Hate my Tascam Trainers

[ArcBassMan]

Does anyone know of a program (free or not) that does all the Tacam Bass Trainers (MP3 or otherwise) do, such as allow for tempo & key changes on a recording you want to learn, that has a better sound. I find it hard to hear the changes on the Tascam trainers, and figure there must be a better alternative.

 

[Kmonk]

I have owned three different Tascam trainers and have great luck with all of them. The only reason I've had to replace them is because I dropped them. I have tried others trainers which did not allow you to change the key or speed and found the sound to be pretty bad. Lots of distortion, no clarity, etc. With Tascam I found that the sound always suffers when changing the key or speed but Tascam has been the best so far. I recommend getting a good pair of headphones.

 

[ack]

Try the "Amazing Slow Downer". You can download it for free and the free version allows you to change the pitch and speed. It also has an EQ section to boost/cut L, M, H. The downside to the free version is that you're limited to the first 1/4 of an MP3 file...or the first & last track on a CD. it's enough to give you an idea of how it works.

It's worth checking out to see if you like it better than the Tascam.
It's like $50 for the full version.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I use a program called Capo, and it works great. I understand Audacity also has the same functions.

I also disliked my Tascams. I was very careful with them, but they broke constantly.

 

[MarkMgibson]

Audacity is pretty good (and it's freeware). I haven't tried any others.

 

[musomark]

For windows I use Best Practise: http://download.cnet.com/BestPractice/3000-2133_4-10794555.html

For linux I use Play It Slowly: http://29a.ch/playitslowly/

I've never used the Tascam so I can't compare the quality, but both these apps are free so you can compare for yourself.

Mark

 

[ack]

For windows I use Best Practise: http://download.cnet.com/BestPractice/3000-2133_4-10794555.html

Mark

Thanks for posting that link to Best Practice. I've never heard of it before, but that's a neat program if you want to change pitch or slow down the music...and it's free.

 

[MrLenny1]

Sorry to hear you hate your Tascam.
I have had my BT, MP3 for 4 years and love it.
I have heard several complaints about the CD Bass trainer
and all related to mechanical problems.
Bought a decent set of headphones and regularly use
it as my main practice tool.
Last night was YYZ time, looped the tricky parts and I'm half way there.

 

[Blake Bass]

Transcribe is an excellent program but it isn't free.
http://www.seventhstring.com/xscribe/overview.html

 

[ArcBassMan]

I'm So impressed with the great responses. I am new to this forum (and forums in general), but not to bass playing.

I have used both the CD type Tascam (years ago) and the MP3 type, and my complaint is that if I were to listen to the same song on our band PA, the bass part is much easier to hear. I have Shure SRH 750 DJ headphones so I don't think that's the problem.

I can't wait to try all the different programs discussed here...and can't thank everyone who responded enough. Think I'll be sticking around on this forum, as it's obviously worth it!