303_LINE TR-303 vs TB-303
TR-303 vs TB-303: is there a TR-303?
Short answer: you probably mean the TB-303. Here is why the names get mixed up.
The short answer
There is no Roland "TR-303" that we know of. You are almost certainly looking for the TB-303 Bass Line, the little silver bass synthesizer released by Roland in 1981 that defined the sound of acid house.
Why the mix-up happens
- TR machines are Roland's rhythm machines: the TR-606, TR-707, TR-808 and TR-909. People hear "808" and "909" together with "303", so "TR-303" sounds right.
- TB is Roland's bass line series. The TB-303 was sold as a companion to the TR-606 drum machine, and the two are often shown side by side.
- The MC-303 Groovebox (1996) is a separate, later product that shares the number.
Where to go next
- Hear the sound: free TB-303 emulator.
- Learn the story: history of the TB-303.
- Get the sound for real: TB-303 clones and alternatives.
303_LINE is an independent fan project and is not affiliated with Roland. Product names are trademarks of their owners.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Roland TR-303?
As far as we know, Roland has never sold a product called the TR-303. The machine people usually mean is the TB-303 Bass Line.
What does TB stand for?
TB is commonly explained as Transistor Bass, and TR as Transistor Rhythm. TB-303 is the bass synth, while TR models such as the TR-808 and TR-909 are drum machines.
What is the MC-303?
The Roland MC-303 Groovebox, released in 1996, is a different, much later product. It is sometimes confused with the TB-303 because of the number.