I just bought the GT-2. This wasn't a review of a product, just a slam on the competition. Some of us don't use laptops and want a portable unit that can go places or to just chill on a comfortable couch. My desktop isn't going to do that for me. Tascam wins.
He's simply slamming the competition. This isn't an IMPARTIAL REVIEW at all! It's by the company that's trying to sell you their product, basically, it's ONE LARGE NEGATIVE AD!!BTW, the Tascam Guitar Trainer is EXCELLENT & HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.
We've been using a GT2 for Years and years, consistently every Monday night. There's a place for software that does this and for hardware that does this. We don't want to use a laptop to do this, the Tascam actually fits the bill exactly, and is very simple and easy to use in a live situation. I use both- happily. I use CD-Rs- yes, burned CDs with the Tascam. I got a GT1 for $20 at the pawn shop. I paid $100 for the GT2, and I've used it for at least 5 years. So, good luck, I'm sure you have a good product- but frankly, for software? I use Adobe Audition, which I already own, and Audacity will do this for free, then there's Transcribe, which is brilliant for $50, and then SlowDowner for $40, etc.
I'm with the other commenters. I would have tried Song Surgeon (even though I own 2 Tascam units) but wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole because of the harsh slamming of your competition. If the only way you can promote your product is a slam of the competition then you've just violated the first rule of marketing. Don't talk down your competition, talk UP what you offer that they don't. I use my Tascam for not only guitar, but difficult progressions on keyboards or even vocals (pitch match). Sad you had to go this route 8/
You promote your product by telling the good things about it, not by saying the bad things about your competitor. I won't be doing any business with you. Thanks
Users of the tascam device want something that's portable, no one wants to carry a notebook around, plus people already have DAWs on their pc that can do this.
I own both. A tascam GB 10 for on the road, plugged into a real guitar. It is completely adequate for me. I love it. I also own Pro version SongSurgeon for at home recording on a PC. Not plugged into a guitar by the way. It is Ok for what I need. For the SongSurgeon people to push their product in this manner comparisons by slandering the competion and using antedoctal customer reviews is embarassing to say the least.. I have lost a lot of ground with the Song Surgeon company for this video.
This guy is a jerk, you did convince me. To not like your approach BTW, I just bought the Tascam for $39 new. at MF I will never buy your product.. Even if the product is awesome, you are not.
I could only listen to this guy for about 3 minutes, then was convinced I could not consider his product because of his negative approach, as many others have mentioned in these comments. I also noted that this video has 6 x more dislikes than likes - wow, never have seen such a disparity on the dislike side before. I've been using Tascam guitar and/or bass trainers (CD, then mp3 versions) for 15 years and every once in a while I search to see if there are better rated, better described, or newly invented products available for my learning style but to date there are not. I sure won't be trying the free trial of this guy's product, simply for the reason that others mention - I don't want to lug a laptop to my practice area. The Tascam GB-10 can fit in my shirt pocket and is powerable by AC adapter or batteries. Is the unit perfect? No. Are there features I wish it had that it doesn't? Of course. But has it been the most valuable tool I could ever have discovered to teach myself how to play bass from recorded music of others? Absolutely!
And the most important points that you left out of your very limited comparison is Song Surgeon requires a $700 computer .... Tascam does NOT. The ability to drag your $700 computer around with you if you want to practice or train away from your computers permanant work area. And of course..with the Tascam....you can easily pack or carry in a gig ditty bag or just carry it in one hand. After offending possible customers and stigmatizing your company, how long will you have a job, Jim Todd?
I have a Tascam CD-GT1, and its SSA function sucks, but some of your info is incorrect. My trainer works with burned CDs, but the biggest problem is the sound quality. It does make that horrible "underwater warble sound" you mentioned which makes it much more difficult to figure out what is being played at the slower speed. The problem with your product is that it is too expensive. If you will sell me a Pro version on CD for windows that I can install on different computers for $30.00 with free shipping, I will buy it. If you did that you would sell a lot more of them and actually make more money. BTW: I learned by reading the comments on here that Audacity works for slowing down tempo and speed so I am going to try that since I already have it installed.
We are simply repeating what our customers that have owned BOTH Tascam and Song Surgeon have told us. Also the information presented is not anecdotal. HAve you compared the audio quality of Song Surgeon at 50% to that which comes from Tascam?
I downloaded the demo version of Song Surgeon- yes, a very good product. The slowed reproduction is of excellent quality. But see my comments below. This guy sounds ANGRY-- that's always a red flag in my universe. There's always many roads to Rome- and good roads.
And ... I can use my money for whatever the hell I want. And tascam has huge names in the industry as spokespersons and endorsements. Song Surgeon has... you. Un prepared and unrehearsed delivery of he said she said. Song surgeon may be a better fit for some Tascam users... it is someones job to make them aware of your product, and more importantly, provide a reason they should trust you. You may have a great product, but stick to what you know, which is obviousy not marketing.
Tascam has been a staple and pioneer in recording equipment. I have recored some great music on my 60 year old Teac reel to reel. They are one of the most respected and trusted names in recording, from beginner to professional studios. Song Surgeon... is not, has not and was not.You have at best refined the ideas of others.. You have recklessly codescended on those who already own Tascam products or are considering buying one. With out whos research and deveopement you would have nothing.
So, if I buy Song Surgeon do you include the laptop or computer workstation that's required, laptop and workstation are several hundred dollars ($300 to $500). Tascam units can be bought for around $150 (in many cases much less) and you dont need a computer and they work great for what they are, a portable easy to use trainer. This is a just marketing video and slamming Tascam.
If a person doesn't have a computer then sure, use a Tascam but, since most people own computers, SS is less money, a more versatile program and it gives you much better audio quality.
I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion but I don't share others viewpoints about pointing out the flaws of a competitive product. Song Surgeon is simply a less expensive, better quality product, with many more features and functions. Would you not rather have this information and then make an informed decision?? I for one would.
Sorry guys, your product may or may not be better than the new GB10 model, but I watched three minutes of that if you’re lucky - it wasn’t a case of how good your product is, simply a chance for you to rage against the competition. If that’s all you can do, I’m not going to waste my time listening to it or investigating what your product does any further.
We are familiar with Audacity. For some things I would agree with you and recommend it. However, for changing key and tempo I would not, because it uses a very old algorithm developed for voice, not polyphonic music - with some instrument and songs you can hear significant distortion. The looping ability for repetitively playing is second to none. You can create an unlimited number of looping areas, and customize each one separately. As we say in the video, download the demo and try it.
One of the most negative marketing advts I've seen. I would no longer give this an credence because now Tascam has put out the GB-10 and it gives you even more infinite capabilities than the old Tascam CD trainer. So now, the new Tascam GB gives you features that DO rival Song Surgeon, and in a small unit.
Just a word of advice, but this kind of "Guerilla Warfare" advertising for your product by putting another similar software down, well, it's just not tasteful. Considering the technology is obsolete and out dated as far as software/hardware goes, you're beating a dead horse. Also, it still has a niche in lo-fi music. Some people enjoy recording on CDs, Cassettes, or Zip Drives! You come off very condescending and hateful right off the bat. I had a good hearty chuckle at, "Do I have your attention yet? Because I am not going to convince, you will do so yourself!" That sounds like a psychological bait and switch, not the best look if you're a programmer, as you're going to depend on life cycles of customers who buy license/register. The best ideas win in the free market. That is why capitalism is so awesome.
Well I just bought the Song Surgeon Pro for my Mac and love it. The sound quality is better than my MP-BT1, and I can save individual song projects. The interface is very, intuitive though there are still a few things to learn. However, since you don't sell an app for the iPhone and iPad for those of us when we're on the go, are there any apps for those devices that you like? By the way, I love your persona and delivery.
I'm listening to this on a Tascam product now. Or that should read not listening, because the drivers for it are abysmal. Their tech support is non existant, as when you do get through they are rude and unhelpful. Their products are shoddy (these days, I'm sure the older stuff was fine). Avoid all this company's products like the plague. Don't say I didn't warn you, I only wish I'd read up on them before making my purchase (A Tascam FW1804).
My comments have nothing to do with recording. Audacity uses the Free Sound Touch library for key and tempo change. We used to use this in Song Surgeon in the early days but there was too much distortion introduced on key and tempo change.
Personally, I don't mind that a guy advocates for his own product. You see this ALL the time when you go to music conventions. It's very hard to compete with a corporation like Tascam that has millions of dollars invested in advertising. If what he is saying is FACTUAL, he has every right to compare it to other products as long as his product holds its own weight. I for one, am grateful that he put out this video. If he had the power of a corporation behind him, I would say that was bad form to bash another product. But honestly how else can he compete agains a corporate giant? It's nearly impossible. He is leveling the playing field for a single product. He isn't attacking Tascam as a whole entity. I would never buy the LR-10 after watching this because what he said makes sense. No smoke and mirrors, just facts.
I just bought the GT-2. This wasn't a review of a product, just a slam on the competition. Some of us don't use laptops and want a portable unit that can go places or to just chill on a comfortable couch. My desktop isn't going to do that for me. Tascam wins.
He's simply slamming the competition. This isn't an IMPARTIAL REVIEW at all! It's by the company that's trying to sell you their product, basically, it's ONE LARGE NEGATIVE AD!!BTW, the Tascam Guitar Trainer is EXCELLENT & HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME.
We've been using a GT2 for Years and years, consistently every Monday night. There's a place for software that does this and for hardware that does this. We don't want to use a laptop to do this, the Tascam actually fits the bill exactly, and is very simple and easy to use in a live situation. I use both- happily. I use CD-Rs- yes, burned CDs with the Tascam. I got a GT1 for $20 at the pawn shop. I paid $100 for the GT2, and I've used it for at least 5 years. So, good luck, I'm sure you have a good product- but frankly, for software? I use Adobe Audition, which I already own, and Audacity will do this for free, then there's Transcribe, which is brilliant for $50, and then SlowDowner for $40, etc.
Basic marketing and/or psychology clearly demonstrates the negative approach hurts you as much as your competitor if not more.
I'm with the other commenters. I would have tried Song Surgeon (even though I own 2 Tascam units) but wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole because of the harsh slamming of your competition. If the only way you can promote your product is a slam of the competition then you've just violated the first rule of marketing. Don't talk down your competition, talk UP what you offer that they don't. I use my Tascam for not only guitar, but difficult progressions on keyboards or even vocals (pitch match). Sad you had to go this route 8/
I don't like selling a product based upon denigrating another product. It puts the negative first.
You promote your product by telling the good things about it, not by saying the bad things about your competitor. I won't be doing any business with you. Thanks
Users of the tascam device want something that's portable, no one wants to carry a notebook around, plus people already have DAWs on their pc that can do this.
I own both. A tascam GB 10 for on the road, plugged into a real guitar. It is completely adequate for me. I love it. I also own Pro version SongSurgeon for at home recording on a PC. Not plugged into a guitar by the way. It is Ok for what I need. For the SongSurgeon people to push their product in this manner comparisons by slandering the competion and using antedoctal customer reviews is embarassing to say the least.. I have lost a lot of ground with the Song Surgeon company for this video.
This guy is a jerk, you did convince me. To not like your approach
BTW, I just bought the Tascam for $39 new. at MF
I will never buy your product.. Even if the product is awesome, you are not.
I could only listen to this guy for about 3 minutes, then was convinced I could not consider his product because of his negative approach, as many others have mentioned in these comments. I also noted that this video has 6 x more dislikes than likes - wow, never have seen such a disparity on the dislike side before. I've been using Tascam guitar and/or bass trainers (CD, then mp3 versions) for 15 years and every once in a while I search to see if there are better rated, better described, or newly invented products available for my learning style but to date there are not. I sure won't be trying the free trial of this guy's product, simply for the reason that others mention - I don't want to lug a laptop to my practice area. The Tascam GB-10 can fit in my shirt pocket and is powerable by AC adapter or batteries. Is the unit perfect? No. Are there features I wish it had that it doesn't? Of course. But has it been the most valuable tool I could ever have discovered to teach myself how to play bass from recorded music of others? Absolutely!
And the most important points that you left out of your very limited comparison is
Song Surgeon requires a $700 computer .... Tascam does NOT.
The ability to drag your $700 computer around with you if you want to practice or train away from your computers permanant work area. And of course..with the Tascam....you can easily pack or carry in a gig ditty bag or just carry it in one hand. After offending possible customers and stigmatizing your company, how long will you have a job, Jim Todd?
I was actually hoping for someone to use this opposed to just read offline this... even if everything is 100 %, its a crappy way of presenting it.
I have a Tascam CD-GT1, and its SSA function sucks, but some of your info is incorrect. My trainer works with burned CDs, but the biggest problem is the sound quality. It does make that horrible "underwater warble sound" you mentioned which makes it much more difficult to figure out what is being played at the slower speed. The problem with your product is that it is too expensive. If you will sell me a Pro version on CD for windows that I can install on different computers for $30.00 with free shipping, I will buy it. If you did that you would sell a lot more of them and actually make more money. BTW: I learned by reading the comments on here that Audacity works for slowing down tempo and speed so I am going to try that since I already have it installed.
We are simply repeating what our customers that have owned BOTH Tascam and Song Surgeon have told us. Also the information presented is not anecdotal. HAve you compared the audio quality of Song Surgeon at 50% to that which comes from Tascam?
I downloaded the demo version of Song Surgeon- yes, a very good product. The slowed reproduction is of excellent quality. But see my comments below. This guy sounds ANGRY-- that's always a red flag in my universe. There's always many roads to Rome- and good roads.
Too bad for you... Learn how to sell your product without slamming your competition. Nothing to see here
And ... I can use my money for whatever the hell I want. And tascam has huge names in the industry as spokespersons and endorsements. Song Surgeon has... you. Un prepared and unrehearsed delivery of he said she said. Song surgeon may be a better fit for some Tascam users... it is someones job to make them aware of your product, and more importantly, provide a reason they should trust you. You may have a great product, but stick to what you know, which is obviousy not marketing.
Tascam has been a staple and pioneer in recording equipment. I have recored some great music on my 60 year old Teac reel to reel. They are one of the most respected and trusted names in recording, from beginner to professional studios. Song Surgeon... is not, has not and was not.You have at best refined the ideas of others.. You have recklessly codescended on those who already own Tascam products or are considering buying one. With out whos research and deveopement you would have nothing.
BTW, Can't Song Surgeon at least update this advertisement??? It's now SEVEN YEARS OLD!!!!
So, if I buy Song Surgeon do you include the laptop or computer workstation that's required, laptop and workstation are several hundred dollars ($300 to $500). Tascam units can be bought for around $150 (in many cases much less) and you dont need a computer and they work great for what they are, a portable easy to use trainer. This is a just marketing video and slamming Tascam.
If a person doesn't have a computer then sure, use a Tascam but, since most people own computers, SS is less money, a more versatile program and it gives you much better audio quality.
My TASCAM reads burned CD's. Oh well, if you don't know how you won't know how.
same
You spelled surgeon wrong in the video graphic. Doesn't speak well of the quality of your product.
I love my Tascam MP-BT1.
I guess everyone is entitled to an opinion but I don't share others viewpoints about pointing out the flaws of a competitive product. Song Surgeon is simply a less expensive, better quality product, with many more features and functions. Would you not rather have this information and then make an informed decision?? I for one would.
Sorry guys, your product may or may not be better than the new GB10 model, but I watched three minutes of that if you’re lucky - it wasn’t a case of how good your product is, simply a chance for you to rage against the competition. If that’s all you can do, I’m not going to waste my time listening to it or investigating what your product does any further.
We are familiar with Audacity. For some things I would agree with you and recommend it. However, for changing key and tempo I would not, because it uses a very old algorithm developed for voice, not polyphonic music - with some instrument and songs you can hear significant distortion. The looping ability for repetitively playing is second to none. You can create an unlimited number of looping areas, and customize each one separately. As we say in the video, download the demo and try it.
One of the most negative marketing advts I've seen. I would no longer give this an credence because now Tascam has put out the GB-10 and it gives you even more infinite capabilities than the old Tascam CD trainer. So now, the new Tascam GB gives you features that DO rival Song Surgeon, and in a small unit.
Just a word of advice, but this kind of "Guerilla Warfare" advertising for your product by putting another similar software down, well, it's just not tasteful. Considering the technology is obsolete and out dated as far as software/hardware goes, you're beating a dead horse. Also, it still has a niche in lo-fi music. Some people enjoy recording on CDs, Cassettes, or Zip Drives! You come off very condescending and hateful right off the bat. I had a good hearty chuckle at, "Do I have your attention yet? Because I am not going to convince, you will do so yourself!" That sounds like a psychological bait and switch, not the best look if you're a programmer, as you're going to depend on life cycles of customers who buy license/register. The best ideas win in the free market. That is why capitalism is so awesome.
Well I just bought the Song Surgeon Pro for my Mac and love it. The sound quality is better than my MP-BT1, and I can save individual song projects. The interface is very, intuitive though there are still a few things to learn. However, since you don't sell an app for the iPhone and iPad for those of us when we're on the go, are there any apps for those devices that you like? By the way, I love your persona and delivery.
I'm listening to this on a Tascam product now. Or that should read not listening, because the drivers for it are abysmal. Their tech support is non existant, as when you do get through they are rude and unhelpful. Their products are shoddy (these days, I'm sure the older stuff was fine). Avoid all this company's products like the plague. Don't say I didn't warn you, I only wish I'd read up on them before making my purchase (A Tascam FW1804).
My comments have nothing to do with recording. Audacity uses the Free Sound Touch library for key and tempo change. We used to use this in Song Surgeon in the early days but there was too much distortion introduced on key and tempo change.
Personally, I don't mind that a guy advocates for his own product. You see this ALL the time when you go to music conventions. It's very hard to compete with a corporation like Tascam that has millions of dollars invested in advertising. If what he is saying is FACTUAL, he has every right to compare it to other products as long as his product holds its own weight. I for one, am grateful that he put out this video. If he had the power of a corporation behind him, I would say that was bad form to bash another product. But honestly how else can he compete agains a corporate giant? It's nearly impossible. He is leveling the playing field for a single product. He isn't attacking Tascam as a whole entity. I would never buy the LR-10 after watching this because what he said makes sense. No smoke and mirrors, just facts.
wasting my time here..ahah
Complete load of utter crap