Bass Trainer

There's a gb-10 in the classifieds now if you're interested.

 

I've had the GB-10 for a bit over a month and like it. It is quite solidly built and I've had no issues with it.

It has quite a few features, too numerous to go through. I'll just hit the highlights that come to mind.

It allow you to slow down or speed up your music in increments of 10% from half speed to 150%.

Looping is another feature, making learning a difficult part easier. TBH, I've only toyed with that feature for part of one practise session and never really looked at it again. I may find it useful in the future, so I am not saying it's undesirable.

It's got a built-in metronome and tuner.

I think the "Key" feature could be very useful to train yourself to play the same bassline in different keys. The range is +/- 6 semitones. A sub-feature of Change Key is "Fine Tune" which changes the pitch +/- 50 cents (100 cents = 1 semitone). Can be helpful in practising to music where the recording or playback device's speed is slightly off.

The Effects library works. There's always someone who'll say it's gimmicky, but it does a reasonable job in getting your sound a bit closer to what the real bass line is supposed to sound like. One thing about the library is that it has settings for gain and master output. I mention this because some have complained that matching the level of the bass output to the recorded music output leaves something to be desired. Not if you get into Effects and set some levels.

I guess I should mention that you can also record your playing with whatever your backing track is. I haven't even tried that yet, as I've been recording myself with my webcam.

I didn't get the AC adapter, as I plug it into my computer for power through the USB port. Didn't get the optional footswitch either. Can't remember exactly what functions it was supposed to control, but I remember reading a review that sounded like it wasn't as useful as one would have hoped.

I'll summarize by saying that I do not regret purchasing it in the least. It is a valuable device for a beginner (like me) or someone more seasoned who has to learn a pile of cover songs in minimal time. It's a phenomenal practice tool. Just wish there was more time to practice.

For other opinions, check out more reviews on Amazon.com too. Hope this helps in your decision. If you haven't already, you can download the manual at Product: GB-10 | TASCAM.

EDIT: In terms of isolating the bass line, the GB-10 does not have that feature. As to a website with promise (isolation-wise) check out http://jammit.com/.

 

i use the GB10 extensively and i love it, its a gazillion time better than the earlier CD version, it hold a media card as well for increased library space, if mine ever breaks (god FORBID) it will be replaced immediately!! love it....

 

Well worth the investment IMO.

I travel a lot for work, so it's great for when I want to play inside of hotel rooms.

 

I've also been toying with the purchase of one. But this vs the older tascam bass trainer that allows you to boost/cancel the recorded bassline. The MP-BT1. I've read good and bad for both. I'm not sure how much that function would help over what the GB10 offers. Does anyone have opinions that way?

 

I bought the MP-BT1 from eBay and it was faulty - it kept rebooting itself in the middle of a song, the it finally bricked itself and basically wouldn't even boot up. I sent it back to the vendor and bought a GB-10 which has worked flawlessly.

I didn't use the MP-BT1 long enough to give a detailed review, but the bass elimination feature was very cool. It really did knock the bass out of the mix and made it much easier to play along with stuff.

The GB-10 is worthwhile even without that feature. I've brought it to band practice and we've plugged it into the PA to work through cover tunes.

I would say get the MP-BT1 if you can find one, if not the GB-10 is 90% as useful.

 

I have an MP-BT1 and my take on the the "bass elimination" feature: it's kind of just a broad eq cut and loses kick too so I never use it. If you're looking for a rehearsal kind of tool, you may find it usefull, but I primarily use it as a learning of tool and do not. I'll get the new version for sure if/when mine finally gives up.