@puckhead
I have a question for you, please. I want to buy a looper but I don't want to go to a music store and not even know what to ask for... all I really want it for is to record a bass and/or rhythm track to play over... or lay down a bass track and then add a rhythm over it for someone else to play to. What I've read online says I can do this but they get into more complicated stuff and I don't need that.
Any help would be appreciated.
Loopers are a great practice and creative tool for guitarists. There is a learning curve, but it's not that steep. Once you understand the basic functions, you will then be challenged with connecting your loops which involves accurate timing. That sounds a little intimidating, and it will frustrate you the first time you go at it, but you will be rewarded for your patience.
Loopers have a whole range of price levels and typically, the more you spend, the more options you get, higher fidelity, and bigger memory.
Some options would include stereo operation, built-in rhythm tracks, USB connection for putting songs on the looper or for pulling your own loops off of the pedal. And on, and on...
Now, all that said, YouTube is your friend. I think we've discussed JustinGuitar's channel before, and he's got a great primer here:
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After you watch that, I think you'll have a better idea of what you're after and what options are most important now and possibly what might be nice to have in the future. He's using a Ditto which a buddy of mine has had for years and he loves it. I very much appreciate the built-in "stop" button in that model.
Personally, I love my Boss RC-3 with added FS-7 footswitch. The footswitch adds a dedicated stop button which I prefer. It's discontinued and the modern equivalent looks to be the RC-5. Boss pedals are famously tough as nails, easy to use, and sound great. I don't think you can go wrong with them.
Justin mentions in his videos that buying secondhand is usually pretty easy as long as you have a shop you trust and will accept returns if the dope before you broke something.
Dive in and let me know what other questions you might have after familiarizing yourself with the video.