KR-11

I'll be looking forward to see this here. KORG had no portable, compact drum machine in its catalog since 2013. That's a good decade ago & it's about time something happens in this department. From what the manufacturer offers (images), it looks like the KR-11 is a revised version of its predecessor, the KR Mini. I like the KR Mini & own one, let's see if this has enough enticements to make me part ways with the Mini & embrace this version instead.

Pic: KORG

New rhythm

This is my non-guitar, likely acquisition for this year. I've had good results with the Korg KR-mini but options are limited. Nothing bad about it, it got the job done. New for 2018, the KR-55 Pro has more lone ranger jam features for people who play with themselves (like yours truly) & external storage for other inspirational moments. More importantly, the 55 remains portable with battery power option for on-thego applications. Here's hoping that Korg keep prices sensible.

Beat it

Guitar dweebs, at times, need a simple accompaniment for maybe a gear demo. It might just be a simple backing rhythm section for a small venue performance as well. Digitech's SDrum seen here is a pedal format drum machine that raises the standards by being a little more intelligent. We know how limited working with a pedal-type rhythm implement could be so adding some human touch is the way to go. See if you have a use for it:

Drum at your feet

Another drum-machine unit joins the pedal format. To be released: Winter NAMM 2017.

Beat buddy-ing

If you are serious about playing solo at home & having a rhythm section backing you up but requires that little bit of interaction magic instead of dealing with programmed background beats, you need to check the Beat Buddy out. It's a simple drum machine pedal, nothing as complicated as your looping unit. Actually, I already own a Beat Buddy, this 'lite' version was irresistible considering the ease of use & 200+ genres/ variation on offer.  OK, more to come.

Mini beating

The good guys at Beat Buddy has released the lite version of the aforementioned pedal- Beat Buddy mini. Despite a 50% reduction in price, there was no total migration from its predecessor into this compact manifestation, meaning, some of the editable modules/ patches were not included. Whatever the case is, I hold the BB name in high regards for being practical in terms of considerations, not forgping

Beat Buddy- feet trigger makes sense

This is my kinda drum machine; it's down there at the feet & leaves the hand free for the guitar. That's basically who we are- we play guitar & should focus our efforts on the instrument & not handling rhythm implements. It's the most logical way to go, yes? It's on my to-get list for 2014. See it in action:

The drum Korg

It's time to retire my Zoom & get this- Korg's KR mini. It's hassle-free because it features an in-built speaker. Currently I need an amp to connect my Zoom into. Hear it in action:

Drum the mini

In the absolute case of laziness, I have assigned my X-mini speaker to manifest some drum beats- works very well. My Zoom RT123 is powered by Biyang's noiseless adaptor.