I went through all that bs with player showcasing themselves and sucking larg. Zoom rythm tracks drum machine is my new friend, it is always there plays what I want it to, and because it has 300 different paterns of drum/bass from every style, it has taught be a great deal. Most people think it is a real drummer and bass backing me when they listen to my tapes, the technology is getting that good,...also the price is about 199 us for the middle modle. Still I like playing with real musicians but it is rare to find them, so I program two drum kits playing with a bass, create a song the way I like it and use these tracks for some gigs. AS for drum machines it is a great affordable unit and easy to use, this is my first one.