Need Some Advice

[Jeff Shirkey <jcshirke@midway.uchicago.edu>]

Hi,

First of all, I'm new. I subbed to the list last night because I need 
some help deciding between loopers. I've consulted the FAQ, done some 
homework, asked around, read reviews, and I still haven't sorted it 
all out yet. So, if anyone wants to give me their .02, I'd really 
appreciate it.

I'm trying to decide between the EDP and the Boss RC20.

First and foremost I want a looper to be able to use as a practice 
tool--lay down chord changes and play over them. I also want whatever 
unit I get to be able to sync up with my drum machine. I *think* this 
is easily done with both of these units.

I'm also concerned about sound quality. I know the EDP has a higher 
sampling rate, and should probably sound better than the Boss unit. 
That said, does the RC20 sound cheap by comparison? Anyone care to 
comment? Opinions seem mixed from what I've read so far.

Cost isn't a terribly big issue, but the Boss unit is only $250, 
after all, which means the money I save could be put toward other 
gear I want. On the other hand, I'd gladly plunk down the extra money 
for the EDP if it is more versatile, sounds better, and has features 
(such as undo) that will make it a better investment for me in the 
long run. I do tend to look at purchases like this one as 
investments--stuff I'll use for years to come. So I'd rather get high 
quality stuff in most cases.

What about saving loops? I know it can't be done on the EDP by itself 
and it can be done on the RC20. I've read that it's possible to save 
loops on the EDP (which, for my initial purposes of playing over 
chord changes might be a useful feature) if you buy some extra gear? 
But *what* gear? How much extra would it be?

Finally, there's the issue of more advanced looping functions. I 
really have no idea if I'll get into using the advanced looping 
tricks of the trade--but I might after I experiment with either unit 
for a while, and if I continue to hang around this list and learn 
from others. I think without question the EDP is the better unit on 
this score--the only question is will I necessarily need those extra 
features? I guess I have to answer that one myself in the end, but if 
someone can help me see the potential benefits of the added features 
on the EDP, that'd be great. What about MIDI for instance? The EDP 
has it. The Boss doesn't.  What advantages does having MIDI 
capabilities afford me?

I'm sure a lot of people here have been in the same situation I'm in 
and have considered both units. So if I can benefit from your 
experience, that'd be great. Also, I'm not playing live, so those 
issues don't really concern me right now. But...who knows...maybe 
someday.

Thanks,

Jeff