Help with Drum Machine Choice

**dmonroe** · #1 03-24-2011, 05:44 AM

Trying to get back into playing after years of not touching a bass. Hard to get motivated playing by myself so I was thinking about getting a drum machine. For my price range I've narrowed it down to 2 models and wanted to get some thought from some players that have used one or both of them. the Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine or the Alesis SR-16

Going to post a poll but was hoping for some reasons for your votes.

**dmonroe** · #2 03-24-2011, 10:59 AM

32 views and there are NO votes and NO opinions?!?!?!?

tdub0199 · #3 03-24-2011, 11:09 AM

To me The Alesis SR-16 was not user friendly at all.... Don't know much about the Zoom....

bassteban · #4 03-24-2011, 11:10 AM

Patience, grasshopper. Some TBers have real lives, in real life.

On topic, I couldn't nav the Alesis' menu for crap, but I'm old & crusty. I haven't tried the Zoom unit but their stuff is more(stupid)user-friendly, IME.

Floridabwoy · #5 03-24-2011, 11:16 AM

zoom street boxx

I would look into something with more of a step sequencer if you are not knowledgeable on beat machines. Maybe to try to find an old 303 or groovebox for cheap... Or if you have a computer get battery or one of the billion free step VST's.

**dmonroe** · #6 03-24-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

Patience, grasshopper. Some TBers have real lives, in real life.

On topic, I couldn't nav the Alesis' menu for crap, but I'm old & crusty. I haven't tried the Zoom unit but their stuff is more(stupid)user-friendly, IME.

Being "Old and Crusty" myself maybe I should re-think the Alesis. That's the one I was leaning toward.

**dmonroe** · #7 03-25-2011, 06:05 AM

Bump for ideas, thoughts, or suggestions....

ThaSweet · #8 03-25-2011, 07:25 AM

My bass teacher has a zoom drum machine, don't know what type

.
Pretty decent drum sounds and rhythms, and easy controls.
Only problem is the lack of some good shuffle rhythms.

kdiggity · #9 03-25-2011, 07:27 AM

OT to the OP: keep in mind that people who view this thread may be like you: seeking advice (like me). I've not tried either of the machines you list, but am curious to read others impressions and feedback. Thus, I'll show up as a view, but not a vote.

-kdiggity

**TheFantod** · #10 03-25-2011, 08:11 AM

When I was researching drum machines, there was a definite deal breaker for the SR-16. The drum sounds, to my ear, are all very "dated." They mostly sound like those 80's electronic drum kits. You might want to try finding some samples to listen to.

Don't know anything about the Zoom though.

FWIW, I ended up with a Boss DR670. I got a used one off eBay for under $150.

queevil · #11 03-25-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFantod

When I was researching drum machines, there was a definite deal breaker for the SR-16. The drum sounds, to my ear, are all very "dated." They mostly sound like those 80's electronic drum kits. You might want to try finding some samples to listen to.

Don't know anything about the Zoom though.

FWIW, I ended up with a Boss DR670. I got a used one off eBay for under $150.

I've owned the alesis. At a hundred bucks new it's not a bad deal but when I bought it in '98 it was $379. Not such a good deal and I would go a different route. It is kinda hard to use at first and the kick and snare sounds left much to be desired. They don't sound very organic. Honestly, with all of the software and loops available that are either cheap or free I don't think I could justify a stand alone unit.

incident · #12 03-25-2011, 11:05 PM

So I just got the Alesis recently and cannot compare it to any other drum machine, but for practice purposes, it is great. Regarding it having outdated drum sounds, in my case this is mostly ending up being used for practice, and the bottom line is that it lays down a beat (many) so it works perfectly.

If you are buying it with the intention of creating your own patterns, that is another story.

**dmonroe** · #13 03-26-2011, 03:03 AM

Maybe I should have been a little clearer in my OP. First of all @incident- YES that's what I'm looking for.
For everyone else let me try and explain myself a little better:
Yes all I'm really looking for is a drum machine that sounds (for the most part) like real drums that has a lot of pre-set patterns, different styles and variable tempo. I'm strictly looking for something to use to practice with. Not planning a one-man band or anything. I want to get back to playing after 20+ yrs of not touching a bass. I'm trying to learn the right way this time and learns scales, reading music etc etc instead of just learning songs. The whole scale and theory thing gets boring QUICK. I figured having a beat I can just "noodle" around with would motivate me to spend more time practicing and getting my chops back. I'll still spend time with the scales and learning to read music but I would get in a LOT more time having something to play with afterwards.

incident · #14 03-26-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmonroe

Maybe I should have been a little clearer in my OP. First of all @incident- YES that's what I'm looking for.
For everyone else let me try and explain myself a little better:
Yes all I'm really looking for is a drum machine that sounds (for the most part) like real drums that has a lot of pre-set patterns, different styles and variable tempo. I'm strictly looking for something to use to practice with. Not planning a one-man band or anything. I want to get back to playing after 20+ yrs of not touching a bass. I'm trying to learn the right way this time and learns scales, reading music etc etc instead of just learning songs. The whole scale and theory thing gets boring QUICK. I figured having a beat I can just "noodle" around with would motivate me to spend more time practicing and getting my chops back. I'll still spend time with the scales and learning to read music but I would get in a LOT more time having something to play with afterwards.

Based on this...the Alesis seems a good choice. They can be found for $60-80 used (perhaps less).

It does all you have described above, plus some.