Drum Machine Purchase

Walter Hamlin · Post by **Walter Hamlin** » 6 Jun 2004 2:30 pm

Be it resolved that a GOOD drummer is hard to find.
If we were going to use a drum machine, until a good drummer came along, what brand do you members recommend? The simpler the better. What type amp would you run it through.
Many Thanks,
Walter

Wayne Brown · Post by **Wayne Brown** » 7 Jun 2004 3:05 am

if you would like a simple one to run with pretty good sound take a look at the roland tr505..or the tr626 or the tr707...there older but simple to run and they have some good standard beats in them ...and are a brease to program
thanks
wayne

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 7 Jun 2004 3:09 am

The Alesis HR-16,or SR-16 should have EVERYTHING you'd probably need. You can even tune the "drums".

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<pre> ~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com</pre>

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 7 Jun 2004 3:34 am

The Boss DR3 is loaded with presets and easy
to use. I would run it through the PA or a
keyboard amp to get the full range output.[This message was edited by Chuck McGill on 07 June 2004 at 04:36 AM.]

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 7 Jun 2004 10:19 am

A good laptop with a sequencer like Cakewalk Project 5 is easier to program, and you can load in many drum samples if you need.

I initially programmed using the keyboard/mouse, but bought a akai MPD16 pad trigger that hooks up using USB - and feels just like Akai's high-end drum pad boxes.

This is a great setup for my needs. Makes sense if you have a laptop or desktop.

Rich Weiss · Post by **Rich Weiss** » 7 Jun 2004 12:17 pm

This is not simple to learn and it isn't cheap, but it really kicks ass. It's the brains of my DAW. Totally unlimited potential.
http://www.akaipro.com/int/mpc1k/index.html

I realize it's overkill for you, but I also agree that an Alesis SR-16 might fit your bill perfectly.

[This message was edited by Rich Weiss on 07 June 2004 at 02:01 PM.]

Jerry Hayes R.I.P. · Post by **Jerry Hayes R.I.P.** » 8 Jun 2004 4:21 am

The Alesis is the best way to go. I bought one about 3 years ago and took it right to a gig without any programming. They have enought presets so you can use it right out of the box. With the foot switch you can start it and stop it when you want to. Some of the Boss units I've seen had no footswith jack so you had to start it with your hand. How in the heck can you kick off a tune with both hands on the steel and still operate the machine. Forget laptops, etc. For practical pickin' the Alesis will do the job. If a tune has a stop in it you can do it or if it doesn't you can put one in or speed it up or slow it down during a song. Too much technology doesn't make music...JH

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Walter Hamlin · Post by **Walter Hamlin** » 9 Jun 2004 4:05 pm

Thanks steel pickers for giving me some advice. I am taking the information to the other members of the band and I will be going to the music store and trying one out.
Thanks,
Walter

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 9 Jun 2004 7:59 pm

Have the Alesis's ever come up with a back-lit display? That was my only complaint for live gigs before. I just couldnt see it on stage.

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 10 Jun 2004 4:19 am

My HR-16 is back-lit. This was the predecessor to the SR-16. You might even be able to find it cheaper than the SR-16. Check some pawn shops or "pre-owned" sections of music stores. The cabinet is gray,not black like the "SR".

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<pre> ~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com</pre>

[This message was edited by Smiley Roberts on 10 June 2004 at 05:20 AM.]