Most useful bass/music related apps for iPhone/iPad

[malthumb]

Originally Posted by nervous

I am using the GK 'PocketGK' almost exclusively as a practice tool for learning new songs. Tried the Amplitube and MusicTrainer apps but just preferred the GK better.

I have this on my iPad and iPhone. Haven't used it yet because I haven't decided yet between Apogee Jam and iRiffPort. I'll probably land on Apogee Jam because I can pick one up on the way home. I'd have to order the iRiffPort. How's that for decision making?

[nervous]

Originally Posted by malthumb

I have this on my iPad and iPhone. Haven't used it yet because I haven't decided yet between Apogee Jam and iRiffPort. I'll probably land on Apogee Jam because I can pick one up on the way home. I'd have to order the iRiffPort. How's that for decision making?

I a not familiar with the Apogee jam but I see that the iRiffPort, at $100.00, is very expensive which i just couldn't justify. I am using the iRig and picked a couple up in the neighborhood of $20-$25 each. Works fine and with the GK app i am around $30.00 complete. The GK app is hissy but works well.

[SteveC]

I've been using GoodReader, but may give Gigbook a look...sounds like something I could use.

[Phil Smith]

I like Symphony Pro for standard notation.

[Gaius46]

Originally Posted by Phil Smith

I like Symphony Pro for standard notation.

I've just started using Symphony Pro as well and like it. I wish they had a jazz font similar to Finale's though.

I've also found problems with importing MusicXML output from Symphony into Finale. Lots of notes wind up in the wrong octave. Not sure if that's a Symphony bug or a Finale bug.

Also use Forscore for sheet music, Setlist Maker and IRealB.

[krstko]

Tuner (I use mobile one if I don't have my PB with me)

[tranceFusion]

Is there a good drum machine app?

Also, are there any apps that just have a bunch of pre-built drum tracks that I can play to jam along with?

[kevinmoore73]

PolyTune is great, and I've tried a lot of iOS tuners. Metronome is pretty nice. ReadRhythm is a nice learning tool. iReal B and unrealBook are indispensable.

While not really related to Bass, the Moog apps Animoog and Filtatron are fantastic. Garage Band is great. ThumbJam is a riot. I love GeoSynth's "keyboard". SoundPrism Pro is wonderful. Pocket Organ is a great B3 app. TouchOSC is nice, and Lemur seems to be even better.

[Stev187]

Here are the two iPhone/iPad apps I like.

Tenuto
Tenuto for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad on the iTunes App Store

What I love about Tenuto is the fact that you can customize all the drills to fit the notes you want to work on. For example, for double bass I lock the exercise into bass clef and set the range for notes I can actually play on the instrument. There's a visual fretboard quiz that can be customized for multiple instruments, including 4 and 5 string bass.

Right Note
App Store - Right Note - Ear Trainer

Right Note is one of the best ear training interfaces I've seen. It allows you to answer the questions by playing your own instrument! The iPhone mic picks up the sounds you play (you can even sing the notes to answer). Together these apps are less than $20. Very cool.

[tranceFusion]

Anyone have thoughts on Clockwork (metronome) or Cleartune (tuner)?

[kevinmoore73]

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

Anyone have thoughts on Clockwork (metronome) or Cleartune (tuner)?

ClearTune is OK but I think PolyTune is better.

[tranceFusion]

Originally Posted by kevinmoore73

ClearTune is OK but I think PolyTune is better.

Are you using polytune plugged in? It seems to have a lot of bad reviews mentioning poor accuracy when using the mic..

[kevinmoore73]

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

Are you using polytune plugged in? It seems to have a lot of bad reviews mentioning poor accuracy when using the mic..

I mostly use it with the built-in mic and have not experienced any issues. I've found the single-string approach to be much more accurate and useful than the multi/poly string approach.

[pklima]

What chromatic tuner app would y'all recommend for instruments ranging from DB tuned in fifths to cavaquinho (sort of a steel-string ukulele)?

[Ironderby]

Talkbass forums and Steinway metronome

[Rip Topaz]

Originally Posted by pklima

What chromatic tuner app would y'all recommend for instruments ranging from DB tuned in fifths to cavaquinho (sort of a steel-string ukulele)?

TC Polytune might work for you. I use it for dulcimer.

[Stev187]

I just started using an iPhone SPL meter to measure dB levels at practice and shows. Works great. Wear earplugs at loud levels guys!!!

--Steve

[nervous]

FYI, for the unaware the GK PocketGK app has had a recent upgrade/update with a few very useful changes.

Now supporting iOS version 4.2 or later.


Improvements as follows:


- Playlist support for music player

- Noise Gate controls adjusted

- Song Trainer Speed control adjusted

- GK 2012 Product Catalog

- bug fixes

I find the playlist support the most useful. I no longer have to keep going back to manually select the next song in my practice playlist(s). I can now simply select the playlist I want from a drop down menu and just scroll up and down through that. Very nice.

[shewhorn]

Of all the metronome apps, do any of them go slow? REALLY S L O W? I'm thinking 15 BPM slow. They all seem to bottom out at 35 BPM.

Cheers, Joe

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by shewhorn

Of all the metronome apps, do any of them go slow? REALLY S L O W? I'm thinking 15 BPM slow. They all seem to bottom out at 35 BPM.

Metronomics goes all the way down to 1 bpm (which is still considered rushing in Ray Charles' band).