Guitar players have access to this technology, why can't we. I have seriously considered buying a loop recorder just for this reason. It doesn't give the flexibility you mentioned, but it does offer a hands free set of phrases. Hi tech isn't always the best.
I just purchased a 30 yr old set of Crumar bass pedals to replace two midi pedalboards I could never get satisfaction from. They're great, and do the job exactly as I want it done.
[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 06-28-2006).]