Roland CR-1000

Easy as pie.. you press a preset and away you go. Very simple and reliable. Has an LED tempo read out - very handy for it's age. Also, the tempo is just a turn of a knob - quick and precise.

Hardly any 'features' as such - just push button beats and variable tempo.. However, this little beauty has a priceless feature which cannot be found on any highly expensive, modern Hi-tech unit. It has a 'fill' feature, in fact, not one but TWO fills per drum beat.
This means that if you are a REAL band and you happen to be playing live; using and playing your instrument and not reliant on backing trax, sequencers, computer generated phoney music or any other type of 'crutch', then the versatility this unit has to offer is second to none. It will play - using a standard jack footswitch - an introductory run round the kit whereby leading you naturally into the song. It will play a 'fill' pre the chorus or verse during the song; and, it will play a fill which will take you to the end of a song - much more interesting than playing a single Start/Stop 'pattern' all through the song. It slaughters sequencers as it doesn't dictate the song length - you do. I worked with 'backing tapes' and sequencers full-time for 12 years - ultimately they 'programmed' me and my musicianship and vesatility suffered as a result.

Another must for serious bands and musicians is it's versatility in backing guest singers. For those of you who've never actually taken the plunge, this is when the wee lady in the back of the pub/club/hall wants to sing her favorite song. Only serious musicians with a pedigree are able to accomplish this feat. Personally, I enjoy this as it presents a challenge and keeps you on your toes with each new guest singer. The CR1000 copes admirably with this demand.

Actually, I first heard this drum unit about 15 years ago, it sounded great then and it sounds great now. How many 'Kick' sounds do you really need...? C'mon now. I never heard an album or song where the quality of the product depended on having a different 'Snare' for each track. Modern record producers are pulling the wool over your eyes. I'd rather listen to Ringo's Ludwig than some Gangsta's 'biscuit tin'. The CR 1000 does it's job perfectly. I defy anyone to say the sounds are dated. The fact is, drum voices have NOT progressed by any great leap in the last 10 - 15 years. Why not? Because drum machine manufacturers are supplying a demand. Joe public still likes the sounds of the standard drum kit. It doesn't matter how many buttons and bells you use to 'fanny-up' a rhythm unit - at the close of day it's still just a drum kit.
I'll tell you what...? I'll do a gig with my 4 - piece and the CR 1000 and I'll bet we blow away the velocity and aftertouch boys.

The machine we use is an original - it's still going strong with the original battery... Reliability? C'mon.

Never needed this facility. Customer support..? Hooey!

If it were lost or stolen we'd be out of a good gig. We'd def. buy it again... but you can't get them!

Anything we wish it had? Yes, actually..., a twin brother.
If you're a SERIOUS musician and one comes on the market, buy it.

The Cr-1000 is easy to use. You choose a beat and press Play.

Practically no features, only comes with preset beats and sounds. the only feature you get is volume control of some of the sounds. There are variation beats but they're pretty pointless.

The sounds on this are awfull cheesey 80's PCM drum sounds that are completely un-editable. There is only one kit!

So far it seems reliable but i've heard there was a problem with the midi thru on all units. haven't used it yet so i don't know.

NA

Don't buy one unless it's under $1. they really are pointless.