It occurred to me the other day, that I haven’t posted in quite a while.  Aside from the numerous problems that don’t seem to ever have an end, there’s not a lot to write about.  No one wants to read about my issues.  We ALL have issues.  Some times the sea is smooth like glass.  Other times it’s angry and violent.  We all are adrift on that same sea, merely in different locations.  So with that said… let’s proceed with politics, music, faith…
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After a few months of lugging a (weighty) small rack and a pedals case (w/MIDI controller) I decided I needed to simplify my church ‘rig’.  I don’t expect to use a live amp any time soon if ever, so if I could simplify not only my setup time and lighten the twice weekly gear hauling load these aging shoulders must bear it would be worth it.  Unlike many of my peers, I generally do not, nor have I ever, suffered from G.A.S. aka gear acquisition syndrome.  Most of my gear purchases are well thought out and primarily to upgrade or improve my sound, and often involves selling something off to fund the upgrade.  Never because I like owning a lot of music things.
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A little over 6 months ago we relocated to a wonderful small town nestled in wooded hills.  4 years ago this past November was the last time I played in a worship team.  2 years ago this past September I had brain surgery to remove a tumor that had paralyzed much of my right side.  Today I’m praising GOD I am actively playing again! more »

As the phrase goes “all things must come to an end”.

I have come to the conclusion it is time to let go of some of my music gear.  Mostly that which I have used for playing the “big” venues such as large, outdoor stages or large rooms.  This is not to say I won’t be playing again, or in a band of some sort.  Yet as I approach 55 I am forced to accept some realities. more »

Well, maybe and maybe not.  But the company was just acquired by Yamaha [source].  I must say however that while I haven’t been a huge user of Yamaha gear, I have come in contact with it numerous times and always left the encounter with a positive impression.  Not to mention I recently upgraded my home stereo receiver to a new Yamaha and am so far pleased in so much as possible with the newer technology (analog is just much better sounding to my ears).  So, hopefully Yamaha will retain the management and creative force behind Line 6, as well as support for their older products, of which I do have one, and support thus far has been fairly solid.  We shall see.

Just a really quick update on this topic. After a great deal of thinking and research I’ve decided to try a Line 6 POD XT Pro that I picked up for a great price used. This serves multiple purposes, 2 of which are the need for a convincing sound at a really low volume and the obvious realization that there’s no way I can afford or justify the expense of the dream set up I’d like to have, so this hopefully will get me close.  Now for some intense programming.  ewwwww….

With the demise of the church I was heavily involved with on the worship team, I find myself at a loss.  Hmmmmm.
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Over the past month or so I’ve been listening to/rediscovering Rush again.  I became a Rush fanatic back in the 70’s shortly after they released their first album.  In the 90’s when they went into their heavy keyboard phase I lost interest but picked them back up when Vapor Trails came out, which was the powerful trio I remembered, brought up to a modern sound.  In other words, simply awesome!  So anyway, with the somewhat recent release of their documentary which I was able to get from the library I have started to renew my Rush fanaticism, getting concert DVDs and anything I can get my hands on now.  I really respect these guys.
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