Anyone use a loop/phrase sampler?

James Winwood · Post by **James Winwood** » 23 Oct 2001 1:14 pm

I know what my next gear acquisition is going to be. It's just a question of which one. I know there is the boomerang sampler, boss has one out and I here there is one coming out called the repeater. Each costs quite a bit, with the cheapest being the boss for 300, or so I heard. I also heard it has up to 4 minutes of sample time. This device would be invaluable for practicing, especially blowing over jazz changes, considering that you can just lay down the progression and it won't get tired of playing back. Of course you could use it live too. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with one of these things?
James

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 24 Oct 2001 2:06 am

If you are just looking for something to practise with, there is none better than the Reed Kotler TR-1000. Check out reedkotler.com for info. If you decide to buy one, I got mine at a place called Midi Classics in CT for about $200.
The Tr-1000 is the most incredible tool for learning music available.

Steve Stallings · Post by **Steve Stallings** » 24 Oct 2001 7:10 am

I have both the akai rif-o-matic and the Reed Kottler unit. Quite frankly, the akai unit is just as good, easier to use, and half the cost. I was very dissapointed in the Reed Kottler unit. I bought it after reading tons of "gee whiz" reviews, thinking it would be an upgrade. It isn't.

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Steve Stallings
Bremond, Texas

James Winwood · Post by **James Winwood** » 24 Oct 2001 11:26 am

Interesting, I'll look into these two...

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 24 Oct 2001 1:17 pm

I would heartily recommend checking out the Boss RC-20 Loop Station. I use it for practice and love it. It can hold 11 loops of up to 5 minutes apiece (!) and offers CD quality fidelity. You can reverse the loops, time stretch them, add to them later, and a lot more. Drawbacks: cannot remove the "last added phrase", no octave lower feature like the Pod, but being able to save loops is invaluable, I think. Give it a demo before you buy anything; you'll be glad you did.
G.

Cartwright Thompson · Post by **Cartwright Thompson** » 24 Oct 2001 3:14 pm

Steve,
I bought the Akai too. If you know how to use it, the Kotler is far superior. You might benefit from reading the manual.

James Winwood · Post by **James Winwood** » 25 Oct 2001 11:36 am

Hey Gerald, how much did you spend for that Boss unit? Did you get in nyc? I'll be heading into manhatten next week and am thinking about picking one up. I've only heard good things about this unit and have had good experiences with boss products so far.

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 26 Oct 2001 12:32 pm

I paid $299.00 for mine, at 48th street Custom Guitars. I should mention that the output from my Zum totalled the preamp of a Pod; the Loop Station will take what you give it, and sounds great. Best of all, it shows up for rehearsals on time, can't get a DUI, and has a job. Enjoy.

Gerald