Drum Machine

yax75 · #1 08-20-2009, 08:03 AM

Hiya guys, not sure if this is the right section to post in but here it goes anyways. I was thinking about replacing my metronome with a drum machine, to try and get a better feel for following a drummer. But I am not sure which brand is good. I tried searching the forum but didn't come up with anything. Can anyone suggest a decent brand/model? And what are peoples thoughts on using a drum machine vs a metronome?

Thanks

electracoyote · #2 08-20-2009, 08:10 AM

I'm a teacher with 25 students. I constantly advocate the use of a metronome or some kind of time-keeping device with my students. A drum machine is just an elaborate metronome, more like a drummer (of course), and I think it's a great idea. The Boss stuff is pretty nice, fairly user-friendly. You might want to get something with a little programmability as opposed to a box that has only presets. This way, you can take a crack at programming your own novel rhythms. Nothing wrong with thinking like a drummer, since you are going to be locking with and cueing off one frequently as a bass player. Good luck!

mambo4 · #3 08-20-2009, 01:48 PM

Find a used alesis sr-16 on ebay. Cheap, realistic (kinda) sounds and pre programmed with many typical patterns.

If your pc has speakers and is near your practice area, however, there are many share ware / demo drum machines, as well as plain Midi loops out there that would also work, totally free.

Oh! Henry · #4 08-20-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mambo4

If your pc has speakers and is near your practice area, however, there are many share ware / demo drum machines, as well as plain Midi loops out there that would also work, totally free.

Can you give some links to some good software or loops?

Stumbo · #5 08-20-2009, 01:58 PM

Here are some links to check out:
~Backing Tracks & Drum Machines
1 Drum Machines
2
3
Cool downloadable drumtrack software- make your own tracks/save files
Tascam Bass Trainer
Cyberfretbass.com - Drum Tracks
Freejamtracks.com - Free backing tracks by NickonBass
Different methods to play drum tracks

progrmr · #6 08-20-2009, 02:09 PM

I have a DR-550 (Boss) - its a PITA to program! NOT user friendly at all. I think it would be great if I had about 40 hours to figure it out, but I can't even put together simple beat with the thing and the pre-programmed ones are anything but standard/run of the mill. They're all crazy beats.

I haven't gotten rid of it though - I'm hoping that someday I can get it down as I think it would be a beneficial addition to practice.

LaughingGroove · #7 08-20-2009, 02:16 PM

I have the Boss DR-5: Dr. Rhythm Section drum machine....

(also a pain the the @$$ to program) well, for me anyway. I would be willing to let it go if you are interested, PM me.

Now I use the PC instead. (Much easier)

MNAirHead · #8 08-20-2009, 02:25 PM

Just about any is cool.. go for small, programmable.. doesn 't use zillions of batteries.

HINT - if possible buy one from a drummer - best one I bought had a drummer dorking with new patterns

My overall favorite = Sequential Tom --- I'm sure by now all the Mili Vanili fans are scouping them up..

Seriously.. keep cheap.. under $50 is about right.

IF you need just some tracks PM me .. save the clutter.. I'll send you mp3s..

Moving to a drum machine helps as you get to hear bass/snare.

Tim

yax75 · #9 08-20-2009, 04:36 PM

Cool thanks guys, heres a link to an on-line drum machine that I found. http://www.onemotion.com/flash/drum-machine/ I might go this way as I can place my laptop right by my practice area.

Ed Fuqua · #10 08-20-2009, 07:59 PM

Using a drum machine is nice if you want to program it to play a specific part so that you can practice a specific part against it. But the great thing about practicing with a nome is precisely it's lack of any other musical information but a click (which you can decide whether it's on every beat, every other beat, only on beat 4 of every other measure, only on the AND of 4 of every 4th measure, whatever), you the player have to provide ALL of the other musical information. A drum machine will have fills, that will get you back to one if you're rushing or dragging, it will phrase through the tune despite your playing gibberish that in no way defines the harmonic or melodic direction of the piece. It gives you SO MUCH to lean on that a nome does not.

mstott25 · #11 08-20-2009, 08:41 PM

I've always just rented this guy for those times I just had to have a drum machine

Bart1966 · #12 08-22-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Using a drum machine is nice if you want to program it to play a specific part so that you can practice a specific part against it. But the great thing about practicing with a nome is precisely it's lack of any other musical information but a click (which you can decide whether it's on every beat, every other beat, only on beat 4 of every other measure, only on the AND of 4 of every 4th measure, whatever), you the player have to provide ALL of the other musical information. A drum machine will have fills, that will get you back to one if you're rushing or dragging, it will phrase through the tune despite your playing gibberish that in no way defines the harmonic or melodic direction of the piece. It gives you SO MUCH to lean on that a nome does not.

+1, not as much fun as a drum computer but for timing it's better. Use both

Captain_Arrrg · #13 08-22-2009, 04:47 PM

I use the $95 Zoom MRT-3. It has hundreds of decent presets, and it was cheap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Using a drum machine is nice if you want to program it to play a specific part so that you can practice a specific part against it. But the great thing about practicing with a nome is precisely it's lack of any other musical information but a click (which you can decide whether it's on every beat, every other beat, only on beat 4 of every other measure, only on the AND of 4 of every 4th measure, whatever), you the player have to provide ALL of the other musical information. A drum machine will have fills, that will get you back to one if you're rushing or dragging, it will phrase through the tune despite your playing gibberish that in no way defines the harmonic or melodic direction of the piece. It gives you SO MUCH to lean on that a nome does not.

I would suggest you familiarize yourself with your drum machine's program options. If you can't make it click on what ever beat(s) you want, buy a new one.

Ed Fuqua · #14 08-22-2009, 05:18 PM

It's options are
OFF
ON
As one might infer from my post, I use a nome, not a drum machine. For the reasons stated.

jazzbo · #15 08-22-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fuqua

Using a drum machine is nice if you want to program it to play a specific part so that you can practice a specific part against it. But the great thing about practicing with a nome is precisely it's lack of any other musical information but a click (which you can decide whether it's on every beat, every other beat, only on beat 4 of every other measure, only on the AND of 4 of every 4th measure, whatever), you the player have to provide ALL of the other musical information. A drum machine will have fills, that will get you back to one if you're rushing or dragging, it will phrase through the tune despite your playing gibberish that in no way defines the harmonic or melodic direction of the piece. It gives you SO MUCH to lean on that a nome does not.

I'm not on the boards as much as I used to be, but I came across this post and your next one and it made me smile.

While disagreement and debate can be lively and educational, I generally encourage all to simply do what Ed says and everything will be fine.

StrangeObjectiv · #16 08-22-2009, 07:11 PM

I was just looking for some online drum loops, searched here and found a thread where someone recommend this: http://www.rinki.net/pekka/monkey/#

Very easy to use and you can make your own beats.

There's also Hydrogen: http://www.hydrogen-music.org/

I found that on here, too. Haven't tried it, but some audio samples sound impressive. Probably a bit more complicated to use though.

Good luck!

Captain_Arrrg · #17 08-23-2009, 11:09 AM

One might also infer that you are suggesting exclusive use of a metronome because drum machines were incapable of doing what a metronome does.

Dave328 · #18 08-23-2009, 11:57 AM

There are plenty of free drum machine apps on the iPhone and iPod Touch that are handy for this. If your amp has a CD/input you can plug it directly in and play.

jazzbo · #19 08-23-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Arrrg

One might also infer that you are suggesting exclusive use of a metronome because drum machines were incapable of doing what a metronome does.

"Using a drum machine is nice if you want to program it to play a specific part so that you can practice a specific part against it."

I read Ed's post and understood perfectly what he meant. I do think that there are sometimes people who can't handle anything critical being spoken about their particular method/style/gear/etc. without thinking that it's a black and white issue where the person is condemning the thing in its entirety. I don't see Ed's post that way. I think that he clearly states that drum machines have some uses; however, it seems to me that he feels that sometimes people will use a drum machine in place of a metronome when a metronome can, in fact, be a more effective tool to accomplish what one is generally trying to accomplish when using a gnome/'nome.

So, I guess I'm saying that I disagree with your point Cap'n. I did not infer the same thing from Ed's email that you did. I found it to be a really great point that nobody had yet mentioned and it could give a newer player pause, and might help them think more about how they're practicing.

Ed Fuqua · #20 08-23-2009, 03:54 PM

And not to unduly flog, but looking for the right drum machine, that does the right thing and that costs the right price is an excellent way to avoid practicing.