What Looper?

Neil

I'm pretty much a Luddite with pedals and like stuff pretty simple, that said I have got an idea I would like a Looper. Something I can just put a little rhythm on to and play over the top for a bit of fun.

I only play at home so want something simple and inexpensive.

I've had a look at the Digitech Jamman, I like the idea of the lights showing you what you are doing but the TC Ditto looks to be popular too.

Recommendations please in the cheap and cheerful but decent category as I may well get fed up with it fairly quickly and am not a "board" type person.

Jalapeno

Carol's selling a Line6 Looper here --> http://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/33558/col-decker-s-super-dooper-sale

@Col_Decker

hobbio

If that's a bit more than you're after I can heartily recommend the Ditto.

GavRichList

im pretty sure somebody has a Ditto for sale on here for circa £50. Really cant go wrong.

not_the_dj

I sold my Ditto here last night, but pretty sure there's a couple still in the classifieds.

Brilliant little pedal, I only sodl mine as I also have the Ditto X2.

UnclePsychosis

The Zoom G3 has a fairly decent looper, plus it has some built in drum patterns etc that are a bit cheesy but actually a lot of fun to play along to. Also has a whole bunch of effects and amp sims that are very usable. Don't be put off because it is a multifx unit, it's really really easy to use.

As a live tool the sounds are good enough but some of the patch switching is a bit clunky. As a mucking about at home tool I can't recommend them enough.

You'll get one for about £70 secondhand.

One thing to think about regardless is how long a loop time you want. If you want to lay down a full 32 bar pattern that needs more specialised loopers really.

Beexter

I've had a Ditto, Jamman Solo XT, Boss RC20XL and Boss RC3.

All I'm left with is the RC3.

The Ditto is great and simple to use and if only for home use, probably fine. The advantage to me of the Jamman and Boss RC3 is that you can store more than one loop on them. The Ditto can only store one. The RC3 has some basic drum patterns on board as well which are handy for practise.

therose789

I love the ditto. Its nice and simple, great for just messing about at home and pretty inexpensive. 

hobbio

hobbio said:

If that's a bit more than you're after I can heartily recommend the Ditto.

That said, if I ever replace it it will be with something a bit more fully-featured. Multiple loops and maybe some on board beats would be nice.

ewal

I agree with @unclePsychosis most likely because I have a G3 for sale in the classifieds. #shamelessplug

JAYJO

The jm4 for a ton is a bargain!

Samgb

http://www.andertons.co.uk/compact-pedals/pid37517/cid692/digitech-trio-band-creator-pedal.asp

 

I dont think this is out yet but i watched a couple of Youtube videos and it looks great fun. Ive been thinking about a looper myself. Might hang on and splash out a few bob more on this.

Neil

Thanks for the input.

The Ditto seems to be a nice basic job that may suit but the drawback to me is it doesn't take batteries.

I have a couple of 9v power supplies here could I use them?

not_the_dj

Neil said:

Thanks for the input.

The Ditto seems to be a nice basic job that may suit but the drawback to me is it doesn't take batteries.

I have a couple of 9v power supplies here could I use them?

Takes 9v Centre Neg. Pretty much standard for pedals.

Fretwired

Ditto or get a second hand Boss RC2 ..

djspecialist

@Neil the Ditto X2 can run on batteries (2 x 9v).  However it's pretty thirsty - mine were flattened after a couple of hours.

Neil

djspecialist said:

@Neil the Ditto X2 can run on batteries (2 x 9v).  However it's pretty thirsty - mine were flattened after a couple of hours.

Aah right.

I was looking at a Jamman Express XT that quoted three hours off of a 9v battery (plus I liked the lights) 

steamabacus

Neil said:

djspecialist said:

@Neil the Ditto X2 can run on batteries (2 x 9v).  However it's pretty thirsty - mine were flattened after a couple of hours.

Aah right.

I was looking at a Jamman Express XT that quoted three hours off of a 9v battery (plus I liked the lights) 

Maybe look at paying a bit more for the SoloXT? You get an awful lot more functionality, especially the ability to load loops from your computer via USB (the software is pretty straightforward). This allows you to load a sampled drum loop, for example, which really improves the 'jam over a couple of chords' experience. The SoloXT also has a built in rudimentary drum box but sample loops are much more rewarding.

Also, if you come up with something you like you can store it and/or upload it on to your computer.









You can even enter Riff of the Month! Simples!

Neil

Thanks again everyone, I'm giving them all some consideration.

Didn't know there was that much choice TBH.
B-)

Gru

There is the Boss RC-1.

Very simple. Level and Rotating led to show where you are in the loop and whether in play, overdub or rec.

I think, 12 mins record (check this) £79 new & take batteries (included)

Stores last loop.

mixolyd

I used to have a Boss RC20XL: all promise and no trousers.  Terrible tone suck and awful usability, I wrestled with it for years and ended up using it as a sample player because it couldn't be trusted in any guitar chain.  Apparently all the Boss loopers had the same awful buffer, whether they've sorted that since then I don't know.  Put me off of Boss for life.

The Ditto was the first affordable looper to be widely lauded for its excellent SQ and bypass tone, but I opted for its superior clone: the Jamman Express XT is stereo, has lights (yes they make a big difference to usability), is cheaper and doesn't have TC's reputation for switches that break.  Simple as hell but I love it.  I'd advise starting with one of these - they're so cheap that if you then want to trade up you can do so at little loss.


As a loop beginner it's good to start with a unit that doesn't save loops so you are forced to pay your loop timing dues.  With the more advanced loopers it's all too tempting to keep using the same old loops and rarely make new ones.