Anybody using a looper pedal live with a band?

[Tom C.]

So these looper pedals have got my attention recently. I've been looking at
the youtube demos and reading up on a couple, mainly the Boss RC-20XL and
Digitech Jamman. Here are some questions I'd like to get your input on.
Thanks.

- There appears to be two design schools for this technology. One where the
pedal uses a built-in click track to quantize the loop; and two where you
have to close the loop by ear/foot at the magic moment in time that will
make the loop fit the timing of the song. If you've used this technology
live with a band, what are your preferences and why?

- What pedal do you use live with your band and why?

- Finally, it seems to me that once you close a loop and start repeating it,
now the band (drummer really) has to play to the loop, no? That could
certainly throw a monkey wrench into things if the drummer's not up to it.
Many are not able to work with a click, and it seems to me that's what
you're putting out there with a live loop. Comments? (Other than getting
another drummer :-)

[Charlie X]

> live with a band, what are your preferences and why?

I use the Boss RC 50. But i use it with a duo or when i do solo jazz
gigs. To sync it up, i 'mainly' use the built in guide patterns...its
SOOO much easier but the patterns are limited somewhat, But using them
eliminates all sync issues. (no trying to press the pedel at the
perfect time..etc)
OR>....i midi in my boss DR880 for better drum patterns...this is
tricky as the RC 50 does not like midi in....but you can do it with a
lot of reading the manual.
OR...you can just record (or better yet PRErecord) the drum pattern
from any source and jam to that. it will do like 20 min or so...
Overall..this thing is awesome and i get band gigs from it. I can have
drums, put down a bass line, rhythm track, then solo my ass off on
this thing and it sounds like a band is playing. Options are endless
and you can prerecord and usb in ANY recording or ipod tracks. works
for me
I dont have a clue how you can use a looper with a band that has a
drummer unless he is tied into the click somehow. I do know that Scott
henderson uses his to do sound checks. He gets the band going on a
riff then loops a guitar part...then leaves the stage to go back and
dial in the house mix while still hearing the guitar playing with a
live band. Other than that, it just becomes another effect and is not
all that useful...
How do u use it with a band?

check me out at charliex.com

[Geetar Dave]

I used an old Lexicon JamMan back in the 90's. I positioned it so my
drummer could see the light flashing on it, and he followed it just
fine. That was a rack unit, so it was easier for him to see.

Later we got interested in syncing my looper with his- he was using
something for triggering drum loops. We tried it a few times, and the
extra headaches of making it all work caused me to lose interest. He,
on the other hand, became quite the technology dweeb with that stuff
and does cool things to this day. I dumped all my rack gear, and went
back to playing through some pedals and a great amp. Never looked
back.

If your drummer can't follow a click, you're screwed. Don't even
attempt it. Get him to practice or replace him. Sorry if this seems
harsh, but it's like hiring a car mechanic who's allergic to motor
oil. It's his job. Get over it or get out of it. Hell, *I* learned to
play against a click. It's not like I'm asking for something
unreasonable.

Perhaps I've opined too much. But then, I work with great drummers.
Never looked back from that either.
;^)

-dave-----:::
www.myspace.com/geetardave