I've been googleing and googleing on an endless search, but I can't seem to find anything that does what I want, maybe you guys know of something.
I want something that plays rhythms and bass lines, but it should be able to change the pitch / chord for the bass lines through midi, and have the ability to add fills, all of this should be easilly accessible live! The RD700SX is closest thing I've seen that can do this, but I was wondering if there was anything less expensive, either a box (rhythm box maybe), module, or maybe software, that could do this same job. It is for live piano playing, so that I can add bass and drums, without having to use pre-sequenced songs, or an extra arranger keyboard on the side.

Anyone?

Doc-Z

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Band-in-a-Box can give you the fills and variations you want, but you cannot enter the chords is real time. Even if this is not exactly what you asked for, it is still a program that every musician needs. Lots of pros use it fpr ive shows. Go to their website and check out the demo.

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hi doc, you could try jamstix, which actaully plays the drum patterns according to how you play, very laid back and quiet when you are, and busy and dynamic when you are...they are also about to release Jambass, which does the same thing , except with bass lines. the site is www.rayzoon.com
BTW thought i should add this is software as you did mention a software solution as well as a hardware one

[This message has been edited by miden (edited 02-15-2006).]

ketron modules?

Like Theodore, the first thing that comes to mind is the Ketron midi modules, x3, x4, midij, etc.

You mentioned "less expensive". Don't know what you want to spend but a used Ketron module may be in your budget.

I have not used one myself, but have seen them used where the rhythms and bass/chords are controlled (or changed) by a midi accordion or midi keyboard.

If you are planning to control via the piano, your piano must be midi, right? and have a split so that a midi channel is controlling the bass/rhythm?

You can always get a set of midi foot pedals, and control the rhythm/bass with the tootsies.
That would be an aerobic workout for a Jazz/Blues/Jump-Jive player at my age!


[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 02-15-2006).]

There is also an older but still available Yamaha QY100, which is similar to mid-line PSR keyboards, but in a module format, and with fewer buttons. Getting to the fills may be a problem. They are very compact, and under $500.

If I recall correctly, Scott Yee used to have one of these. Perhaps he can comment.

http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/synth/QY100E2.pdf

Here is the link for info on QY100


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Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

wov thanks! a lot of good info here!

That Jamstix / Jambass thing looks exactly what I'm looking for, but I need to figure out how to get my laptop to a gig, without having to protect it from raving drunks

Those modules you talk of from Ketron, do they have this ability? I thought they were just sound modules? And that yammie I thought was just a sequencer.. I need to check that out.

Thanks again!

Doc-Z

It can be hard to tell what a QY100 does from the ads. I suggest you download the manual, which has a chord chart and discusses factory and user styles. I have the earlier QY70 and have used it as an arranger. But I would think the Midjay is your best bet.

hi doc, you gotta watch those punters!!! seriously though i have jamstix, and i have a Midjay+S90es combo..and for playing live, the midjay wins easily, simply for ease of use and variety of functions..but its also a lot more expensive (hardware-v-software)...i tend to use jamstix (as i will use jambass) more in the studio when writing stuff, ...if you were using it at a gig and you had an axeman and a heavy axeman you could do some damage i reckon...anyway hope that helps

miden, how is Jamstix anyway? Is it easy to use and does it create natural sounding drum tracks?

hi nigel,
sorry for delay in posting, i have been ill for a few days...the jamstix program has a bit of a learning curve,(but 110% great support from the website!!!!) and you do really need to "tweak it" from out of the box.... for example setting up the velocity levels to suit your playing style but once done it sounds incredibly realistic..the only downsides are it essentially only only has one kit that comes with it, (3rd party drum modules can be used i believe, but can be difficult to setup) ..rayzoon have now added some more kits you can buy to add to it..the sound though, is so so real..highly recommended!! it does seem to work more easily in cubase rather than sonar, but thats prob due to cubase being more "in tune" with VST instruments/plugins..i have the 90 in a split, with the lefthand playing basslines and controlling the velocity levels going into jamstix,which leaves the right free to play whatever i want without necessarily affecting the underlying groove.
so to give a short example for when i am writing a song , i just have a look at the patterns available (and there are lots) pick it, and then play some basslines, and recod the whole lot to a midi file (seperate channels) and in a very short space of time you have created a really super song bed, with intro, fills and and ending too...its quite a remarkable program...cant wait for jam bass to be released...
hope that helps some...and sorry again for late reply
dennis