But I have no clue about which is good, how much tehy cost, what gear is needed to set it up. You guys who use them (Isaac in particular), could you tell me a bit about them?
I use Akai Headrush E2. The advantages of this looper are small, light buttons instead of pedal switches which I personally find a bit sticky - and timing and accuracy is very important in looping. Adjustable delay and tape echo effects are included. I like this looper. It's worth the price, and I use it regularly. I can just connect it with PA, plug in the beatbox mic in and start the show. You can use it with harp amps too, of course.
I'm with you H2H! I want to pick one up bad. Especially after listening to some members one here doing cool stuff with them. No experiencing using one myself with harp, but a know several guys who use the Jamman Stereo with guitar and love it. Vacuum switches instead of pedal switches for better precision. Easy to use and scroll through loops on the fly. Also has a mic input for processing vocals separate of the line in input (cool option depending on what harp mic you're using). They make a solo version for less, but you have to buy a footswitch to scroll through the loops live. Google search shows the larger model as cheap as $234. Just another option.
I think that the best "bang for your buck" in loopers these days is either the Digitech JamMan Stereo (not the normal JamMan) OR the Line 6 JM 4. These give you the ability to record and manipulate two or more SEPARATE loops at a time. Which means you can record a beatbox line, then a bass line, then a harmony, and later in the song pause one or more of them while letting the others play on. They let you also preload loops, and even full length backing tracks, and even have a few onboard FX (reverbs, delays, etc). They have stereo outs, so you can use two amps. They are not cheap. Probably the best price will be $250 for the JamMan Stereo and about $330 US for the JM4.
If you are looking for less money outlay, then you will have to sacrifice some functionality. I would recommend the Digitech JamMan Solo. This pedal gives basic looper function as it is, but will let you grow by adding on the option extension pedal, which will allow for most of the functionality described above. This way, you can buy just the Solo (for around $150US), and if you find you want/need more ability to manipulate the loops, you can then buy the extension pedal (gives you three more buttons for about $50). There is a BOSS pedal that is roughly equivalent to the JamMan Solo (which is what Brendan Power uses), but I don't know if there is an extension pedal for it.
If you want to go rock bottom, then you have only one choice: buy a mulitFX pedal that has a looper as well. I bought the Digitech RP 155 (I've seen them now as low as $75US used). I think some of the Zoom and Line6 MultiFX pedals also have loopers, but I remember them having lower loop times (the RP's have 20 seconds). Now I went this route cause I'm cheap and poor, but I really wanted a looper. You can hear what functionality I get in my songs. It's okay. I really wish I could independently control my loops (now I can only overdub), and set the levels on the loops, etc... The RP is a good FX unit, so I do have fun with delays, phasers, octaves, etc... But I wish I had bought a dedicated looper pedal.
Finally, an intriguing NEW option is to get you Amp, your FX, and your Looper all in one. Preposterous, you say? Well, it DOES exist. The Line 6 Spider Jam is just such an amazing beast. You would DEFINTELY need to buy an extension foot pedal to control it, but it would be a compact, all-in-one solution. I've not tried it, but it has gotten good reviews. Here's a link to the specs: http://line6.com/spiderjam/
Personally, if I was buying another looper right now today, I would be agonizing between the JamMan Stereo and the JM4.
I've tried the Line 6 JM4 and would vouch for it any day. It doesn't just loop, it has solid reverb and delay, and some great drum tracks to jam to. Also it's really easy to organize the loops, the buttons are really nicely laid out.
I also say the Jamman stereo is the way to go. I have been salivating over looper pedals for a long time. The Headrush is great for ease of use, but you will not be able to play a full twelve bars - you will be stuck with a smaller loop - it can be done VERY well of course (Son of Dave, and Brandon). The Jamman has plenty of loop time and can be manipulated like others have stated above plus it has an xlr connection unlike some other loopers.
BOOMERANG III! (If you are looking for a live looper)
It will kill absolutely everything else for creating multiple parts live for a whole host of reasons.
The new BOSS RC300 looks like it tries to one-up the 'Rang, but those aren't out yet to try.
If you are looking more for at home jamming, the Boss, Digitech, and Line 6 stuff would all work reasonably well.
If you want to keep it simple, something like the Akai would be great...they were going for $100 new from MusiciansFriend last month (or Guitar Center).
Whatever you do - DON'T get a single button looper. That makes it totally useless, IMO.
Also, consider your actual application. Do you want it to record? Have effects? Drum machine? Midi synch? Lot's to consider!!!
I'm looking for a home practice and jamming with friends and maybe some busking. So i might look into the line 6 ones. I agree on the single button ones I think they are semi loopers. A drum machine might be nice iv not learnt beatboxing yet.
I set up my Gibson Echoplex Digital Pro tonight and played along with myself on harp . . . This unit is cool, lots of control, sadly no longer manufactured. A dedicated knob for feedback control and a digital readout of the decay of the delay. Only one loop at a time but up to 16 can be created. I don't take it to the job much anymore, I'm using a 'Rang III--but I don't loop harp, just the guitar.
