Using a Loop Machine or Playing with a DJ - I know it's been discussed here before

[congamyk]

I can't find the old thread that talks about using a loop machine. I searched, really.

Can anyone here recommend a looper? Which works best? I play in a jazz trio and am the only percussionist. Can someone point me to the old thread or discuss here. This has become a huge trend in rhythm of late.

[JohnnyConga]

Hi MIke why a "loop"? I play in a few trios I dont need anything to support my playing, or am I misunderstanding what u want to do ?...with the trios I play 2 congas/bongos/ and a tamborine...and thats it...."JC" Johnny Conga....

[congamyk]

Hi JC well really it was more about a past topic where someone had bought a loop device and was "layering" multiple instruments into the loop rhythm. The thread dissapeared I know it's still here.

As a trio we don't have bass or drums. Just percussion/sax (me), guitar and vocalist. The loop might come in handy for me. When I stop playing percussion and pick up the sax to solo, the guitar player doesn't maintain the exact tempo. Each time the rhythm falters a bit.

Also, If I could start with shaker, tamborine, clave and effects, It could fascilitate more conga soloing.



Edited By congamyk on 1184097066

[109-1176549166]

Hi congamyk,

I hope that I correctly understand your requirements. Have you heard of the Roland SPD-S? It's really a sampler. It goes for around $500 brandnew.

Among world-class bands that I've seen use Latin percussion instruments, I've seen the SPD-S used extensively by "Earth, Wind & Fire" within the latest evolution of their band.

For more info, here's the direct Roland link to the product: http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=537

I've got pre-programmed and programmable loops on my Roland HPD-15, but (as you may or may not already own one) it's primarily an electronic percussion instruments. So, its capability to produce various loops are, not surprisingly, quite limited.

Hope this helps,



Edited By mjtuazon on 1184103296

[bongosnotbombs]

A lot of that looping stuff is now donw with Mac computers,
using Garageband and other more advanced programs.

I've been to party's where the music is being mixed live by guys on a Mac.

It's really more of a musical instrument, where you can choose the instrument, tempo and volume of mutliple tracks and program and control how and when they come in.

It's not my personal thing, but I have heard some pretty good stuff coming from this sort of set up.

Personally I use an Alesis SR16 to practice with. It has 215 percussion sounds, super simple to use. Costs $60 used and plugged into an amp. I program claves (son and rumba) and pallito patterns and bembe bells on it. I only use it for practice but several well known bands have used it to record songs and for live situations.



Edited By bongosnotbombs on 1184103705

[109-1176549166]

Hi bongosnotbombs,

Not that I currently have a need for it, but I prefer the Roland SPD-S over using computers. It's just like playing another acoustic percussion instrument (drums, cymbals, timbales or congas). Using sticks or the fingers of your hands, you can trigger any rubber pad or a combination thereof simultaneously from a total of 9 separate rubber pads.

Besides, by it's very own design and by coming with an optional steel stand, it's designed to fit more ergonomically within one's existing percussion set-up.

Mi dos sentimos,



Edited By mjtuazon on 1184104097

[bongosnotbombs]

mjtuazon,
Oh yeah sure, thats why I use the Alesis SR-16, it's more like a drum or percussion instrument and simpler.
I just threw the Mac out there, cause for all we know that might be what congamyk's computer is. I have one.
But also it has strengths the Roland does'nt as in being better at looping, and that the sounds you can use are unlimited.
If all congamyk needs is a simple beat like claves or something like, then a simple drum machine would probably do all right.

[109-1176549166]

bongosnotbombs,

Thanks for sharing your info on the Alesis SR-16. You've taught me something new.

Even if I don't need one, I'll still check its specs out, just out of curiosity. I guess I have some sort of bias for Roland when it comes to electronic percussion.

Best,

[bongosnotbombs]

mjtuazon,
yeah you know, I picked the Alesis up for $60 used. The Roland you can actually play like a drum though right? You hit those 6 pads with a stick and record it?

The Alesis is a lot smaller, it records stuff in real time by tapping the pads, or you can move through each beat subdivision and program the sounds you want to occur there.

Then you can scroll through the names of the songs/patterns you have recorded and play them.

The Roland, like you said is more like and instrument, the Alesis is like a little programable hard drive with all these patterns you recorded into it.

They are very different while still having similar purposes.

[congamyk]

thanks for the input.... some clarification

Roland HPD-10 Handsonic

I own it and like it, but for live loops... fo-get-a-bout-it!



Alesis SR-16 Stereo Drum Machine

no way I'm using it live... it isn't even me!.... fo-get-a-bout-it!



I'm looking for a "live" loops processor, something easy and simple that I start with a foot pedal on the fly that will allow me to play and capture a simple phrase on congas, shaker etc. and have it loop "live". Then I start with another loop until there is a nice groove happening. Then I can even solo over it and it keeps a "live" beat because it's what I played right there on the spot. Something like these.

Boss RC-20XL Loop Station


DigiTech JamMan Looper Performance Loop Pedal




Edited By congamyk on 1184114548

[bongosnotbombs]

Congamyk,
Aaahhh you want to do something like what Keller Williams does,
sorry chief can't help you there.