Rayzoon Technologies LLC

[bobseekone]

I have just started using Jamstix and I think it's amazing! For fun, I try playing some keyboard parts and play 'stump the drummer!' Well, so far I am impressed by how JS keeps up with me.

OK - here's my question: What have you found to be the best way to use Jamstix? I'm trying to write some new songs. I've tried playing piano parts to generate a rhythm track. I've also tried to play bass lines (MIDI) to see what JS comes up with. In my limited experience I've liked the variations JS makes (I'm using FreeJam) when I play a full keyboard part rather than just a bass line. I am going to try plugging in my electric bass into the Audio input and see if that makes a difference.

Anyway, I thought it would be instructive to have people talk about what they've tried and what works well and what doesn't work so well. Anyone care to comment on what gives the best results with Jamstix?

[KennyC]

Hi, Bob,

I'm sure you'll get responses running the full range of JS's capabilities and everyone will develop their own way of doing things.

Speak strictly for myself, here, I'm not a drummer but I know how drums should be played, for the most part. My music is NOT beat-oriented, so, I don't let the "drummer" write the song.

I like to lay down other tracks to a click (either midi or audio) but I try to use the click merely as a guide. I try to not be a slave to it, you know. Minor variations in tempo are a natural "human" part of music. Once I'm somewhat satisfied with my performance, I adjust the tempo track in Cubase to match those variations, so JS will be able to follow properly.

Then, as I start to "hear" how I want the drums to be played, I fireup JS, select a basic rythm pattern, adjust it to fit and turn JS loose for 2-6 play throughs of the tune. By that time, there's usually more than ample variations, fills, etc. to allow me to cut & paste stuff in the midi tracks created by JS.

This is the current MO that works for me.

KC

_________________
Jamstix 1.X, Cubase SX3, WinTEL PC w/XP Home SP2(Native).

[bobseekone]

Hi KC,

Thanks for your input. I haven't tried using tempo tracks in Cubase yet. I think trying that might give my tunes a less mechanized feel.

A question - do you export the MIDI track to Cubase and slice it up there, or do you try to use the arrangement pane on JS? I'm trying to figure out which works better for me and am wondering what others do.

Thanks! - Any others care to comment?

[KennyC]

Hi, Bob,

Actually, I don't "export" the midi. After I setup the arrangement in JS, I record the midi output of JS to tracks, then cut/paste/adjust to taste. Ummm, it's good!

KC

_________________
Jamstix 1.X, Cubase SX3, WinTEL PC w/XP Home SP2(Native).

[Voltago]

I started with manual jam when I was new to Jamstix but now I use keyword jam most of the time. Then I use the rhythmns in the arranger, build the drums around the rest of the song and then finetune it. The arranger is my most liked feature

[Ron Garrison]