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Loopity-Loop by Doug Johns
Meet 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
Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
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Bass Videos
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
CrystalBright Rombo Picks
PR SamplePlaying bass with a pick is still a touchy subject in our community. I believe you should be able to use whatever you need to get your sound. Even though I mostly play with my fingers, I like to check out innovative new picks that might have something new to offer, sonically speaking.
Judith and Carlos from Rombo recently contacted me about a new material called CrystalBright that they have been researching for the last 12 months and offered to send some prototype picks. After trying them out, I put together this video with my findings.
For more info check out @rombopicks
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear
New Joe Dart Bass From Sterling By Music Man
Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Bass (“Joe Dart”), named after and designed in collaboration with the celebrated Vulfpeck bassist.
Above photo credit: JORDAN THIBEAUX
This highly-anticipated model marks the debut of the Dart bass in the Sterling by Music Man lineup, paying homage to the Ernie Ball Music Man original that all funk players know and love. The bass embodies many of the original model’s distinctive features, from its iconic minimalist design to the passive electronics.
The design process prioritized reliability, playability, and accessibility at the forefront. Constructed from the timeless Sterling body, the Dart features a slightly smaller neck profile, offering a clean tone within a comfortable package. The body is crafted from soft maple wood for clarity and warmth while the natural finish emphasizes the simple yet unique look.
Engineered for straightforward performance, this passive bass features a ceramic humbucking bridge pickup and a single ‘toaster’ knob for volume control. Reliable with a classic tone, it’s perfect for playing in the pocket. The Dart is strung with the all-new Ernie Ball Stainless Steel Flatwound Electric Bass Strings for the smoothest feel and a mellow sound.
The Sterling by Music Man Joe Dart Bass is a special “Timed Edition” release, exclusively available for order on the Sterling by Music Man website for just one month. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in November. A dedicated countdown timer will indicate the remaining time for purchase on the product page. Additionally, the back of the headstock will be marked with a “2024 Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release.
The Joe Dart Bass is priced at $399.99 (MAP) and can be ordered globally at https://sterlingbymusicman.com/products/joe-dart.
To learn more about Joe Dart, visit the official Vulfpeck artist site here https://www.vulfpeck.com/.
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
