I want to get a looper, any suggestions?

Debbie · July 28th, 2008, 01:58 PM

I would like to get a simple and easy to use looper. I see there's a boss 2 and boss 20 and boss 50 looper. I think the 50 is way to much for what I want. Which would you guys suggest and are there any other brands that would be better then the boss loopers? Also where's the lowest priced place to purchase one of these or is the musicians friend price the best?

thanks,

Debbie

Tele66 · July 28th, 2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbie

I would like to get a simple and easy to use looper.

Hi:

I'm by no means an expert but a local VERY TALENTED Jazz player easily convinced me to by a Digitech Jam Man last week, for the following reasons:

1) Up to 6 hrs of memory possible with 2G memory card - 99 Loops
2) Moderately priced $350 +/- easily recouped with a few solo gigs
3) You can add an inexpensive footswitch to make it easier to use on the fly

He convinced me it would be a great learning as well as performing tool.
After a fair amount of messing with it for the last week, he got the learning part right. I'm quite aways away from the performing part....

Hope this helps.

graphs · July 28th, 2008, 02:15 PM

yeah, the JamMan is the better pedal. i was skeptical when i first heard this but having used both fairly extensively i would definitely recommend the JamMan. the RC-50 is still good, just not as good.

biker joe · July 28th, 2008, 02:24 PM

I bought a boss rc2 and returned it within the week. I just didn't have the patience to learn how to use it. Since then I bought a used boomerang on ebay that I like for practicing. It is very easy to use but the sound quality is not the best. If you just want it as a practice tool I would still recomend the boomerang as they are not too expensive used now, otherwise I would say try the jamman. I think the boss stuff is just too difficult to use and I have read that there were software glitches in the rc50.

aberrant · July 28th, 2008, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graphs

yeah, the JamMan is the better pedal. i was skeptical when i first heard this but having used both fairly extensively i would definitely recommend the JamMan. the RC-50 is still good, just not as good.

+1

I've always had better luck with the jamman than any of the boss stuff.

mikespe · July 28th, 2008, 06:45 PM

+3 on the Jamman! I got mine about a month ago and it was my first experience with a looper pedal. VERY EASY to use! The USB feature was the biggest selling point for me. I uploaded a few backing tracks to the CF card and I don't need to use my laptop as a "looper" anymore. It's all hands free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tele66

Hi:

I'm by no means an expert but a local VERY TALENTED Jazz player easily convinced me to by a Digitech Jam Man last week, for the following reasons:

1) Up to 6 hrs of memory possible with 2G memory card - 99 Loops
2) Moderately priced $350 +/- easily recouped with a few solo gigs
3) You can add an inexpensive footswitch to make it easier to use on the fly

He convinced me it would be a great learning as well as performing tool.
After a fair amount of messing with it for the last week, he got the learning part right. I'm quite aways away from the performing part....

Hope this helps.

andrenighthound · July 28th, 2008, 06:48 PM

i got my jamman about 8 months now and i really like it!

Ethical · July 28th, 2008, 07:07 PM

Line 6 have a looper coming - I don't know if it's available yet but it looks interesting.

Line 6 JM4

There's also the Akai Headrush as used by KT Tunstall:

Here's the girl herself explaining the "Wee Bastard"

Ted

octatonic · July 28th, 2008, 08:43 PM

I have a lot of loopers- I am something of a collector, but I use them for my work.

They all have their strengths and weaknesses- the pinnacle of loopers is the Oberheim (now Gib son) Echoplex.
It is has the most features, most intelligent layout and I love it to bits.

It isn't as simple to operate as, say, the Line 6 DL4 which is actually great.
It has no undo though and the 1/2 speed and reverse are on one button which is annoying.
Single function buttons are simply better.
The biggest problem with the DL4 is it is a bit of a tone sucker.
Keeley can do a hifi mod on it- but I haven't done it yet.

My favourite combination for live is the now discontinued Line 6 Echo Pro using a Roland PK5 midi control pedal (looks like organ pedals) to control it.
Also has no undo but has 60 seconds of memory.

The Digitech Jamman is nice- but no 1/2 speed or reverse.

I don't like any of the Boss loopers- IMHO they completely miss the point of looping.

The ZVex Lofi looper is very cool but not something for high fidelity.

Lastly the Boomerang is used a lot in the studio but it is too bulky to use live.

I would really like to see something with the feature set of the Echoplex in a floor unit- I would buy it in a second.
I have high hopes for the new Line 6 looper.

At the moment I have the ZVex and the Echoplex in my guitar rig- between the two of them I can do everything I want.

Debbie · July 28th, 2008, 08:46 PM

I was thinking about the jam man until Ted informed me of the line 6 jm4. I think that's the one I'm going to get or at least try first.

mikespe · July 28th, 2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debbie

I was thinking about the jam man until Ted informed me of the line 6 jm4. I think that's the one I'm going to get or at least try first.

I looked at that one but I couldn't understand having amp models and effects on a looper? To me those belong on separate units.

HOBBSTER01 · July 28th, 2008, 09:44 PM

The simplicity of the Jamman is second to none IMO.
I have 3 sd cards filled with about 18 hours of backing tracks.
The only thing I dislike is the drum patterns are pretty basic.
I circumvent this with a drum machine that I loop into my tracks.
The Digitech is very road worthy just remove the sd cards when traveling in case you should drop it.

octatonic · July 28th, 2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOBBSTER01

The simplicity of the Jamman is second to none IMO.
I have 3 sd cards filled with about 18 hours of backing tracks.
The only thing I dislike is the drum patterns are pretty basic.
I circumvent this with a drum machine that I loop into my tracks.
The Digitech is very road worthy just remove the sd cards when traveling in case you should drop it.

It is interesting to hear people are using that side of it.

My foray into looping is wholly in the 'let's make new sounds' arena.
I have a drummer and bassist I work with and don't need the backing track functionality at all.
It seems that a lot of loopers are going in that direction- which is disappointing from my perspective but if that is what the market is looking for then who am I to argue.

mikespe · July 28th, 2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octatonic

It is interesting to hear people are using that side of it.

My foray into looping is wholly in the 'let's make new sounds' arena.
I have a drummer and bassist I work with and don't need the backing track functionality at all.
It seems that a lot of loopers are going in that direction- which is disappointing from my perspective but if that is what the market is looking for then who am I to argue.

I can't speak for HOBBSTER01 but I am new to loopers and only 4 years on the guitar. Eventually I will make my own loops (and have experimented a bit) but right now the backing track side of the Jamman is very useful to me. However, keep in mind some of us don't have a band to play with so the Jamman IS our band.

bluende · July 28th, 2008, 11:02 PM

another vote for the Digi JamMan! There's a cool utiity called LooperTools that helps you organize and name your loops with meaningful names, etc. More info here: http://www.loopertools.com/

studio1087 · July 29th, 2008, 01:17 AM

I have the Boss RC-20XL

http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/products/en/RC-20XL/

$250 everywhere. It's easy enough to use that I still have not opened the book.

Don't buy the $179 Boss unit that only has one pedal. You need both pedals to start and stop loops without taking your hands off the guitar.

I never tried the JamMan and now I wish that I had tried the JamMan.

I do like the Boss RC-20XL.

John

Daniil · July 29th, 2008, 05:52 AM

I've got an older Boss RC-20. I've found it pretty easy to use, I've only needed the manual a couple times. For me, it's worked out great. It's not very advanced, but for simple stuff (such as backing tracks for rehearsing/songwriting) it'll get the job done without a hassle.

For shorter loops I've also used a delay. The Boss DD20 has a looper function, though it is quite limited (no undo being my main concern).

Radspin · July 30th, 2008, 10:56 PM

I haven't heard one yet in real life, and I don't know if it's out yet, but I saw an online demo of the new Roland Slicer and it sounded fantastic. I can't wait to try one.

July 28th, 2008, 01:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Debbie TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 18	I want to get a looper, any suggestions? I would like to get a simple and easy to use looper. I see there's a boss 2 and boss 20 and boss 50 looper. I think the 50 is way to much for what I want. Which would you guys suggest and are there any other brands that would be better then the boss loopers? Also where's the lowest priced place to purchase one of these or is the musicians friend price the best? thanks, Debbie

July 28th, 2008, 06:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
andrenighthound Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bronx NY Age: 33 Posts: 236	i got my jamman about 8 months now and i really like it! __________________ "Blues in a doggy bag, is what I got to eat!" www.andreandthenighthounds.com

July 28th, 2008, 07:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ethical Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Norfolk, UK Age: 52 Posts: 316 1 Photos	Line 6 have a looper coming - I don't know if it's available yet but it looks interesting. Line 6 JM4 There's also the Akai Headrush as used by KT Tunstall: Here's the girl herself explaining the "Wee Bastard" Ted __________________ If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all Last edited by Ethical; July 28th, 2008 at 07:21 PM. Reason: Additional Youtube videos

July 28th, 2008, 08:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
octatonic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2007 Location: An Australian in London. Posts: 1,669	I have a lot of loopers- I am something of a collector, but I use them for my work. They all have their strengths and weaknesses- the pinnacle of loopers is the Oberheim (now Gib son) Echoplex. It is has the most features, most intelligent layout and I love it to bits. It isn't as simple to operate as, say, the Line 6 DL4 which is actually great. It has no undo though and the 1/2 speed and reverse are on one button which is annoying. Single function buttons are simply better. The biggest problem with the DL4 is it is a bit of a tone sucker. Keeley can do a hifi mod on it- but I haven't done it yet. My favourite combination for live is the now discontinued Line 6 Echo Pro using a Roland PK5 midi control pedal (looks like organ pedals) to control it. Also has no undo but has 60 seconds of memory. The Digitech Jamman is nice- but no 1/2 speed or reverse. I don't like any of the Boss loopers- IMHO they completely miss the point of looping. The ZVex Lofi looper is very cool but not something for high fidelity. Lastly the Boomerang is used a lot in the studio but it is too bulky to use live. I would really like to see something with the feature set of the Echoplex in a floor unit- I would buy it in a second. I have high hopes for the new Line 6 looper. At the moment I have the ZVex and the Echoplex in my guitar rig- between the two of them I can do everything I want. __________________ "A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges." Benny Green

July 28th, 2008, 09:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
HOBBSTER01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North GA. Posts: 612	The simplicity of the Jamman is second to none IMO. I have 3 sd cards filled with about 18 hours of backing tracks. The only thing I dislike is the drum patterns are pretty basic. I circumvent this with a drum machine that I loop into my tracks. The Digitech is very road worthy just remove the sd cards when traveling in case you should drop it. __________________ The Hobbster

July 28th, 2008, 02:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
graphs Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,062	yeah, the JamMan is the better pedal. i was skeptical when i first heard this but having used both fairly extensively i would definitely recommend the JamMan. the RC-50 is still good, just not as good.

July 28th, 2008, 02:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
biker joe Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 296	I bought a boss rc2 and returned it within the week. I just didn't have the patience to learn how to use it. Since then I bought a used boomerang on ebay that I like for practicing. It is very easy to use but the sound quality is not the best. If you just want it as a practice tool I would still recomend the boomerang as they are not too expensive used now, otherwise I would say try the jamman. I think the boss stuff is just too difficult to use and I have read that there were software glitches in the rc50.

July 28th, 2008, 08:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
Debbie TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 18	I was thinking about the jam man until Ted informed me of the line 6 jm4. I think that's the one I'm going to get or at least try first.

July 28th, 2008, 11:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
bluende TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 51 13 Photos	another vote for the Digi JamMan! There's a cool utiity called LooperTools that helps you organize and name your loops with meaningful names, etc. More info here: http://www.loopertools.com/

July 29th, 2008, 01:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,993 36 Photos	I have the Boss RC-20XL http://www.bosscorp.co.jp/products/en/RC-20XL/ $250 everywhere. It's easy enough to use that I still have not opened the book. Don't buy the $179 Boss unit that only has one pedal. You need both pedals to start and stop loops without taking your hands off the guitar. I never tried the JamMan and now I wish that I had tried the JamMan. I do like the Boss RC-20XL. John __________________ JLG Carry On

July 29th, 2008, 05:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
Daniil Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Espoo, Finland Age: 29 Posts: 123 5 Photos	I've got an older Boss RC-20. I've found it pretty easy to use, I've only needed the manual a couple times. For me, it's worked out great. It's not very advanced, but for simple stuff (such as backing tracks for rehearsing/songwriting) it'll get the job done without a hassle. For shorter loops I've also used a delay. The Boss DD20 has a looper function, though it is quite limited (no undo being my main concern).

July 30th, 2008, 10:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Radspin Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: East Northport, NY Age: 53 Posts: 241	I haven't heard one yet in real life, and I don't know if it's out yet, but I saw an online demo of the new Roland Slicer and it sounded fantastic. I can't wait to try one.