Do You Practicing Using A Headset?

[Alain-Yves Pigeon]

Funny you ask that James as I just got a new Tascam MP-GT1 which is the same as the CD-GT2 but it has no CD reader (works with MP3 that you rip off your CD's and it's got a Li-Ion battery lasting up to 8 hours). It is marvelous to practice with as, like I wrote it before, you can loop a certain lick, slow it down and practice it till you master it. Then, you bring it up to speed gradually. It really is a fantastic learning machine. The only problem I had was that the CD reader or I should rather say the laser unit was beginning to fade (I've had it for 2 years now) because I left it in pause a couple of times for a whole night. My mistake and not necessarily a flaw of the unit. You'll also notice that they added the possibility to cancel the guitar (not the one you play but the guitar on the actual recording) in newer units so you can take the solo instead and make the original guitar disapear. Pretty clever machine!

Oh, and I forgot to add that there are 2 line outputs, one for headphones and one to output to your amp input so you can hear yourself accompanied while praticing. It handles the pedal steel guitar pretty well, I might add as there is an input volume so you can set your loudness as you want it. Yep, pretty clever machine!

I might also add that, like Mr. Hoffnar, whose long tones CD I use, I practice without any amplification for a good hour before getting to my headphones, just to get the feel of the instrument and warm up my whole body (and spirit).

Wish you all the best,

ayp

[Bob Grado]

I have a set of Grado open ear headphones that I use whenever possible

I think I better check the family tree.

[Gene Jones]

I have always practiced through my headphones from my Stereo-steel rig, and it gives me a much better perspective than if I blew out the curtains with my 15" JBL's. That's best left to the civic center auditorium with a capacity audience.

But, even though the headphones sound more pleasing to me, it sounds even better to everyone else......since they can't hear me.

[James Martin (U.K.)]

Alain, Thanks for your swift reply and the extra information which was exactly what I was looking for. I have ordered the unit and expect it to arrive on Thursday. I'll let you know how I get on.Thanks again. Keep pedalling! James.