I've got one,but I'll be honest and tell you I wasn't looking to buy one,a friend moved out of town and gave it to me,free!That said,I think the sound quality of the drums is at the same level as most of the other drum machines out there,and some of the other sounds like the acoustic guitar are also quite decent.I've never tried to program a pattern into it,however.When I use it it's only playing back already written sequences from my MC-50.I suspect that it wouldn't be the easiest box to use if you were writing directly to it's own sequencer.I've also never used the guitar input so no comment there either.But as a standard drum machine you could do worse if you found a used one for like $225 or so.
they kick ass as most every boss drum machine although this is just my personal opinion.i spent the good part of 6 years practically married to one.i believe if used coerrectly ,you can use it for every style of music.it doeds tke a little bit of ime and practice for it to really do exactly what you need ,but i would go for it.get one used for $200.it's perfect for midi implementation and writing complete songs.i have used it from hip hop to blues to rock and roll,funk r&b,experimental.check out the thread in the mp3 mix clinic,the one entitled critiques?there are two songs that i did with my sister and both have my dr-5 on it,impersonating a real rock drummer.the sounds are so versatile and plentiful.boss allows you to fine tune them in order to customize your own sounds.and the other three tracks have some good sounds ,and passible for sampled acoustic instruments,and recording.also check out the new dr-202,that has bass lines ,old school tones.and also the dr-770.that machine really kills as well.ok ,now i have babbled enpough.but you should get it.whattype of music willyou use it for?