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Loopity-Loop by Doug Johns
The questions I get asked the most, whether at a clinic or a gig or posted up on YouTube, seem to center around my looper. A lot of people ask what kind of looper I use or about specific features on the looper. But probably the most common question of all is, “How do you get the loop to stop and start seamlessly?”
While it’s different for everybody, I think the answer is that it’s most important to recognize how your body (usually the foot) hits the pedal. You’ll want to practice this – just the way you practice anything else on your instrument – until your body is hitting the pedal in a consistent, second nature action.
I know some loopers have a bit of a correction feature in the loop “window” (I think that’s called quantizing?), meant to adjust and “perfect” your loop starts and stops. Personally, I don’t care for this. I think that when your loop entry and exit point are just where YOU put them… well, that’s the way it should sound.
But it can be tricky, especially when you’re not the only one on stage. Sometimes I’ll get excited or be way too laid back, and I’ll set up a loop that can really push or pull a tune to a tempo that the drummer ultimately has to deal with.
I’ve also seen loopers out there that can save loops so you don’t have to do them live all the time. They’re sort of like a “band in a box.” But in the spirit of improv, I prefer to just make my loops on the fly and let the groove naturally flow from there. Attached is a video of “Stank,” a good example of looping on the fly.
The fact of the matter is that you have to practice. When you’re starting your loop and you hit the pedal for the first time, keep your body moving with a physical pulse. Tap your foot, shake your booty, whatever, so that when you close the loop “window,” you’ll be more apt to nail it in perfect time. Practice. Repeat.
Loop pedals are fun, and by now most musicians have tried one, used one, or are at least aware of their capabilities. For me personally, loop pedals are a crucial part of my touring line-up. Performing as a bass and drums duo, the looper has really come in handy as a way to sound bigger than a two-piece act.
Touring economics aside, I would really advise getting a loop pedal just on the fact that they’re great practice tools. They can truly help develop time, rhythm, and chordal understanding and expand your overall musical vocabulary. And loopers are fun! AND you can get a cheap one or an expensive one at any local music store. Just try a few and find the one that feels good to you.
So, go ahead and get yourself another tool for your musician toolbox: a looper! It’s fun, it’s inspiring, and you’ll finally get to hear those grooves of yours with all the chords and such layered on top of them. It’ll be one big, fat, swingin’ song! And when you’ve practiced enough…
…Take your looper out there and jam with somebody!
Doug
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
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Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
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