Pedal/Device that plays bass notes to accompany your guitar?

[Winky]

I've had a new Trio sitting in it's box in the drawer of my desk for 4 years or so, maybe longer. It's the original, not the Trio+ with the looper. Until I saw this I forgot I even had it.

I tried it when I first got it and it seemed like you needed 2 amps for it to work well which I didn't want to bother with so in the drawer it went and has been there since. I have have a bunch of stuff like that I should sell someday.

Two amps are best (a bit inconvenient), but if you have an effects loop they're also OK. I like using it better than a metronome.

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

Moog minitaur plus your foot.

As demonstrated here

LOL, not a demo that's going to sell me on anything. Yikes. Simplistic, repetitive 'male anger music', as I call it, done by a woman in open tuning.

I need some aspirin.

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

Two amps are best (a bit inconvenient), but if you have an effects loop they're also OK. I like using it better than a metronome.

If I get one I will definitely be running it into my Fishman PA, Alesis Strike amp, or just the old Ampeg Rocket Reverb bass amp. Whatever makes the most sense in the moment.

 

[Riffraff12571]

I have multiple items that are pretty much brand new, purchased between 2018 and 2020, I just haven't been able to pull the trigger on selling. I did eBay years back and it was nothing like I remembered when I returned. I've bought a few items on Reverb but haven't sold yet.

I just have a strong aversion to all the effort and noise around advertising, offers, BS, scammers, and packaging and shipping. And then waiting, hoping it gets there and the sale can close. I really need to get a process down so I can clear some stuff out. Figuring out shipping costs for me, and getting it right so you don't take a hit, is probably my biggest mental obstacle.

Helix Floor
Mission Expression pedal
Voicetone Harmony G-XT
Mimiq
MXR Delay
Ditto

And then probably 4-6 guitars I want to move.

I've sold some stuff locally on Craigslist but I usually make the location my workplace so I don't have to let strangers in my home to try amps before they buy them. My workplace is also in a more populated area so it was easier to attract buyers. I would make the meeting time just after 5pm so buyers could try out the amp or guitar in the warehouse in our building. That big space natural reverb helped.

I wouldn't mind selling pedals on Reverb and shipping them but I don't want to deal with damage claims on bigger items like an amp or guitar so they were sold locally the few times I've done it.

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

I've sold some stuff locally on Craigslist but I usually make the location my workplace so I don't have to let strangers in my home to try amps before they buy them. My workplace is also in a more populated area so it was easier to attract buyers. I would make the meeting time just after 5pm so buyers could try out the amp or guitar in the warehouse in our building. That big space natural reverb helped.

I wouldn't mind selling pedals on Reverb and shipping them but I don't want to deal with damage claims on bigger items like an amp or guitar so they were sold locally the few times I've done it.

Damn, I wish I had that option for local tryout as I am going to be cautious, and given the amount of gear I have here I definitely never want someone at the house. I'm still trying to figure out how to pull off 'local pickup' that's not at my house but gives them a chance to test an amp if they want to.

That sounds like a great setup for 'local pickup'.

 

[Alex_C]

The Trio + is really an amazing pedal. I first tried it out years ago and wasn't impressed. I was playing syncopated rhythms, full chords with right hand embellishments. This is not how to train the pedal. Play a simplified line, in time. The pedal will create a drum and bass line. You can twist knobs to change styles and/or patterns. The Trio + also has a simple sequencer where you can create 6 different parts and arrange them as you'd like. It is a really a great piece of kit.

 

[tfarny]

The Trio works fine if you don't mind learning how to use it, like anything that does something cool it takes effort to learn.

The best thing I have found for this purpose is a good bass player but they tend to cost more or require constant ego stroking.

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

The Trio + is really an amazing pedal. I first tried it out years ago and wasn't impressed. I was playing syncopated rhythms, full chords with right hand embellishments. This is not how to train the pedal. Play a simplified line, in time. The pedal will create a drum and bass line. You can twist knobs to change styles and/or patterns. The Trio + also has a simple sequencer where you can create 6 different parts and arrange them as you'd like. It is a really a great piece of kit.

For the bass, do you have to build different sections of the song, like the verse vs. the chorus? Any sections that have different chords/patterns?

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

The Trio works fine if you don't mind learning how to use it, like anything that does something cool it takes effort to learn.

The best thing I have found for this purpose is a good bass player but they tend to cost more or require constant ego stroking.

Awww, let's not crap on the bass guys. I have found they are the most consistently normal and least problematic member over many decades. Biggest PITA's(coming from a vocalist, guitarist);
-Vox - 7-10 if they brought their girlfriend
-Guitar - 5-10 too many variables to document
-Drums - 3-8 depending on if they're drunk or not
-Bass - 3

Keyboards, horns, etc. all run 3 for me as well.

 

[Alex_C]

For the bass, do you have to build different sections of the song, like the verse vs. the chorus? Any sections that have different chords/patterns?

Yes. that is the way I work with it. The songs I use it for have distinct sections with key and tempo shifts. I've never tried teaching it a whole tune in one go. The Trio will build a drum and bass pattern around what you play. For example, If the song starts in C @ 120bpm and has a simple I-IV-V progression, the pedal will build around C, F and G. If the song modulates to G @ 130bpm and has another I-IV-V progression, the pedal will build around G, C and D. It is really useful, especially if tunes change keys and/or tempo. The only thing I wish it did was more odd time signatures. It only supports 3/4 and 4/4, afaik.

This video covers the basics. the 5 minute mark is where you can see/hear it in action.

 

[dangermadden]

I was frustrated by the Trio+ because you’re limited to songs that have the same chord progression start to finish (also my drummer would often fall out of time because the bass lines can be weird and hard to follow). I could see it working well if you meticulously plan out a set list and program changes and whatnot but we like to take requests and wing it song-wise. I’ve been using the OFPXS Big Deep for a while and it’s pretty cool. It analyzes the audio and adds a monophonic sub tone to your lowest note. The sub tone is really just a sine wave and would benefit from a signal split and some shaping but I don’t have the space on my board lol. Currently experimenting with a multi-band compression pedal to smooth it out a bit but it definitely adds some beef to my duo gigs!

 

[Lone_Poor_Boy]

I was frustrated by the Trio+ because you’re limited to songs that have the same chord progression start to finish (also my drummer would often fall out of time because the bass lines can be weird and hard to follow). I could see it working well if you meticulously plan out a set list and program changes and whatnot but we like to take requests and wing it song-wise. I’ve been using the OFPXS Big Deep for a while and it’s pretty cool. It analyzes the audio and adds a monophonic sub tone to your lowest note. The sub tone is really just a sine wave and would benefit from a signal split and some shaping but I don’t have the space on my board lol. Currently experimenting with a multi-band compression pedal to smooth it out a bit but it definitely adds some beef to my duo gigs!

I think most missed this part of my 2nd post: "Is it accessible and functional mostly out of the box, or does it need lot's of attention and tuning?"

I asked that specifically as I am aware of how most things like that work. They DO take setup and planning and attentiom.

So reading what you wrote, would this be accurate: "You don't set it up, you just play. It doesn't give a bass 'line' but an underlying low sub tone that blends with what you are playing, moving with the key of what you are playing."

I mean, that's all I'm looking for, is some low while I play acoustic with a drummer.

EDIT: Now where in the hell can I find one?

 

[mfguitar]

I would consider Band in a Box Pro. You simply set the tempo, style you want, and chord changes, and the program creates the backing track. If you don't like it you can run it again for a different feel. You can also limit or add instruments.

 

[GuitLoop]

I would consider Band in a Box Pro. You simply set the tempo, style you want, and chord changes, and the program creates the backing track. If you don't like it you can run it again for a different feel. You can also limit or add instruments.

I have to agree... I've used both BIAB and the Trio and I find BIAB to be better overall. But...the Trio wins if you don't want to touch a computer. BIAB sound quality and options are better. For example...BIAB can do stops, create song endings, and generate other instruments in addition to bass & drums....the Trio can't.

 

[HaWE]

Digitech Trio+ "Band in a Box" is exactly what you're after.

DigiTech Trio+ Looper

The DigiTech Trio+ Looper learns the chords and rhythm you play and automatically creates drum and bass accompaniment.

digitech.com

I have an earlier version (Trio) that doesn't do the looping, and it's an excellent little practice box. Much more fun than a metronome.

I also have the old version.I already had a Ditto Looper so I now first let the Trio create the drum/bass part, then I let it play and engage the looper while playing rhythm guitar - now I have the parts from the Trio AND the guitar part on the looper and can play to the looper