drum machine vs. processor and a little more help..

[x15]

hey..

i've been playing bass for about three years now.. i'm living in new delhi (india) and as of now, my band scene isn't looking too good.. i'm currently in the states and am trying to decide whether it would be better for me to buy an alesis drum machine which costs 149 usd i think, or a zoom (something) with usb recording and 42 present drum tracks..
keeping in mind that i've never used a drum machine before, any advice would be helpful.. i just want to keep practising with drums because i feel myself losing a little flow.. and i guess its just not the same with the metronome..

additional question.. is it possible for an amp or any effects instrument or any faulty cable to send something up to the bass that would short the wiring inside the bass.. or damage it in anyway.. i have a fender rumble 1oo amp at home.. and there might be a little something wrong inside it, i'm afraid of plugging my bass into it..
i would appreciate any assistance whatsoever..thank you so much

 

[bongomania]

Does the Zoom unit allow you to record directly into it, and play back the tracks? Does it allow you to record along with a drum pattern, and play back what you recorded in sync with the drums?

Because that would be a pretty good practice/learning setup. We (very many of us) think we are in good time with the drums, until we hear a recording of the gig.

It might seem cooler to have an infinite number of possible drum machine patterns, but how many of them are really helpful to practice with? Unless you need to play along with taals or something equally complicated...

It is possible for a bad voltage surge to travel up the cable into your bass, but it's pretty uncommon. I wouldn't worry too much, but maybe your $150 should be spent fixing or upgrading your amp? Good luck!