Which looping device do you use for practice?

Lichtaffen · #1 10-20-2008, 09:29 AM

I was reading a sticky post on warmup techniques and I came across a link for this article which I thought was very informative:

http://www.instituteofbass.com/lesso...nring/loopers/

He talks about using a looping device for practicing along and recording yourself for later review. What do you use for these purposes? Obviously, I have a computer with audio software, but I'd rather use a stand alone recorder which I can practice with anywhere. Are there any cheaper options available? The Digitech JamMan looks good, but the price is a little too high considering I'm saving up for a nicer amp. Any ideas?

Also, any ideas on practicing with a looping device would be very helpful. Thanks!
Ara

bassteban · #2 10-20-2008, 09:36 AM

I have an RC-20; I wouldn't so much say I use for 'practice', it's really more 'noodling'. I'll record a loop of drums(form my Zoom or just ghost notes on the bass), then add a high-register chord progression, then play bass lines over that. OR drums, bass, then something more guitar-esque. Fiddling around like this for an hour or so has got to help a bit. BTW, I'm waiting on an RC-20XL; when it gets here I'll probably sell my RC-20. PM me if you're interested.

bassbully · #3 10-22-2008, 09:21 AM

Tascam bass trainer = The bomb

Erik the Red · #4 10-26-2008, 09:11 PM

i use an rc-2. does the trick great

kesslari · #5 10-26-2008, 10:49 PM

I use a DL4 for practice and performance. I'll prolly get an RC20, too, just to compare the two.

mambo4 · #6 10-27-2008, 09:09 AM

Just be a sarcastic jack*ss....

A metronome.

XylemBassGuitar · #7 10-27-2008, 03:38 PM

The Boss RC-20XL is pretty good for either practice or live looping. It only records about 15 minutes before it runs out of memory though, so it may not be the best for recording.

The Digitech JamMan has a removable flash card (I think) so you can record hours of play on just one card. But, I'm pretty sure that the JamMan doesn't have the "loop quantize" feature, which will help prevent your loops from being slightly longer or shorter than a measure. The loop quantize is definitely nice if you're going to play live with your loop station.

EADG mx · #8 10-28-2008, 10:22 PM

I use a Jamman for practice but you don't need one to record yourself.

I use mine mostly for soloing, actually.

dhemstra · #9 11-08-2008, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

I have an RC-20; I wouldn't so much say I use for 'practice', it's really more 'noodling'. I'll record a loop of drums(form my Zoom or just ghost notes on the bass), then add a high-register chord progression, then play bass lines over that. OR drums, bass, then something more guitar-esque. Fiddling around like this for an hour or so has got to help a bit. BTW, I'm waiting on an RC-20XL; when it gets here I'll probably sell my RC-20. PM me if you're interested.

Hey bassteban, nice post.
I'm curious though why you've chosen to upgrade. Are the functions of the RC-20 lacking? I'm considering purchasing it myself.

Dennis

soong · #10 11-10-2008, 06:28 PM

Try the Boss RC-2.

Cheapest looper period.

bassteban · #11 11-10-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhemstra

Hey bassteban, nice post.
I'm curious though why you've chosen to upgrade. Are the functions of the RC-20 lacking? I'm considering purchasing it myself.

Dennis

I was pretty satisfied w/the majority of the RC-20's functions; I do like the -XL's undo feature, but the main point for me is the loop length/capacity. At 5 minutes, the RC-20 has enough room for one average-length song/tune; the -XL's 16 minutes gives me the option of storing 2 or 3 tunes' worth of material.