How do you guys sync your instruments (tracks)?

When making a song, I'll make the beat first, and then try to add some piano chords to it, or some other instrument... or vice versa. The problem is, for example if I have a good beat and try to play the piano to fit inside the 4/4 structure, it's very hard to get it on point, so it flows well.

For Example: After laying some drums down, I'll hit REC and start playing the piano, but either I'll finish the piano melody before the end of the drum loop, or the track will loop back before I finish playing the piano.

How do you guys sync up two tracks so they match perfectly?

You could play the sequence you're recording a new part for, play along to that and record the new part onto tape or a computer/standalone digital recorder/whatever you use, sample it back into the MPC, and then chop and sequence it like any other sample.

Would it be easier just to play the piano into a DAW (such as Cubase or Reason), and use the MPC solely for drums? I think this would be a easier route, correct?

Also, which DAW is the best to use with the MPC2000XL? I have Cubase, but I see alot of people using Reason.

Thanks!

ppl use reason as an external sound module. and to answer the q about Daws any daw will work... it's what you do with the end product as far as mixing and mastering. pro tools is in the top 5 next to cubase. both have their advantages... if u have a mac i would rock logic or digital performer. but even somethin like reaper will be dope with the right (when i say right i mean great) plugins...

USE A METRONOME! if you play something and sample into the MPC then use a metronome. you dont have the beat to help you since you cant hit play in sample mode.

OR

IF you have a DAW (cubase, logic, pro tools) play into one of those while your beat is playing. record it and then use that instead playing live straight into the MPC. this will make it alot easier to sample since the part is pre-recorded.

good luck1