Ok, I need to work on my timing while practicing.  I considered a metronome of some type, but also am tossing around the idea of using a drum machine instead.  I have no experience with either.  Just was thinking the drum machine would at least sound like something.
So, anyone recommend a good (cheap) starter drum machine that I dont need to be a computer scientist to figure out?
Cheers
Dan

ps- I am borrowing an old clockwork metronone to try out for awhile, tonight.

Both are really very good to use.The best way is to play with as many people as possable.When I started we would put a tamborine on the floor between us and everyone would tap it anyone off time would get caught and picked on damaging to the ego but fun and I beleive my timing is really pretty good now.

Let me throw another option out to you.....

If you have a computer to sit near while playing, you should check out Sony Screenblast ACID.

This nearly free program (I just got a copy for free in Computer Music magazine) will allow you to load in a .wav file (from CD or anywhere) and speed it up or slow it down, without destructing the pitch information.

This can be done within reason, like -15 to -10 bpm, which should be enough to get you going.  You can also load in a .wav of a wood block every measure if you want to get a metronome going.

I just did this for some members of our worship band at church, so they can learn their parts on a pretty difficult song a couple months in advance at a slow tempo, so when we get up to speed, it will be less of a learning curve.

I will say that at -15 bpm, a noticeable 'slapback' early reflection echo kind of effect comes into the sound.  This is because ACID time slices wave files into little bits, then overlaps them according to the change in bpm.  As you decrease bpm, it starts to put noticable gaps into the sound.

However, it's certainly a workable solution and puts you into the context of the song with the other instruments.

-Scott