Unleashing Creativity: JBL’s BandBox Redefines Guitar Practice
NAMM 2026: Is AI a looming threat or a beacon of hope for humanity? Regardless of your stance on this hot topic, its impact on the guitar gear landscape is undeniable.
Take, for example, Positive Grid’s introduction of BIAS X last year, a software that harnesses AI too emulate the guitar tones from any song you can think of (and we loved it!). Lowden also made waves by integrating AI into their acoustic guitars, enhancing player care and recovery for lost or stolen instruments. Guitar center even launched Rig Advisor, the first AI shopping assistant tailored for guitar enthusiasts. The trend is clear.
Now, JBL, a titan in the audio industry, is making its mark in the AI guitar technology arena wiht an extraordinary debut.
Introducing BandBox: The Future of Practice Amps
JBL’s latest innovation, the bandbox, is an AI-enhanced smart practice amplifier and portable speaker. What sets it apart is its advanced AI capabilities, which allow for real-time separation of vocals and instruments.
Equipped with Stem AI technology, the BandBox allows users to isolate or eliminate vocals, guitars, or drums from any track in real time. JBL claims this feature enables musicians to create personalized backing tracks tailored to their instrument.
Two Models for Every Musician
The BandBox comes in two versions: Solo and Trio. The Solo model delivers 30 watts of power and includes a single input for guitar or microphone. It connects seamlessly to the JBL ONE app, offering a variety of amp models and basic effects like phaser, chorus, and reverb.
Additional features include a built-in tuner, metronome, and looper, along with a USB-C output for connecting to laptops.
On the other hand, the Trio model boasts a powerful 135 watts, four instrument inputs, and a built-in four-channel mixer, along with all the features available through the JBL ONE app.
“The JBL BandBox is designed with the musician’s needs at its core, made possible by state-of-the-art technology,” states Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at JBL’s parent company, Harman.
“This is the first speaker equipped with an on-device Stem AI algorithm that can remove vocals or instruments without relying on cloud processing or an internet connection. This innovation simplifies the process of practicing, enhancing skills, and enjoying music, whether solo or with friends.”
The JBL BandBox Solo and Trio are priced at $249 and $599, respectively.
For further details, check out JBL’s official website.
