Bass trainers

[element22]

Hello all!

New here and fairly new to the bass guitar as well. I've been reading some threads around here and have learned about the Tascam bass trainers. It seems like a great product to have. It would be very helpful to slow down songs for me to learn. Well I've looked around and came across the MP-BT1 and the GTR1.

My question is, is the GTR1 capable of doing exactly the same thing as the MP-BT1? If so then I would be leaning towards a GTR1 purchase because of the additional features for a small price raise. Also, should there be any alternatives to consider or known upcoming items to hold out for?

[feelinlow]

Check out the new Tascam GB10 at $149

[TBassEurope]

Yes, the GTR1 has got the same functions to slow down or transpose a tune.
It has not the possibility of filtering (EQing) the bass out of the mp3 source.
But it has got a couple of rhythm patterns. I found it very useful to have the possibility to record playing with the original song - controlling timing, articulation etc.
You can use it as a recorder for rehearsals etc with good results, even if they are a bit duller than those of the Zoom H2 my bandmate uses. Today, I would prefer purchasing the new Tascam GB10 and the Zoom H2 instead of the "combo" GTR1.

[gtaus]

It's my understanding that the GT-R1 does indeed have the bass cancellation/enhancer feature built into the unit. I am personally leaning towards the GT-R1 myself. I was not aware of the GB10, but that looks good too. However, the GB10 costs about $150.00 and the GT-R1 (with mics for recording) is selling for $171.00 on Amazon.com. For the price difference, I'm still leaning toward the GT-R1.

I have the Tascam DR-07, which is a great recorder and it also has most of the guitar trainer features such as looping, pitch control, and speed control - but it does not have the bass cancellation/enhancer feature or direct input of your 1/4" bass guitar jack.

I have received some PM's on the GT-R1 and have been told that the bass/guitar cancellation/enhancer effects are mainly built in eq scoops. Sounds like you could accomplish nearly the same thing by eq'ing your playback on your media player.

I don't like the idea of having to buy the custom Lithium-Ion batteries made by Tascam for about $35.00 each for the GT-R1. The battery life is about 4.5 hours from what I read. I much prefer the standard, cheaper, NiMH AA batteries that my DR-07 takes which last me up to 7 hours between charge (2500 mAh rating). But I never practice more than a couple hours at a time anyway, so the battery life is probably not an issue in that respect. It can be an issue when recording live gigs that last 4+ hours, as when the battery starts to die, your 4.5 hours of recording time might be reduced to just one or two hours. That's where the standard AA batteries are nice.

[element22]

Thanks for the replies. I literally was one button away from biting the bullet on the gt-r1 not knowing that the gb10 was already released. I had read about it on Tascam's official website but no tab for purchasing so I assumed it was still in production. TBH I don't seeing myself recording a whole lot and it would rather just be a plus feature than a mandatory one. My main concerns are towards the features that may help me with learning and practicing.

Once again thanks to all for the info!

[Honk'n_down-low]

Look at the Pandora P5XD. The Tascam recorders like the DR1 do the same thing as the Trainers,I got one of those used for $100 here on the forum. But the Bass Trainer is good too, and is specifically for Bass. With the recorders you can loop the song, and you can play the song and over dub your Bass so you can hear how well you are playing the line. I think any of these will do the job - just some have more features the Pandora will record directly to your PC, has tons of Amp Modeling, effects, it can loop up to 80 seconds and squash the bass from a track so you can substitute your playing - good luck!

[varunkapahi]

i think the gtr-1 doesnt have pitch control

[violetmind]

Does the GB-10 allow for direct power supply (ac/dc adaptor) or is it purely battery operated?

Thanks.

[element22]

Just to update I ended up purchasing the GB-10 so thank you posters for the info about the release of this product.

The GB-10 does indeed have an ac/dc port (5V) but an adapter wasn't bundled with it. I'm gonna go on a whim and say that the adapters available for the other tascam trainers work with it. Didn't end up purchasing one purely cause of the cost which was around I think $30. Kind of a rip off imo.

[violetmind]

How do you like it so far? Are there any online stores that we can purchase it from (that ships internationally)?

Thanks!