Drum Machines

Besides software-based sequencers I use the Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm. It has preset PATTERNS and not TUNES. You can use the patterns if you just want to use it as a metronome. However, I think almost ALL drum machines will need you to program SONGS. I got it from eBay for about $25 and it sounds great. I haven't even begun to explore all it can do..especially since I began playing with software sequencers...which I fee is theay to go. Looki into Fruity Loops or Albeton or even Band In A Box (not as real sounding but you can print out sheet music/tab of your music).

Besides software-based sequencers I use the Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm. It has preset PATTERNS and not TUNES. You can use the patterns if you just want to use it as a metronome. However, I think almost ALL drum machines will need you to program SONGS. I got it from eBay for about $25 and it sounds great. I haven't even begun to explore all it can do..especially since I began playing with software sequencers...which I fee is theay to go. Looki into Fruity Loops or Albeton or even Band In A Box (not as real sounding but you can print out sheet music/tab of your music).

I have that drum machine.
you have to program all the beats for a song.

I use the presets to jam . not using the machine to its full potential as I dont take the time to read the overwhelming manual. I have a hard time reading tech speak.

If I got one (and I'm thinking about it!) it would most likely be the Boss Dr. Rhythm as well. But it does look complex, and I'm not sure I've got the time to work my way up the learning curve.

25 bucks Mike? Jeez, I better start keeping an eye on the auctions!

25 bucks Mike? Jeez, I better start keeping an eye on the auctions!

Keep in mind I got the 550...they are up to 880 I believe...which by the way was just recalled! Something about after 500 saves you get an error code! But the newer version has a computer interface and I think you can edit patches with software. So it might be worth saving for the newer one.

Wait, so you can program drum parts and then have the parts cued at the proper times for a song?

Wait, so you can program drum parts and then have the parts cued at the proper times for a song?

If I understand you correctly the answer is yes...You make all the PATTERNS you'll need for the song then combine them, putting in empty measures where there arent any drum parts...which is how backing tracks are made. Software is much easier because if you don't get it right the first time just delete the wrong part and redo it. A drum machine you have to push all sorts of buttons...but it does sound nice (drum machine). With software sequencers you should stick with the higher end programs...the sound are closer to true to life.

You might want to take a look at the Fender G-Dec practice amp also, which has pre-programmed backing patterns and effects. The 15 Watt version has gotten pretty good reviews, and the 30 watt version is due to be released anytime now (October??). From what I understand, it will have even more pre-programmed effects and, more importantly, much more flash memory so you can feed it MIDI backing tracks.

I'm a newb, so and I don't have one of these (but I do want one).

There's a whole forum concerning the amp at the fender website; here's a pre-order link with a decent explanation of its base capabilities (GC pre-order page):
http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_fender_gdec_30_guitar_digital_entertainment_center?full_sku=482080

Besides software-based sequencers I use the Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm. It has preset PATTERNS and not TUNES. You can use the patterns if you just want to use it as a metronome. However, I think almost ALL drum machines will need you to program SONGS. I got it from eBay for about $25 and it sounds great. I haven't even begun to explore all it can do..especially since I began playing with software sequencers...which I fee is theay to go. Looki into Fruity Loops or Albeton or even Band In A Box (not as real sounding but you can print out sheet music/tab of your music).

I have that drum machine.
you have to program all the beats for a song.

I use the presets to jam . not using the machine to its full potential as I dont take the time to read the overwhelming manual. I have a hard time reading tech speak.

I have the DR-5 , and you don't need to program each beat. Check out: http://bossus.com/index.asp?pg=1&tmp=54 This machine lets you add Bass, keys, and synth to your rythmn tracks. To get to know the drum machine, get familiar with the preset drum patterns by "muting" all tracks but the drum track. When you find preset drum tracks you like copy them to user patterns and then erase all the tracks but the drum. keep in mind that rock 73 and rock 74 (for example) are only different because rock pattern 74 has the fill at the end. This sounds a bit complex, but is actually VERY simple. The preset patterns are great! Once I find a drum beat I like, then I lay down my own bass lines key and synth (undo the mute function) to customize my patterns, and then go to "song" and string the patterns together for a complete song. Use the patterns with "fills" to cue you as to when the chorus, solo, verse changes occur. Also, the footswitch is great! I use the foot switch to start, and my songs are programmed as when to stop.

PS
Open that freakin manuel and read it! It's NOT difficult! I'm not that techno-savy and I get cool songs (up to 20 stored)

Besides software-based sequencers I use the Boss DR-550 MkII Dr. Rhythm. It has preset PATTERNS and not TUNES. You can use the patterns if you just want to use it as a metronome. However, I think almost ALL drum machines will need you to program SONGS. I got it from eBay for about $25 and it sounds great. I haven't even begun to explore all it can do..especially since I began playing with software sequencers...which I fee is theay to go. Looki into Fruity Loops or Albeton or even Band In A Box (not as real sounding but you can print out sheet music/tab of your music).

I have that drum machine.
you have to program all the beats for a song.

I use the presets to jam . not using the machine to its full potential as I dont take the time to read the overwhelming manual. I have a hard time reading tech speak.

I have the DR-5 , and you don't need to program each beat. Check out: http://bossus.com/index.asp?pg=1&tmp=54 This machine lets you add Bass, keys, and synth to your rythmn tracks. To get to know the drum machine, get familiar with the preset drum patterns by "muting" all tracks but the drum track. When you find preset drum tracks you like copy them to user patterns and then erase all the tracks but the drum. keep in mind that rock 73 and rock 74 (for example) are only different because rock pattern 74 has the fill at the end. This sounds a bit complex, but is actually VERY simple. The preset patterns are great! Once I find a drum beat I like, then I lay down my own bass lines key and synth (undo the mute function) to customize my patterns, and then go to "song" and string the patterns together for a complete song. Use the patterns with "fills" to cue you as to when the chorus, solo, verse changes occur. Also, the footswitch is great! I use the foot switch to start, and my songs are programmed as when to stop.

PS
Open that freakin manuel and read it! It's NOT difficult! I'm not that techno-savy and I get cool songs (up to 20 stored)

my machine is an earlier model than yours. I did read the manual. as par, assumptions are made that the reader is very technical.
my head begins to explode when reading some manual speak.
now, Im trying to manage my soundcard and hook up online at home. it is very frustrating most times.
I am not a luddite. more a dinosaur.