritical to me. Take an artist you love and learn from and pay them back by ripping them off twice. They have to pay rent too. :scowl:

talk about MAJOR copyright violation!!!

First all the songwriter copyright violations, but than all the violations for the recordings. Seems hypocritical to me. Take an artist you love and learn from and pay them back by ripping them off twice. They have to pay rent too. :scowl:

I'm going to agree with the Doc. If you're going to buy the fakebook, at least buy the official copies of them.

I'm going to derail the thread a little, but the worst way to learn these tunes is to read them off a book (or a computer screen). Anyone who's gotten anywhere in jazz will tell you that. I have never played a song off a fake book and internalized it, no matter how many times I've gone through it.

My two cents

Glenn

talk about MAJOR copyright violation!!!

First all the songwriter copyright violations, but than all the violations for the recordings. Seems hypocritical to me. Take an artist you love and learn from and pay them back by ripping them off twice. They have to pay rent too. :scowl:
You're violating Herbie Hancock's copyright with your avatar!

:p

- Dave

You're violating Herbie Hancock's copyright with your avatar!

:p

- Dave

Actually it is bit from a couple album covers I put together with my text so it's my work, my interpretation. Artwork you get a artists release for commericial work, but being I don't sell it all I'm doing is good. :cool:

Just HOW old is DocBop? He seems to have the answers to everything. o_o

Just HOW old is DocBop? He seems to have the answers to everything. o_o

Well you've seen all the statues of the smiling Budda. Well we used to hang out and I was always telling him trombone player jokes. :ninja:

So I've been around awhile. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and the dam thing doesn't fit no more. :D

Thanks for all the info, Blake. I've just ordered a copy. I'll report my findings here when I get it....

- Dave

How did this work out Dave. I'm really considering buying it.

How did this work out Dave. I'm really considering buying it.
I haven't had much time to mess around with it. Here are my impressions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me7P9qqBgwI) (no pun intended) of it so far.

First of all, I never did expect that the Real Book scans would be very high quality. The quality is reasonable enough for viewing on a computer screen but not for printing. People should buy the actual Real Books (for their instrument) anyway (I did). I look at this as more of a quick-reference tool for when I'm sitting in front of the computer. I didn't expect print quality scans so I'm not disappointed.

Similarly, the MP3's (which have no ID3 tag info or readable filenames for obvious reasons) are of reasonable quality (44kHz 128kbps) for reference purposes but any true fan will want to get the original recordings (as I would). I had no expectations of CD quality labeled MP3s anyway.

There is one significant problem I have with this software and that is that it requires an activation key to run. To get an activation key, you submit a code that is given to you after installation. My guess is that this code is tied to the installation (edit: now confirmed by other posts in this thread). In and of itself, this isn't necessarily bad but there are a few consequences of this that I find disturbing.

First, there is no guarantee that, say, 5 years from now I will be able to get a new activation key. If I buy a piece of software, I expect to be able to use it forever. There was a problem many years ago when Passport Encore (a music notation program) required users to periodically go to a web site to obtain a code in order to continue using the product. When the company went out of business, many users were stuck with a program they could no longer run and music scores they could no longer view (thankfully, the software was resurrected by another company; GVOX). I have many software applications that I use regularly by companies that no longer exist. If those apps required new keys to unlock every time they were installed, I'd be screwed. I would never knowingly buy software that had this level of protection. For the same reason, I don't buy DRM protected music.

Additionally, due to this copy protection, I am also likely constrained to only have the software installed on one computer at once. It would be nice if I could use it on my home computer and my laptop so that I could have my charts available at rehearsals and stuff. Most software that I use allows multiple installations for a single user as long as there is no chance of it being used on multiple systems at the same time. If I buy a piece of software and I am the only user, I normally expect (unless otherwise informed) that I can use that software on different computers without having to go through the hoops of uninstalling and reinstalling whenever I go from home to my studio. Some software licenses don't allow this so I can't blame them too much for that.

If this software wasn't DRM (effectively) protected, I would be happy with it. Had I known it had this type of protection, I wouldn't have bought it. As I said, I don't buy anything that is protected by DRM methods that could make it unusable at any moment.

Because of the type of copy protection used, I wouldn't recommend this software despite the fact that there is incredible value in the content that it includes.

Sorry Blake. To be fair, this thread did mention "registration" but I didn't realize what that meant at the time. I should have read the thread better. I wasn't paying too much attention to the details of the discussion and based my decision to buy on the web site video demo.

If this software didn't require a system-specific activation key to work, I would highly recommend it. I can't in good conscience recommend something to someone that they may not be able to use in 5 years. Especially considering the fact that much of the software I own was created by companies that no longer exist and this is the kind of software that someone would conceivably want to use for more than 10 years. I still have my ratty old 20 year old Real Book.

There are other ways of discouraging piracy. Some software I have encodes my name into the activation key so that if the key is distributed, it can be traced to me but is not locked to a single system. I have no problem with that.

- Dave

If this software didn't require a system-specific activation key to work, I would highly recommend it. I can't in good conscience recommend something to someone that they may not be able to use in 5 years. Especially considering the fact that much of the software I own was created by companies that no longer exist and this is the kind of software that someone would conceivably want to use for more than 10 years. I still have my ratty old 20 year old Real Book.

This is the reason I haven't bought this software, as well as any other software that works this way. I also tell other people to avoid this type of license code for the reasons you stated.

There are other ways of discouraging piracy. Some software I have encodes my name into the activation key so that if the key is distributed, it can be traced to me but is not locked to a single system. I have no problem with that.

Other than Microsoft's software, almost every other piece of software on my computer (that's not open source) works this way. Here's my name or e-mail, give me the registration code. If you can't do that, you don't get my money.

are you going to release a mac version of your software, a lot of us here at talkbass use mac computers and i'm sure many of us would buy the program, at least I would

If this software wasn't DRM (effectively) protected, I would be happy with it. Had I known it had this type of protection, I wouldn't have bought it. As I said, I don't buy anything that is protected by DRM methods that could make it unusable at any moment.

Because of the type of copy protection used, I wouldn't recommend this software despite the fact that there is incredible value in the content that it includes.

- Dave

Thanks Dave. This would be going on my work laptop which I turn in every 2 years for an upgrade. I will definitely have to pass on this software atleast until maybe the registration process changes. :(

are you going to release a mac version of your software, a lot of us here at talkbass use mac computers and i'm sure many of us would buy the program, at least I would

The website says the software will work on Wnidows & Mac.

I learned my DRM lesson a long time ago. I bought an early Terminator 2 DVD that included a high definition transfer in Windows Media Player 9 format on the bonus disc. It only took a year for the company hosting the authentication server to refuse access to the content that I had paid for and that existed on a disc that I owned.

I probably would have spent a few thousand dollars at iTunes by now if they had started out offering DRM-free music.

- Dave

went I hit the green or blue button nothing no sound needless to say I am not a happy camper Any help will be appreciated......Chico62

I try writing two time to Blake M in is private e-mail addresses he will not answer me well that fine by me it a funny way to run a business He will not sell me anything in the future so if you want to take a chance will this character be my guess.Chico62:mad::mad:

Hi Chico,
I don't know what 'Private' email address you are referring to but there haven't been any emails that have gone unanswered. In other words you may have sent an email to somebody else in cyberspace. All emails are responded too and usually quite quickly.
I'm not going to put an email address here on the forum but you should have the proper contact info since you have the product.

I will address your audio issue. (There is a troubleshooting section in the Installation guide that talks about this also)
If you have chosen an alternate installation location for the program then you need to tell the program where to find the audios. That is done by entering the proper filepath in the setup page. The only other issue that it could be would have to do with file associations on your system. Both are 5 second fixes.
Hope that helps.

so tell me blake were do you find this troubleshooting section you say you have ..chico62

Contact me using the email you have on your purchase confirmation email and I'll send it to you.
Since you are using a screen name here I don't know who you really are or I'd send it to you directly.

Did you try the Audio suggestions I mentioned?

I purchased this software and I have been very happy with it. Works just as advertised. Yes it is a bit of a downer that the license is locked to a single installation, but not enough of a problem in my opinion to keep me from being a satisfied customer. Keep in mind the pdfs and mp3s are all there on your hard drive. Blake's customer service has been good.

I purchased it about 6 months ago. If there is an updated interface, it would be disappointing if previous customers could not get this update for free or for a greatly reduced price. Nevertheless, I don't usually spend a lot of time in the interface. Typically I'm looking for a recording of a particular tune, and that is easy to find in the software.

I'm considering the new product as well, which has hundreds of transcriptions:

http://www.realbooksoftware.com/JazzFakebookSpacesVolume6Solos.php

Blake - does this new product have charts in bass clef?

Another option that you guys might be interested in is the recent release by Hal Leonard - the Real Book 6th Edition play-along CDs:

http://www.amazon.com/Real-Book-Play-Along-D-3-CD/dp/1423433521/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

Not exactly the same kind of product, but related and very useful.

Cheers,

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
A couple of points.
First, you are not limited to a single installation. Multiple installs are available, but each one requires its own key.

Next:
There is an update coming up in a week or so that will be free.
It adds a bunch of new audios.
You'll be getting an email about it.
The paid update mentioned earlier in the thread refers to a major upgrade that only cost ten dollars (like you said, a greatly reduced price). It wasn't really an update but an actual complete re-programming of the product. Basically a new program from Top to bottom.

Finally:
The new product "Great Jazz Solos Fakebook Software" has bass clef notation for the bass and trombone solos. There aren't a that many of these however. So the advantage for bassists would be for players who are interested in picking up licks, solos and concepts from every instrument.

Thanks Blake! Again congrats on a very useful product.

I'll keep an eye out for the email.

Cheers,

Jeff

So Blake
Now I am suppose to pay you again for and update version something that should be flawless in the beginning? I don't think so like I said you will not sell me anything and a friendly piece of advice I would not be burnning my bride after you cross them you might need them down the road best of luck I think you will need it.Chico62

There's no way this can be legal!

D.Don

What are you talking about Chico. Where do you get that?

Judging from you posts here I'm guessing that English is not your first language so I think there is a mis-communication going on here . I'm trying to help you out but all I'm seeing from you is hostility and aggression.

If you just read what I said to Jeff there is a free update out in a few weeks. The other discussion had to do with a complete re-release that took place well over a year ago. I just mentioned it here because of those posts on this thread from way back when.

I'll be happy to post comments here that can benefit others,
but frankly, using this forum is not the proper venue for us to carry on a conversation. I still haven't received any emails from you .
Send an email and we'll carry on from there

Hi Jeff,
A couple of points.
First, you are not limited to a single installation. Multiple installs are available, but each one requires its own key.

Let's say you were run over by a bus. Where would we obtain new keys?

I do try to stay out of the path of busses, but you never know when a plane might fall from the sky..
That said, the staff is still in place to keep the keys a flowin!!

I do try to stay out of the path of busses, but you never know when a plane might fall from the sky..
That said, the staff is still in place to keep the keys a flowin!!

Let's say a group of copyright lawyers sue your business into oblivion. Where would we obtain new keys?

Kevin, you aren't even a customer and you are all a-twitter about future 'potential' keys to a product you don't even own.
Buy the product and we'll carry on from there.

Kevin, you aren't even a customer and you are all a-twitter about future 'potential' keys to a product you don't even own.
Buy the product and we'll carry on from there.

It's a valid point mister, how does your agreement for the copyright of this material look here?

D.Don

Kevin, you aren't even a customer and you are all a-twitter about future 'potential' keys to a product you don't even own.
Buy the product and we'll carry on from there.

Wow, I have to say I was just reading this thread and the software looked interesting, but that response just completely turned me off to the product.

I don't think it's unreasonable to inquire about future upgrade paths before purchasing software. Good luck.

Adam

Kevin, you aren't even a customer and you are all a-twitter about future 'potential' keys to a product you don't even own.
Buy the product and we'll carry on from there.

Some might say I'm asking valid pre-purchase questions.

I will not buy your product while its license keys are handled the way they are. It's the same reason I don't buy music with DRM. (And here's a great real-world example: http://boingboing.net/2008/09/26/walmart-shutting-dow.html)

I only purchase software that I can use indefinitely and under no one's control but my own. My posts here are meant to serve as information to others that they will be unable to have that freedom with your software as it is currently sold.

Yes I see your point. I would like to utilize a different protection scheme, and will possibly be looking into that soon. I'll post to this forum if and when that transpires.

And the copyright of the content?

D.Don

This is a legitimate product and carries its own copyright.

This is a legitimate product and carries its own copyright.

Of course, but the Real Book stuff is already copyright Hal Leonard, are you in agreement with them?

D.Don

This is not the Hal Leonard material. That is also stated on the Web Page.

This is not the Hal Leonard material. That is also stated on the Web Page.

Aha, what publisher do you collaborate with?

D.Don

Hello again Blake
The reason you sense hostility and aggression is I getting the feeling I am being had like for example you say you dont have my e-mail that funny since you already wrote to me using my primary e-mail then you say you never receive my 2 e-mail that also funny since I got your e-mail from your profile and thirdly why dont you post that update online if it free oh by the way youre right english is not my first tongue french is I can a sure you with 20 yrs in the USAF and a other 22 YRS AS A SHIPFITTER BUILDING SHIP FOR THE US NAVY PLus BEING A eAGLE sCOUT hAhAhA i AM FAR FROM BEING A DUMMY .cHICO62

Chico,
Again, I have no idea who you are since you are using a screen name.
Also, no email goes unanswered around here.
I did notice some communications from you in the inbox here on the forum, but nothing has come in thru regular email channels.
I did respond to those forum message the other day and asked that you contact me directly through regular support channels, so we don't waste the time of forum users here. (to that end, this will be my last response to you on this forum regarding support issues-please use the normal support channels)

The free update you mention will be posted when it is finished.

I'd like to help you and get your issues addressed but you've got to do your part.

Hi Blake
Ok every thing is cool on my end thank for the help ..........Chico62

Some might say I'm asking valid pre-purchase questions.

I will not buy your product while its license keys are handled the way they are. It's the same reason I don't buy music with DRM. (And here's a great real-world example: http://boingboing.net/2008/09/26/walmart-shutting-dow.html)

I only purchase software that I can use indefinitely and under no one's control but my own. My posts here are meant to serve as information to others that they will be unable to have that freedom with your software as it is currently sold.

Oh. My. God. It's freaking $70 dude. Get a life.