Info & Opinions: Tascam MP3 Bass Guitar Trainer

wld3 · #1 08-25-2009, 04:59 PM

I have seen the models that use CDs and wondered:

1) How well does the product, in general, work?

2) Are its features genuinely beneficial?

3) Besides the obvious media format difference, is there anything worth noting about the MP3 version as opposed to the CD version?

My primary purpose would be to be able to loop portions of songs over while practicing and to be able to slow down music while learning and playing along.

If you own/use one of these, your feedback, positive and negative, would be especially appreciated.

Thanks.

NoTalentHack · #2 08-25-2009, 05:04 PM

I got one for Christmas a couple of years ago. One of 2 things happened that caused me to send it back:
1) I didn't know enough to figure out how to use it properly -a real possibility (yes, I can read. It didn't help). OR

2) It just plain didn't do what it was advertised to do.

I expected it to be able to drop out the bass and play along and/or drop out the other tracks so I could hear the bass only. It did the former but not the latter.

Forgot to say it was the CD version.

BluesWalker · #3 08-25-2009, 05:08 PM

I have owned both the CD and mp3 versions. The mp3 version is much better as long you can prepare mp3 files on your PC (which is pretty easy to do) and transfer them to the Tascam. It is very easy to setup a loop on the mp3, the instructions are pretty staightforward.

rcarraher · #4 08-25-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wld3

I have seen the models that use CDs and wondered:

1) How well does the product, in general, work?

2) Are its features genuinely beneficial?

3) Besides the obvious media format difference, is there anything worth noting about the MP3 version as opposed to the CD version?

My primary purpose would be to be able to loop portions of songs over while practicing and to be able to slow down music while learning and playing along.

If you own/use one of these, your feedback, positive and negative, would be especially appreciated.

Thanks.

I bought a BT1 years ago, and I wouldn't be without it. Slows them down, drops out the bass so you can play along, emphasizes the bass so you can hear it better, has a built in tuner (not the most acurate better than nothing). And some limited effects which I never use. Nice piece of equipment. I'm going to have to upgrade to a 1A or get the MP3 version.

Stinsok · #5 08-25-2009, 06:06 PM

I practice waaaay more now that I have one. I carry a bass when I travel and it fits neatly in my gig bag. The effects are really cheezy though. I do have one issue and maybe someone can help me through it.

All the music files I download are in MP3 format. There are some songs that won't play (it says the format isn't supported.)

sackvegas · #6 08-26-2009, 08:51 AM

I have the CD one and use it daily, I couldn't imagine not having one, I like to play with earphones on and it's awesome for transcribing songs

brothernewt · #7 08-26-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

All the music files I download are in MP3 format. There are some songs that won't play (it says the format isn't supported.)

I've noticed that too... haven't quite figured out why or an easy fix. I have had success in deleting the non supported file and putting a new one on... but not always and not sure why.

paul_wolfe · #8 08-26-2009, 09:16 AM

I've got the CD version. I think it's fantastic - wish it had been available 20 years ago.

Quote:

I expected it to be able to drop out the bass and play along and/or drop out the other tracks so I could hear the bass only.

There's nothing that can isolate the bass only unless you've got the master studio track. (There are some master bass tracks floating around that have come from various Guitar Hero games that have been cracked).

It's also got a metronome that does odd time signatures as well as the other features listed above. The CD version plays CDRs so you can make your own CDs. The loop feature is a bit clumsy, but it does work.

You can also 'tune' a CD if the original is out of concert tuning, which is another cool feature.

I could go on....they are really, really great. If you're gonna take them out to practice with I'd get the MP3 version as the CD version eats batteries!

Hope that helps.

wld3 · #9 08-26-2009, 10:00 PM

Thank you all for the replies and info. I think I will get one of these and try it out for myself. Anything that helps me in practice is a good thing.

As for certain MP3 files not being accepted, I noted in the manual (which I downloaded) that it states 44.1 kHz is the only supported sampling frequency and that others, such as 48 kHz and 32 kHz, will not work with the device. That may explain why some MP3 files won't work. You can, however, modify the sample frequency of MP3 files with some basic software.

JimiLL · #10 08-26-2009, 10:06 PM

yes, I practice wayyy more as well.

It actually takes a lot of the chore out of learning a new song.... its been much easier for me not worrying about blending stereos and amps to get a good mix. And the playback loop is a lifesaver. I would HATE having to skip bacck through 45 seconds of song everytime I wanted to hear a part again.

you can play in one room and have someone sleeping in the other. Its literally a carry along ampthat fits in your pocket.

Really nice. Glad I stumbuled across it at my local music store

phaneo · #11 08-26-2009, 10:14 PM

I have the MP3 Version and really dig it. It's done all it said it would do. Definitely worth the money. Great practice tool!!

CBRXJ · #12 12-12-2010, 12:09 PM

As for certain MP3 files not being accepted, I noted in the manual (which I downloaded) that it states 44.1 kHz is the only supported sampling frequency and that others, such as 48 kHz and 32 kHz, will not work with the device. That may explain why some MP3 files won't work. You can, however, modify the sample frequency of MP3 files with some basic software.[/quote]

I'm having this problem and noticed that I have mp3's that play at 22k and some that don't. actually I'm looking at one that plays and it says "mp3 : 128k, cbr,22.0k and one that won't play and it says the same.

scotch · #13 12-12-2010, 12:21 PM

I have the Tascam GT-R1. It is indispensable to me! It plays and records mp3's and wav files, uses an easily removable sd card, can overdub onto wav files, has built in metronome with multiple time signatures, built in drum machine, basic amp emulation, etc... It loops sections of songs easily with front panel buttons & can speed up or slow down without changing pitch! It also transposes a song to any key without affecting tempo. Amazing!

I use mine for 3 primary functions:
-learning/charting out new music
-recording rehearsals for later reference/charting
-as a songwriting tool (quick recording via built in mic or plugging in an instrument)

The sound quality isn't as good as a high-end recording device or dedicated headphone amp (obviously), but it's the PERFECT songwriting tool and all-in-one unit for learning songs and practicing. It has made my life as a professional 'hired-gun' soooo much easier! The battery lasts a long time and is small in size. I use mine almost every day.

http://tascam.com/product/gt-r1/

The Tascam bass-trainers are good as well, but having the built-in stereo mic for recording rehearsals is extremely useful! I cannot recommend the GT-R1 highly enough as a practice tool/songwriting aid.

***the GT-R1 is only $50 more than the mp3 Bass Trainer. You get the stereo mics and guitar presets. It's worth it just for the ability to record rehearsals/shows, etc...

CBRXJ · #14 12-12-2010, 12:32 PM

So for now there is no BT-r1? Your using this with your bass, correct?

scotch · #15 12-12-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRXJ

So for now there is no BT-r1? Your using this with your bass, correct?

I think the mp3 Bass Trainer is no longer in production, but still available at some stores:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MPBT1/

Yes, I use the GT-R1 for bass. It has bass presets as well as guitar and general use presets. Works great on bass!

CBRXJ · #16 12-12-2010, 12:57 PM

Yep, I should have googled the thing before I asked. I might have to get one off those to replace my MP-bt1.

Deathblade Eric · #17 12-12-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRXJ

I'm having this problem and noticed that I have mp3's that play at 22k and some that don't. actually I'm looking at one that plays and it says "mp3 : 128k, cbr,22.0k and one that won't play and it says the same.

Open them up in something like Winamp that'll let you see the ID3v1 & ID3v2 tag info. It may be that the one that won't play has embedded album cover art in the tag - the Tascam doesn't like those either.

I've had a few random 'non-players' that I've never got to the bottom of. Stripping out the tags, saving, re-writing the tags & saving again usually works, but if it doesn't I'll convert it to WAV & then re-compress it to 128k CBR (VBR usually works too).

CBRXJ · #18 12-12-2010, 03:41 PM

What are you using to convert the files. I tried itunes but my mp3 came out at 160k and I don't see any option to change it.

scotch · #19 12-12-2010, 04:14 PM

I like SwitchSound File Converter (NCH software). Free & converts virtually any audio file into whatever you want. Does batch job easily!

CBRXJ · #20 12-12-2010, 05:54 PM

Thanks guys, What I did was download SWITCHSOUND and changed the files from 128k to 320k and they work. I don't know why cause I have other files at 128k and 96k that work but they work and now I'm happy.