Digitech Trio Band Creator effects pedal review demo

Reviewed in Guitarist issue 396
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[@ocan1033]

Anybody complaining about this device should consider what the reaction would have been thirty years ago. Or how much better and more intuitively it works than early digital 'memory' effects boxes. Or how relatively inexpensive it is. Wouldn't look at it like a studio or live performance device beyond limited application .. but as a metronome type tool to practice jamming, soloing, songwriting, whatever .. man have we become spoiled.

[@cc22079]

The pedal is awesome its one of my favorites. But im having issues as to where to place in pedal chain, and its effects on the effects loop.

[@MOAB-UT]

This pedal likes to be first in the chain sans maybe a passive pedal e.g., Wah. It needs a clean signal in order to think. I like to play single note progressions- not strumming but I hum the pattern. It needs you to keep it very, very simple, otherwise it can come out sounding very very wrong. TIP: Ideally run two amps (very easy to do). For the second amp, the drum/bass sound much much better using a PA or full range acoustic amp. If not effects loop, turn all effects OFF. I use all six in/ouputs on my Trio+ with both a Katana Artist and a Fishman Acoustic amp and it sounds amazing. Drum/Bass output to the full range Fishman. All guitar via the Katana. That said, there are a few different ways you can hook it up and place in chain depending on your set-up and sound you are going for so experiment until you find what works for you.

[@tch8787]

Can you imagine if alx rose found this after the split

[@anonymous-dk3um]

I got it for free and that was still too much money

[@ShineOnDude]

​@@anonymous-dk3um you can send it to me, I can not afford it ;(

[@kevinmalone8903]

best demo of this pedal by far. I didn't know about how to change the patterns (verse chorus bridge) by stepping in the footswitch. I just bought a used one without a manual and that really helps. thanks!

[@jeffreykiszer5239]

Google the pedal and download a manual online.

[@flips220]

Your dream as a one-man-band has just come true. Get one of these and one of those vocal harmonizer pedals, and you're all set to light the stage on fire at that dumpy pub down street.

[@beefsoda1]

You have to be trashed on whiskey first

[@ivoleijen2008]

....without anyone in the audience....

[@brianfergus839]

It looks like a great tool for busking

[@sdriza]

@@ivoleijen2008 there won't be any audience once someone starts playing

[@motokev]

I bought one and LOVE it. The only thing that is bad, I can't stop playing. By the way, great video.

[@addictedtoinjury4570]

I agree, it's one of the best and most addictive pieces of music equipment I've ever bought! I can't say enough good things about it ...

[@grahamharrity2711]

JAM MAN IS BETTER

[@MrDcseltzer]

I bought this about 4 years ago and only just recently pulled it out. Really a solitary jamming tool. Once it learns a bass and drum line, frees you up to put some other ideas over it. Recommend recording it at the same time so you do not lose any interesting ideas created during your jam.

[@jevonwhite5193]

Wow what a fantastic demo of this pedal! Extremely helpful. I know the Trio+ is available but this one suits my simpler needs. Thanks for showing what this pedal is about!

[@starguy9]

Technology has really helped close the gap on the learning curve for people with multiple responsibilities. Even as a young man life pulled me in to many directions to dedicate time to learning with books and tutors for music. Ever since I played guitar hero 1 I thought I might have a chance to learn on my own time one day. Then years later rocksmith came out and I finally learned the guitar. Then years later this pedal came out and I could actually play with other people now. But , it's only been a hobby, and like learning a language (which has also become easier with technology) I've been able to use these tools to work on my interests at my own pace with life constantly getting in the way, but unlike bandmates I can just wipe the dust off the technology and pick up where I left off. The plus is that the technology doesn't become disinterested in music and doesn't need to move on if I can't learn fast enough.

[@violinoscar]

40 years ago when I was going through this strange experience of learning to play over chord changes I would get a portable cassette recorder, a 60 minute cassette, and record the chord changes. In order to keep it interesting I learned a bunch of different chord inversions, chord substitutes and embellishments. I also played it in several keys; 60 minutes of Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7 got a bit boring. I didn't know it at the time but there is an old saying, "Repetition is the Mother of Learning." These chord changes are under my fingers, in my ears, in my heart. I know them. After putting them on the tape over and over I was left in no doubt how a particular chord progression sounded. Still, I remember thinking at the time that there must be an easier way to get changes down so I could practice playing over them. Fast forward 40 years and we have this machine which deprives the student of those hours plugging away at a tape machine. Is this a good thing? Or is it going to create a generation of players who don't know the changes? I also used to get together with a schoolmate and we would take turns playing comps for one another. We would jam. This doesn't happen as much as it used to; kids these days are taught to be goal oriented, forward thinkers. They want to form a band, play certain songs, not just jam on some meaningless chord changes. So, kids don't get together as much and just jam. And, I worry that this little device encourages this even further. I have been trying to play the guitar for 40+ years so forgive me if it has sent me a little mad. These are just a few thoughts.

[@sweetbermudaonions60]

This demo is the best one I've seen, so now based on this video, I am so ready to buy one of these amazing pedals! Technology has surely come a long, long way! Awesome video! Thank you for posting.

[@addictedtoinjury4570]

It really is great! I just picked up the trio pedal today, and I love it

[@robrudock3452]

I'd be very satisfied with a "Bass only" pedal to accompany a good drum machine. You could tell it to resolve chord by chord or after a phrase and have some options. That would be cool.

[@patmcgroin9848]

I'm waiting for the Digitech " talent simulator"

[@grrggrrg4805]

Don't be salty. This is huge for buskers.

[@karllib]

they have them ..its called guitar hero

[@michaelmacareno4712]

It's called practice

[@theeaskey]

They have it it's call rap

[@bandname]

I can see this being useful for solo artists live. That is if you can't afford real players, or the space is limited.

[@hamishmackay5528]

THAT RUG ON THE VIDEO IHAVE EXACTLY THE SAME BOUGHT IT IN IKEA QUITE A FEW YEARS AGO, GREAT QUALITY AND ENDURANCE. PLUS I ALSO LIKE THE MACHINE.

[@martinalexander4777]

This is an excellent LEARING tool. Not a live performance tool. The difference between a professional musician and a transparently amateur are twofold. One, poor rhythm sustainability (i.e. wanders all over the place, we've all heard them). And the second is the ability to listen to other players in a band (developing your ear). These skills are hard to develop and usually ignored by most students, because they are hard. It is also hard to convince any drummer and bassist to listen to your endless guitar solos, while you develop your horrendous timing and failure to follow the rhythm section (yes the guitarist follows the rhythm, not the other way around). You can buy hundreds of 'play along ' books which are OK but expensive. This is the best tool I have ever found to do both of those things. This beats a metronome (which every serious musician has and is part of their daily practice routine). So your having problems programming the thing. It is because your chords aren't complete and your rhythm is sloppy. They improve with practice. Don't like the sound quality, try running it through a clean amp channel. I love mine and I have had it for years.

[@lncpa1040]

Good advice Martin. Are there any drum machines you recommend for live performance?

[@Jonthebard]

Tbh... I could quite happily use this live for my solo work

[@ccampau]

The bass sounds like it came from a circa 1995 video game sound track.

[@IsakuItou]

Early 90’s porn

[@sniggity]

This is a great invention ! Totally worth the money.

[@pmeberhardt]

sniggity I

[@marisarae2350]

slightly harder to work with than shown, you just gotta play with it until you get comfortable with it and find your tune!

[@redbaron599]

Just saying I use the headphone out on the Trio to my auxiliary in on the amp that frees up my eficts on the amp! Works Great!

[@larryfridel6391]

This thing is just too amazing.run mine into a jamman..love it.

[@xy9394]

Thanks for a demo that actually answers all my questions. Well done !

[@FeelingShred]

This is the coolest bit of innovation I've seen happening in the music field for ages And it's from 5 years ago?

[@fitchyyboi]

right??

[@gordon-hensley]

love that comment below: waiting for "talent simulator".... Seriously, though, I bought this just to screw around with even after reading some very negative reviews... My opinion? It's much cooler than I thought it would be, and using it to spend some time just jamming with an adjustable percussion and bass track is quite fun... For me, this pedal is great to screw around with and jam. Recommend just for that.

[@douglasfreeman3229]

The guitarist from Colin Baker and the Boobs (Nicola "two-drop and push" Bryant) has used this to record an entire album. Probably sounds a bit lo-fi.

[@bimbomcgee]

wow can't believe i haven't heard about this before now, wow a guitar creators dream.

[@FeelingShred]

my exact same reaction, holy crap this is awesome... I could have something similar done with my multi-effects pedal, it had drum loops, but I had to set them beforehand. Random drum beats like this one does stimulates creativity for writing much more

[@danielnations9068]

The idea sounds amazing until you realize it is woefully behind the times. JamMan Midi Guitar can translate a guitar into a midi in real time. It's not perfect, but would be good enough to have the pedal play along with you immediately instead of needing to record and analyze. A looper should be built in (obviously). And the board needs more switches for recording to and controlling parts.

[@sefton1972]

Pretty amazing tool for writing.

[@erwinerwin1245]

Maybe a silly question. Lets say you train it and play E G A B bar cords going up the neck Now when you have it trained and play E G A B again does one have to have perfect timing for the bass to follow. Other words you are say strumming late on the A chord and you should be now on the B chord , does the bass and drums wait for you to get to the B chord, or do they now play over the B cord while you are still on the A

[@JohnnyNation]

Thank you for making the pedal the Star in this great demo/unlike so many on KZbin that just feature mindless overplayimg !!!###

[@connertaylor9588]

Im a bass player (who will soon be learnin electric) but i love mh pedals and i think this is mental would this work (add a drumbeat) with bass or are there any bass alternatives

[@jadjad40]

very helpful mate...many thanks

[@JohnKesselChannel]

What is the maximum length of time (or measures?) allowed when programming a part? Can you program a set list of songs and save it on SD card, or something? Does Band Creator allow for programmed tempo changes?

[@brentkev01]

Has anybody gigged with this live whats it like as in how you find the particular song and organise the changing from verse to chorus and son on , do you have to program every song before the gig.

[@Grecoguitardude]

Just picked up this little gem brand new for $60 CDN!

[@graphicartdude]

This pedal looks quite appealing. I’m curious though, if with the recent advancements in AI & the years that have passed since these Trio pedals became available, there might be a better beat pedal option on the market today. I’ve considered selling my Beat Buddy & buying a Trio+, but am on the fence. Party because I don’t want to lose the ability to create custom drum tracks with the Beat Buddy, but also concern over possible accuracy issues regarding the bass notes provided by the Trio. Many reviewers raved over the Spark amp’s accompanying ’Jam Play’ feature, while seemingly hiding its shortcomings (ex: problem with deciphering chords accurately). If anyone can suggest any other beat pedal options that you’ve tried & believe are superior to the Trio pedals when it comes to providing a backing bass & drum track (particularly for use as a song writing aid & practice tool), I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

[@54321FUCKYOU2]

I’d like to know as well

[@lovintonal]

just ordered one can't wait to fiddle about

[@LukasDozer]

I am having trouble hearing my guitar playback. I followed the instructions. You can play the rhythm and then play over what you recorded?

[@BigDogDaddyD]

Just like Digitech's SDRUM pedal, I have found that this pedal picks up the rhythm better if you play the baseline into it vice the lead part. A bunch of fast chords or lots of hot picking sometimes confuses the pedal. But if you give it a simple bass part in the key of the song, it does much better. Great pedal in my opinion. And the Trio + with the looper is great also. Thanks for this demo.

[@steveworth544]

Once programmed, will it follow everything you play- eg different chords, or is it a short loop.

[@BigDogDaddyD]

@@steveworth544 Short loop.

[@steveworth544]

@@BigDogDaddyD thank you.

[@BenWillyums]

vice? you mean vs. ?

[@BigDogDaddyD]

@@BenWillyums vice - preposition: as a 'substitute for' or 'acting as'. -from Latin "vice" - ‘in place of’. -also: 'rather than' Example - "The letter was drafted by David, vice Bill who was ill." Example - "I will preside, vice the absent chairman."

[@JerryOvermyer]

Wild!! What happens if you place dissonant or out of "normal" key riffs? Will it create avant-garde type bass lines that "fit"?? Or if you play syncopated, will the drums match the weird rhythm?

[@swmorgan515]

You mean... does it Djent?

[@sheepkillindog]

Interesting

[@d_walsh]

Yeah. That's what I'd like to know

[@oldgoattheantichrist3468]

I would like one that is for Metal \m/ only. No other settings but Heavy Metal sub genres...I would just open my wallet for that Digitech.

[@golddalek1961]

I like both kinds of music...Metal and Metaaaaaal!

[@capsuleboy]

how are the bass lines, do they follow your guitar or they are learnt? because I see Em and A, and those are already fixed in the pedal? or the pedal follows you (I am talking about the bass lines only)

[@gibb253]

Like most other commenters I think the lack of a song memory is a deal breaker-

[@Grock66]

I dont know whats up with people saying they got bored with it ? someone said it isn't good for song writing ? wtf you guys ? maybe need some music lessons ?

[@cc22079]

Its perfect to create things with

[@fukusamon4277]

carlos casabianca its a canvas

[@evelskunny1]

seems great,but atthe same time could get boring fast,reminds me of the style mode,in my old Yamaha psr keyboard,

[@joepaul9855]

Keep your playing VERY simple to record...and u will be impressed!!

[@MrBluesman777]

I think and know you did a Rey good demo of this pedal,,,I would like to see the pedal working with the box,,,audio was really good,,forget what the other folk said,,,t it does remember what you did after unplugging before you go to the next gig,,don't know how long that is though,, thank you for your time in doing the demo,,,appreciated

[@scootscoot97warlock90]

Now I'm torn between the Drummerx2 and this. So do you have to play bass into the puddle or is it pre-recorded bass?

[@videolar1000]

I seen many DEMO but none talks about the saving part.

[@videolar1000]

I was wondering, can you save all your tune for further use, nobody seem to talk about the saving part.

[@videolar1000]

Thank You, How many can you save? the reason I'm asking is because I was wondering if I can use them save beat for live playing.I play many time SINGLE.

[@samsschool3639]

04:31 Wow! I was wondering if you could go from verse to chorus!

[@williamjohns8379]

You can play along with a record or CD player but if you want to spend the money I would also get a large kettle (make sure it does not have a non-stick surface as it dulls the sound) and a large wooden spoon to beat on the kettle. Start the TRIO and put the kettle on your head and start beating on the kettle and when the bass and drums come in start yelling, "I should have given my money to the homeless because this freaking thing sounds terrible!!

[@DMSProduktions]

Shows a lot of promise. you didn't show the optional controller pedal to do the part switching so you can go back and forth. Also, is the backing track output in stereo?

[@VintageSG]

***** Stereo from the headphone socket, but that carries all the signal so you can't separate backing from guitar.

[@DMSProduktions]

VintageSG Cheers, yeah that's ok.

[@wesgalczynskipowertrain]

Did you try how the bass guitar would sound when you play in lower tunings?

[@JAGWIRE1111]

Will it pick up on reggae riffs?

[@robertscott7625]

I'm aware that there is the Digitech Trio Band Creater And the Digitech Trio + Band Creater, but R They bringing something New out?

[@israelunterman]

Very good explanation, thanks!

[@jimmyd1160]

Guys use a boss rc3 through this, even record proper drum tracks and turn down the drums on the trio its the biz

[@nowhereman5956]

I own this pedal but I do not know how to perform a demo like this, haha. Thank you.

[@joshs100]

does one add the bass or does it come with the looper pedal

[@SalvvOrtiz]

A friend told me that this pedal follows what you play, but I see you have to play a progression first, so it is not possible to use it live in a continuous playing like going from song to song without stopping.

[@VintageSG]

Vladimir Medvedev Not possible unfortunately. You can fudge three parts into it, but that's it. I've been playing with programming it from pre-recorded sections from my looper, muting the output while doing so, clear one slot, record into it. The looper means consistency, but still, it means a pause while you program it. hope that helps a little.

[@SalvvOrtiz]

VintageSG Too bad they haven't invented one that plays along, but they must be working on one. Thanks for the info.

[@cyndie26]

Vladimir Medvedev Does this mean that I couldn't use this pedal while playing a bass?

[@johnhanna7138]

I think its a cool bit of kit for a one man band I can now sound like me it beats backing tracks

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Can you choose the note it plays

[@AshishLimbu]

Great demo... very informative

[@jjccllgg]

How many songs can it store? Can they be downloaded offline?

[@samfosdick9874]

How long is the "learning" time...I mean I see that it can learn 3 parts which is great but.... wouldn't it have been great if that feature was foot switch operated as opposed to having to monkey with 3 fingers buttons????

[@TeleCaster66]

Looks like a neat box to me.

[@garfieldstoddart]

How long are the sounds stored on the pedal ?

[@snooze0023]

So does it act as a looper pedal as well. or you cant keep tracking rythm and leads

[@TheThinker82]

I have the pedal and I'm wondering if there is an option for just a metronome, without drum rolls. Any help?

[@Mr_Lupine]

How many different songs can you hold on it ?

[@larrycortner2210]

Not good for live play unless you could call up saved songs

[@stevecorwood8324]

so is the output for bass + drums at line level? or can you switch this level output between line level and instrument level?

[@SoloSi2024]

Ah damn, I wanted a keyboard backing.

[@GregJay]

I want one that also plays my part, then I can just listen, Lol no this might be what I'm looking for, need somebody to jam with.

[@jwmcmillenii]

The newest version also has a looper and a few more styles (like metal). Price jumped WAY up, though.

[@alanknott363]

@Greg Jay I agree, ideal when you need a bass player and drummer to jam with, that are reliable and sober! lol..

[@GregJay]

@@alanknott363 Yes I may have to get one I passed on it 10 months ago when I discovered all of the backing tracks on YT, but I think I will break the bank and try one out.

[@GregJay]

@@jwmcmillenii I don't know how much they are but it shouldn't be more than sub 200 bucks, but I am buying one for myself,

[@stevenkokkas531]

if i don't program it.... will it just follow my chords with bass guitar and beat of my choice? thanx for your time.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Can you get a stereo spread on th the drums?

[@WeirdErnie]

How does it do with push beats and odd time signatures?

[@danielkottra]

Wow! If this thing existed forty years ago, U2 would have been a duo of Bono and Edge. (Watching all the demos I really wonder if it is good for anything else besides this U2/Coldplay/Britpop/Indie style two chords midtempo boredom.)

+Daniel Kottra depends on the energy of music, the boredom is relative and mental, and music is highly emotional, the problem they don't seek for this, they seek for variety, mathematics or so much so,, when people step into the future, the music would be something within the musicians that is going to be spreading from inside totally spontaneous

+Daniel Kottra depends on the energy of music, the boredom is relative and mental, and music is highly emotional, the problem they don't seek for this, they seek for variety, mathematics or so much so,, when people step into the future, the music would be something within the musicians that is going to be spreading from inside totally spontaneous

[@addictedtoinjury4570]

It's as good as a persons imagination..if a person lacks creativity and imagination then you won't get much from this.but if your a creative musician the possibilities are huge with this...

[@gmlasam]

This is a great pedal... Where would you place this in your pedal chain, your pedalboard?

[@BruceBridwell]

gmlasam I've been fooling around with a Boss RC 30 loop station, a Keeley overdrive, and assorted Boss pedals. I'll play a basic progression through the TRIO (via the mixer output) into the looper. The RC 30 doesn't have much in the way of percussion, and the TRIO is a decent solution. The TRIO likes having a clean signal and usually simple is best, you can always tweak your song layering with the looper or adjusting the tempo, genre, style etc on the TRIO. You definitely want the TRIO at the END of your chain. Sometimes it's easier to use two combos just to speed things up & a wider selection of tones and FX. The TRIO has two outputs but also has a switch on the top left that will give your tone an appropriate boost, depending on what genre you select, each is slightly different. Rock will get you a little overdrive/ distortion, country some twang etc. It's a good little practice tool when you are having a hard time getting people to come jam. It'd be a pain in the ass trying to gig with though. I hope this helps! 🎸✌️

[@BradleyVolk3]

wow. unbelievable. its mine.

[@christianschwartz9876]

very well done video; thank you very much :-)

[@donmau4]

but work playing bass ? thanks

[@chrisdaniel5004]

Although it’s a nice pedal. I think it would get old after awhile...

[@d_walsh]

Cool pedal

[@oldmantwofour5561]

Anyone else jealous of his Converse?

[@cyndie26]

Would this work with a bass or keyboard?

[@richardfettig5974]

run it with a looper and it is fun !

[@mfb5642]

Man couldn't they put some half decent sounding samples in this thing in 2017?

[@arthurblackhistoric]

The drums sound the same as my old Kawai Session Trainer that I bought in 1993

[@ohitzcody]

can it keep up with the djent ?

[@Nightverslonn]

Anyone have one and have a high pitch noise out of the box?

[@LostMyMojo100]

Excellent!!!

[@jonnytonto5298]

Very cool

[@spaaarky21]

This seems like a cool gadget but I wish the generated tracks didn't sound so sterile and robotic. It reminds me of the demo tracks that inexpensive keyboards have built-in. I'd rather use a looper.

[@ellenlangenhoven6489]

Luv it !

[@Danny-qq5nr]

I've got one and I thought it was my playing making it sound awful but no, it really is an awful sound especially that drum🍋

[@RDYC]

I play it through an American Sound pedal and then into a spring reverb pedal - great! Sounds like a band in a basement club. Just plugged into an amp would probably get the same affect.

[@tomusic8887]

The bass patterns are not cool, just as always sounds like casio in no time, 🤷🤷

[@davidpetro3433]

Muy sintético el sonido.

[@prophesiedgnar5809]

thats fuckin amazing

[@undercrackers56]

It's good - but still not what I have in mind. If anyone out there makes pedals and wants a (professionally documented design) kick-ass device then please contact me.

[@michaelmacareno4712]

Yheaa my cousin said it's cool. But the bass and drums aren't original. I'm just like, original or not momma needs a pupp and she just found one hahah.

[@eugenejoseph7076]

I can finally fire my drummer and my bass players so they can stop telling me, "I don't like that, You're playing too fast, too slow. I dont like that song etc etc!!"

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Maybe they should drop you and find another guitar player and form their own band' I'm hiring 3 piece bands to play 3 nights a week $1500.00 for 2 hour shows.