u/OohScratchThat

I’m back with some more questions:

1. Scratching in hamster/reverse - I don’t fully get it outside of it just might be better for the way some people’s brains are wired. Are there more advantages? Any time I’ve tried, I’m all “this makes no sense” and switch back to regular.
2. I keep my right hand, which is my dominant hand, on the crossfader, and my left on the record. Any time I try to switch and have my left hand on the fader, it feels like it’s my first day using my left hand.

I’ve done some small beat juggling exercises for fun, and I seem okay like that, but trying to scratch, primarily the left hand on the fader as my right hand moves fine on the record, is beyond awkward and un enjoyable. Besides just an immense amount of repetitions, anything I can do to help move past this awkwardness?

Thanks!

Edit: I’m not necessarily feeling I need to use hamster or not, but am curious if there are advantages I’m missing, or if it’s just preference which it seems to be preference.

I have a PT01 USB and Scratch that I have a bunch of parts for if anyone is looking.

All were working when last tested.

2x USB boards
2x Motor on/off switches
2x Stock speakers
1x Audio/power board
1x Scratch body/cover/base/motor/platter/tonearm
1x PT01 USB body/cover/case/motor/platter/tonearm
1x Volume/pitch board
1x Battery cover
1x Jesse Dean Fader

I’m not expecting someone to buy them all, but if you need something for yours, let me know.

If no one here wants them, I’ll probably just toss them on eBay

I also know my account is new but I have other Reddit/social accounts and more refs than I know what to do with. Happy to provide, if needed.

Over the past few days, my crossfader has felt slightly heavier than I feel I was used to. I have the feeling adjust all the way open (loosest) and the other day I opened it open and cleaned the faders with Deoxit fader cleaner.

I am noticing it mostly when doing clicks. I don’t seem to be getting the bounce I should be and that’s what’s throwing up a flag for me.

Is my fader dying? Did I not clean it well enough? Is it all in my head? Any help is appreciated!

As some of you may know, I’m still really new but I have been putting in the work as best I can.

I’m curious how people achieve faster subdivisions. For example, I can easily do 16th note chirps at 85bm fine. Try to do a coulple 32nd notes and it makes no sense how to move that quickly.

Is it just time and practice and the speed comes? (I’m sure this at least part of it? Is there a more advanced techniques that allow for a faster back and forth? (This would bring me some relief). I’m thinking like a drummer with single vs double stroke rolls. Can go much faster with a double stroke because of the bounce, thinking something similar may be at play here.

Kind of trying to wrap my head around the best way to get there.

I’m looking for a controller to take with me on the off chance I go out or away but would still like to practice.

I have a PT01 from Numark but don’t love it and it has some issues thus I’m looking for a controller. (Though I did think a 7” DVS + Reloop Flux or something)

I currently use 2 Technics SL1200 M3Ds with a Pioneer S9. While I know I won’t get this exact feeling from a controller, I’d like something close if possible (with out spending needlessly on a Rane System One or similar)

The 3 in my main view are the Rane One and Pioneer Rev5 and Rev7. I have a poor taste in my mouth from previous Rane gear, which is what pushed me to get the Technics, and am unsure if the Pioneers are the move or not.

Are either really that portable? Like backpackable or close to it, or are they both rather large. My local shops don’t seem to have either on display to see in person. Also, would I miss the motorized platters if I went with the Rev5, or for a cheaper on the go option, it’s fine.

Open to any other suggestions as well, but don’t really want to go away anymore unless I can bring something to scratch with 🙈

Thanks in advance!

I have just crossed the two month mark behind the decks and am slowly feeling discouraged and want to break through it.

A couple questions that may help here:

I find it’s WAY easier for me to do the latter, if a true click is supposed to be a transform, I’ll work on it more.

2. Building phrases: this is the part that’s getting me down. I understand the general concept. Take a move or two and make a pattern and have that down pat.

That’s fine, but how do you start just.. intertwining them? Is this just one of those practice/time things where it’ll just come eventually?

3. Do you prefer a more loose or more tight curve on the crossfader? Can’t seem to find a sweet spot for myself.

Thanks in advance for any/all advice 🙏🏼

Edit: I understand the general concept of how to do a click flare but I’m asking more if it’s a slide + two transforms or a slide + two more slide clicks instead of taps

I’ve had two Rane Twelve MKii hit the same motor issue and I’m tired of it. I’m flabbergasted they both got the same issue days apart. Luckily, one was still recently purchased open box so I was able to turn it, but I’m now left with a somewhat working deck and it’s really annoying.

Thinking of just switching to Technics (or similar) with DVS/Phase controllers (probably DVS to start) but am curious if there is anything else worth considering.

I’m still very new to this hobby, but I do believe in having quality gear to learn on. Thanks in advance!

Im still very new, but have been putting as much time as I can into developing this skill as possible.

I’ve become decent (for a beginner) at baby, chirps, and transforms. Working on one and two click flares. Same with stabs, tears, and similar early moves. I’m really trying to be as clean as I can and not just rush past the move once it feels “ok”.

I played drums on and off over the years and have always been mentally training to play on the click instead a little more loose, which seems to be more so the case for scratching.

I find myself stuck in 16th note patterns. Either trying to have everything hit a subdivision or just where I’m accenting but it all feels so rigid and bland.

How do I break from this and start building patterns/routines that make sense? Even if they are simple ones, I just don’t want to be wasting my practice time on stuff that’s less relevant OR developing bad habits.

If you made it this far, I appreciate you, and/or all advice given.

Hello everyone! I’ve been wanting to learn to scratch most of my life and am finally taking the time to learn.

Wanting to do this right, and have a really sound foundation of the skills, before just trying to make it to the finish line.

How long did you spend working on the baby scratch/forward scratch/chirps etc? I have decent rhythm so the baby scratch is coming pretty naturally.

Do I spend days? Weeks? Months? Practicing just these, or is it once you feel comfortable you moved to the next one?

I’ve been trying to practice at least 2 hours a day if I can and want to ensure I am practicing the right stuff and not wasting time.

Thanks in advance!