looper pedal recommendation???

[roylor4]

Hi guys,

I have done the search on this but many of the threads were quite old and the available technology has changed a lot in the past few years.

Here is my want list in a looper pedal:

1) Relatively inexpensive - I'd like to keep it under $150. Even cheaper is a +

2) Must be battery capable (I will use it for busking and maybe even on gigs where power supply access is iffy).

3) Easy to use with fairly seamless loop transitions.

4) Ability to overdub more than one is a HUGE + for me. It will be used as a practice tool first and foremost. My electric chops stink and this will be a helpful tool in that regard.

5) Prefer new w/warranty.

I look forward to getting input and suggestions from everybody - Thanks in advance.

[8daypsalmist]

Used Ditto X2. Runs on 2 9v batteries. Can find used in the $125

http://www.tcelectronic.com/ditto-x2-looper/

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by 8daypsalmist

Used Ditto X2. Runs on 2 9v batteries. Can find used in the $125

http://www.tcelectronic.com/ditto-x2-looper/

Thanks, I have a Ditto Mic looper and like it. I would prefer new. Do you know anything about the newer Ditto - the Ditto Stereo?

[Davis Webb]

How much looping time do you need?>

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by Davis Webb

How much looping time do you need?>

Hi Davis,

That's a good question and the answer is that I don't really know.

To begin with, I intend to use it mostly for just creating a solid 8 or 12 bar blues rhythm part and add practice solos over them. I may want to add more than one layer like Jazzy chords or triads depending on the type of song.

Eventually, I hope to use it busking and for party gigs in the same way but adding vocals.

Even a REALLY slow 12 bar blues usually only takes about a minute.

Right now I am strongly considering the Boss RC-1, the Digitech Jamman Express XT and the Ditto Stereo. The Ditto Stereo looper gets mixed reviews but I am very familiar with the Ditto products as I already have their mic looper.

Are you familiar with any of these, and if so, what is your opinion of them? I am open to other brands/products too but would prefer new w/warranty.

Thanks.

[gimme789]

I have the original JAMMAN, it's awesome. If I was looking for one now, the Digitech JAMMANS are the first ones I would look at.

[Pualee]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Right now I am strongly considering the Boss RC-1, the Digitech Jamman Express XT and the Ditto Stereo. The Ditto Stereo looper gets mixed reviews but I am very familiar with the Ditto products as I already have their mic looper.
Thanks.

I have the RC-1. It is a great practice tool, but I would not buy it again if I had to decide again. It was mentioned when I bought this (here on the AGF by Larry) that most people under buy on the looper.

After about 6 months, I went and bought the Boss FS6 and 2 additional cables to add on to the RC1 - giving me a dedicated stop and undo features. But for that price, I might as well just gone and bought a more expensive pedal.

I am satisified with my features now, but for that price, I could have just bought a Ditto X2 and been done with it. It would take less space and have less cables as well

I made my purchase based on getting in as cheap as possible and having the ability to upgrade. I wanted to try looping to see if it was useful to me before I spent big bucks on it. So I made a 'smart' decision at the time - but if I did it again, I'd get at least a 2 button and maybe even spend much more for additional features.

[roylor4]

Thanks for the input Pualee & gimme.

[MikeBmusic]

You definitely want a 2-button looper. One button for dedicated 'stop recording' will save you a lot of dancing. Ditto X2 for just a bit more than your budget.

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

You definitely want a 2-button looper. One button for dedicated 'stop recording' will save you a lot of dancing. Ditto X2 for just a bit more than your budget.

Thanks Mike. I ain't much of a dancer anyways.

[redir]

I have the Ditto X2 and it satisfies those requirements except for the price. So for about $35 bucks more you can have an X2. Not sure if there is much more out there for cheaper that is new with a warranty.

[jonb44]

I also bought the Boss RC-1. Its very basic and only 12 minutes of looping time. I now use the Boss RC-3. It has 3 hours of looping time and you can layer and layer your sounds. It also has nine pre-programmed drum beats and you can change the time signature from 4/4 to 3/4 and also save phrases to the pedals memory. It has available space for 99 phrases and you can change phrases while you are playing, although i do recommend an external footswitch to do that but you don't have to have one. When you buy it new it does have I think ten phrases already programmed which you can delete but I never have because I think it's fun to play over them from time to time. It's a great practice tool and I have used it live. You can adjust the volume of the phrase and the drum beat seperately on the pedal. New I believe was $170, more than you want to spend but look into it if you are interested.

[blue]

You can score "new:open box" X2s all day long for $115 to $120 on Ebay.

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by blue

You can score "new:open box" X2s all day long for $115 to $120 on Ebay.

Thanks Blue, jonb44 & Redir - After trying my buddies RC-3 I am leaning towards the Ditto X2 or the EH 720.

Mike, I truly saw what you meant about dancing so the 2 button pedals look more to my taste.

The sales rep at Sweetwater was very enthusiastic about the Ditto X2.

Does anybody have any experience with the Electro Harmonix 720? Storing a few loops does seem like a handy thing.

[roylor4]

I pulled the trigger on the Electro-Harmonix 720 looper last week. Easy to use - very intuitive. No issues yet and seems very solid. My solos have already improved