Product Description

The Tascam MPGT1 is designed with musicians in mind. It combines a guitar trainer based on the award winning Tascam CD-GT1mkII. With enough memory to store up to 240 tunes, this is even more portable than the original. Play back MP3s using Variable Speed Audition, which slows down the speed without changing the pitch, and sections can be seamlessly looped while practicing tricky passages. The guitar input lets you play with the built in Multi-effects. Also includes a guitar canceller to play along with your favorite bands. A tuner, metronome, and rechargeable battery are also built-in. All these features in a package small enough to fit in your pocket. A 9-hour lithium-ion battery or an optional power supply will power the unit.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #258 in Musical Instruments
• Brand: Tascam
• Model: TAS MPGT1
• Released on: 2008-05-08
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.00" h x 4.75" w x 6.50" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• 240-song memory capacity (based on average 4-minute MP3 encoded at 128kbps)^Variable Speed Audition changes the speed of the MP3 playback without changing the pitch ^Pitch control in 1% steps so you don't have to re-tune^Seamless looping for practicing tricky passages^High-impedance 1/4 inch bass input

Customer Reviews

Guitar Trainer MP-GT1
The item was well packaged. It was easy to use from the start, although the instructions were somewhat vague when it came to loading and playing songs. So far the unit has worked well. It does what it says, however I have not tried all of the features. I did try the guitar cancel feature and found it to be so so. Being able to slow down songs so you can learn to play them at a slower speed is a great feature and it works well. I have slowed songs to -32% and -50% which is the maximum and the song still played clear. I like the loop feature that allows me to play a portion of a song over and over so I can practice that part, then move on to the next part. The LCD is clear and easy to read, and the controls are easy to navigate. Overall I am pleased and I think it is a great tool to use in learning the guitar.

The Rosetta Stone
I'm completely rewriting my review on the MPGT1. I've had it for six months, and use it daily. I've progressed more in the last six months than in 20+ years of playing...why? Because guitar, especially blues guitar, is all about phrasing. In order to really learn phrasing you need to first, slow it down to the point where you can understand exactly which notes are being played. Secondly, you need to get not just the notes, but the timing, volume etc. down cold. Third, you need to repeat the phrase for muscle memory, without- and this is key- without a mistake- over and over again. Finally, increase tempo gradually until you can play it at speed.

This unit does all of these things beautifully. Functions exactly as it should. Has a metronome, tuner, some nice effects- all the standards- and is built like an airliner black box. In other words rugged. I've probably achieved in six months what would take two to three years of weekly lessons. Ya, its that good.

A few minor gripes just so you know I'm balanced. I've had a little confusion trying to create different song folders on the unit. Sometimes the name of the song doesn't show up on the unit (rarely). And with really epic songs- like over 15 minutes- you may need to edit the song into smaller chunks before putting it on the unit (it acted weird a few times with really long songs).

Forget about books, videos, lessons etc. Well, maybe don't forget about them completely- can still be helpful- BUT this thing is THE way to learn. Imagine having BB King, or Dimebag Darrel, or whoever you're into in your living room, repeating phrases over and over, at whatever speed you want, AT WILL. How much would you pay to be able to do this?

Cool
This is a cool device.
Easy to use - you don't even have to read the manual.
It is going to change how I learn to play the guitar.
Highly recommend!!
Doubles as an MP3 player.