Greetings!
Hi everyone, I've spent a lot more time living what I write about than writing about it. It's been a busy but productive time at home, at work, and at church. I've had the privilege of a few jam sessions with friends (everything from a full band situation down to 2 guitars on the front porch). Needless to say, it's been a while since my last post. My laptop has also been to the manufacturer and back for a warranty repair. It's been tough to find time to blog since the other computers I have access to aren't really located in good spots for blogging (kids, work etc.). I'm back now. I should be able to put out content a little more often. Hope you find it encouraging and helpful!
New Toy/Tool!
Some of you know I've been saving for a new electric guitar for quite some time now. I finally got it! It is a blue Taylor T5. For those who may not be familiar with the T5, this instrument is a hybrid guitar that can produce acoustic as well as electric tones. I got really excited about it when it came out because I saw the dual tone capability would keep me from having to swap between my acoustic and electric guitars during a song set. It is a step up from the electric guitar that I was using, and it will be a great tool. I came across the dealer that sold me the guitar when I was doing some research on eBay (Mojo's Music in Edwardsville, Illinois). He had the exact model (T5-S1) that I was looking for in stock, and it was the right color...translucent blue stain on a flame maple top. It was a guitar he purchased for his inventory about 2 years ago and just didn't sell. By the time I called and was interested in the guitar, he was tired of looking at it and sold it to me for a little bit more than what he paid for it. What a blessing (for me)...he was also glad to get rid of the guitar!
The T5 opens up some sound possibilities that weren't available to me with my other instrument. It's a blast to play and it sure is nice to look at (if you ask me). To each his own...I've found mine. To make it all the more special, I was able to purchase it the Monday after Father's Day! Yes, I had saved up for it, but the timing of it worked out so that it was really a Father's Day gift for me.
After a month and a half of playing the T5, I really don't have any complaints. The pickups, especially the neck pickup sound amazing! The acoustic tones aren't as "belivable" as I initially hoped...admittedly, I'm a bit spoiled by my 10 years of playing my other Taylor, a 710ce. I'm still tweaking the settings on my PODxt to find the right balance. In fact, I have acoustic strings on it right now and I have some new settings to work with (see below). The acoustic settings sound better with these strings, but it seems that I've lost some sustain on the electric settings. All in all, my tone has improved. It's a lot of fun to play! There are few things that pull the best out of me like playing a quality instrument.
Influences
One thing that I recommend to anyone who asks me about learning to play an instrument is to find a "hero" of sorts. Doing authentic music is all about producing sounds outside that you hear in your heart. There's certainly a place for getting away and finding creativity in solitude away from other influences. Still, how can you create anything if you don't begin to develop your own mental library of sounds that you like? Yes, you will be out of balance if you only study from one source. Everything you play or write will always sound like someone else. On the other hand, when you're learning, it is helpful to have someone else that you look to for inspiration and technique. A few of my inspiring influences are: Steven Curtis Chapman, Lincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche, Andy Park, Marty Sampson, Darlene Zschech, etc.
New Tone
Speaking of Lincoln Brewster, I downloaded his tone! Lincoln has some amazing guitar sounds when he plays live and in the studio. He's had access to some of the most sought amplifiers and effects available, but he has settled on several products from Line 6 for his live sounds. I have a Line 6 PODxt, a device that Lincoln has used in the past. FYI, I use the FBV Shortboard to control the settings when I'm playing live. Lincoln posted his settings on his website recently, and I was able to download them and set up my system with some of the exact settings that Lincoln uses. Do I sound like Lincoln when I play? Not hardly! But, it's fun to hear some of the sounds he has put together. I was able to glean a couple of settings, especially for my acoustic guitars. Thanks to Lincoln for letting us "borrow" his tone!
Songwriting
I brought out a new song that I wrote to our church band last week. It went over well and I think the song will probably make it into our regular rotation. I hope it will be a declaration of faith and praise that our people can really embrace. There are more songs to come...stay tuned!
Wrapping Up
God is soooooo good. I really do stand amazed when I take a step back and look at where I've been and what He's done. Being a Husband and Dad myself just makes the picture of His love for me even that much clearer. I'm also oh so aware of how much I need Him to fill me up so that I reflect Him as I relate to my family.
Be blessed!
Andy Johnston, the Facilitator
musicsharegroup@gmail.com
musicsharegroup.blogspot.com
Hi everyone, I've spent a lot more time living what I write about than writing about it. It's been a busy but productive time at home, at work, and at church. I've had the privilege of a few jam sessions with friends (everything from a full band situation down to 2 guitars on the front porch). Needless to say, it's been a while since my last post. My laptop has also been to the manufacturer and back for a warranty repair. It's been tough to find time to blog since the other computers I have access to aren't really located in good spots for blogging (kids, work etc.). I'm back now. I should be able to put out content a little more often. Hope you find it encouraging and helpful!
New Toy/Tool!
Some of you know I've been saving for a new electric guitar for quite some time now. I finally got it! It is a blue Taylor T5. For those who may not be familiar with the T5, this instrument is a hybrid guitar that can produce acoustic as well as electric tones. I got really excited about it when it came out because I saw the dual tone capability would keep me from having to swap between my acoustic and electric guitars during a song set. It is a step up from the electric guitar that I was using, and it will be a great tool. I came across the dealer that sold me the guitar when I was doing some research on eBay (Mojo's Music in Edwardsville, Illinois). He had the exact model (T5-S1) that I was looking for in stock, and it was the right color...translucent blue stain on a flame maple top. It was a guitar he purchased for his inventory about 2 years ago and just didn't sell. By the time I called and was interested in the guitar, he was tired of looking at it and sold it to me for a little bit more than what he paid for it. What a blessing (for me)...he was also glad to get rid of the guitar!
The T5 opens up some sound possibilities that weren't available to me with my other instrument. It's a blast to play and it sure is nice to look at (if you ask me). To each his own...I've found mine. To make it all the more special, I was able to purchase it the Monday after Father's Day! Yes, I had saved up for it, but the timing of it worked out so that it was really a Father's Day gift for me.
After a month and a half of playing the T5, I really don't have any complaints. The pickups, especially the neck pickup sound amazing! The acoustic tones aren't as "belivable" as I initially hoped...admittedly, I'm a bit spoiled by my 10 years of playing my other Taylor, a 710ce. I'm still tweaking the settings on my PODxt to find the right balance. In fact, I have acoustic strings on it right now and I have some new settings to work with (see below). The acoustic settings sound better with these strings, but it seems that I've lost some sustain on the electric settings. All in all, my tone has improved. It's a lot of fun to play! There are few things that pull the best out of me like playing a quality instrument.
Influences
One thing that I recommend to anyone who asks me about learning to play an instrument is to find a "hero" of sorts. Doing authentic music is all about producing sounds outside that you hear in your heart. There's certainly a place for getting away and finding creativity in solitude away from other influences. Still, how can you create anything if you don't begin to develop your own mental library of sounds that you like? Yes, you will be out of balance if you only study from one source. Everything you play or write will always sound like someone else. On the other hand, when you're learning, it is helpful to have someone else that you look to for inspiration and technique. A few of my inspiring influences are: Steven Curtis Chapman, Lincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche, Andy Park, Marty Sampson, Darlene Zschech, etc.
New Tone
Speaking of Lincoln Brewster, I downloaded his tone! Lincoln has some amazing guitar sounds when he plays live and in the studio. He's had access to some of the most sought amplifiers and effects available, but he has settled on several products from Line 6 for his live sounds. I have a Line 6 PODxt, a device that Lincoln has used in the past. FYI, I use the FBV Shortboard to control the settings when I'm playing live. Lincoln posted his settings on his website recently, and I was able to download them and set up my system with some of the exact settings that Lincoln uses. Do I sound like Lincoln when I play? Not hardly! But, it's fun to hear some of the sounds he has put together. I was able to glean a couple of settings, especially for my acoustic guitars. Thanks to Lincoln for letting us "borrow" his tone!
Songwriting
I brought out a new song that I wrote to our church band last week. It went over well and I think the song will probably make it into our regular rotation. I hope it will be a declaration of faith and praise that our people can really embrace. There are more songs to come...stay tuned!
Wrapping Up
God is soooooo good. I really do stand amazed when I take a step back and look at where I've been and what He's done. Being a Husband and Dad myself just makes the picture of His love for me even that much clearer. I'm also oh so aware of how much I need Him to fill me up so that I reflect Him as I relate to my family.
Be blessed!
Andy Johnston, the Facilitator
musicsharegroup@gmail.com
musicsharegroup.blogspot.com
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