have completely updated the firmware on each pedal to match the MKII versions , with just a few subtle differences that MKI physically cannot do . I have some videos on YouTube demoing and comparing the firmware updates to the previous versions if you wanted to check out as well . I am highly impressed with the complete revamp they have done on the R1 Reverb . You can get a Mako Series MKI Pedal now for a great price too if the MKII is not in your budget .
Modeling Product : The Walrus Audio ACS1 is my go-to amp modeling unit . I love it so much I have three of them . The fact that you can have different stereo amp and cab settings left and right within the same unit really puts the ACS1 on top of so many other modelers . They also stepped it up with the new 2.0 Firmware Update where they rebuilt their amps and have given everyone free Tone Factor IRs that come stock with each unit and via firmware update . The MKII Version also has the built in screen and three new amp models to choose from . On top of that , I also use the Hotone Ampero II Stage . It is a multi-effects with every sound you ’ d ever need . It is extremely versatile , and I have played every genre and style you can think of on that thing . It ’ s fairly affordable and covers so much ground . I especially love the chorus , delays and reverb on the unit . If you already own one you can check out my Signature Preset Pack available at Soundshop . com where even the amp and cab simulators are stock so that everything is already available through the preset . Check out my YouTube Channel to hear my demo and sound samples . I also have presets for other Hotone Ampero Products available on the same site .
Guitar Strings Acoustic : For my Godin A6 Ultra I use Martin Retro Acoustic 11s . The Nickel gives a good blend for the piezo and humbucker .
Guitar Strings Electric : I use Bog Street Electrix Guitar Strings . Hex Core Nickel Wound ( Coated ) 10s .
Brand of Capo : I use Thalia Capos . My best friend Paul Vitales gave it to me a while back , and I have used it ever since .
Brand / Type Guitar Pick : My absolute favorite guitar pick is the Bog Street Textured Ultem Tak Battle Axe . It has three sides so that a single pick has the life of three , and the textured material gives me this beautiful attack to my playing that I associate to my tone immensely now .
Also wanted to point out I use Bellos Audio for ears , Levy ’ s Straps , and Kirlin Cables .
Favorite worship guitar performance in a song : My favorite guitar performance has got to be the Bobby Strand , Chris Greely , and Michael Pope combos in some of the Bethel Albums . Specifically , “ For the Cross ” from their Tides Live Album . I am not sure who exactly is playing in the Tides Live version of that song , but the creation and execution of those parts throughout the entire song are completely harmonious to the sound and message of “ For the Cross ”. Every time I hear it or get to play it , I am immediately aligned with what that song is all about .
A current worship album you are enjoying : The new Elevation Album When Wind Meets Fire has been a current album that I find myself coming back to . It definitely speaks to a new direction in the worship music industry and has honestly met me spiritually as I go through the current things in my life .
Some advice for your fellow worship guitar players : I think at this point , we have so much repertoire in worship music covering vast styles of playing . I think as church musicians we can get caught up with just learning these parts to accomplish the task at hand . While that is very important , I found that really analyzing these parts that bring identity to the song is more than just learning the part , but really being curious as to why the greats decided to do that . After over 15 years of playing guitar , both at church and professionally , I ’ ve learned the intentionality of these guitar parts that we know and love .
It ’ s more than just tone , technique , and placement , but also finding ways to audibly represent what the message and the words of the song are giving . There are ways to musically emulate this in melody and harmony , and that is one of the most beautiful things in music . If you are at a place where you feel disconnected from that , go back to the parts you know and love and think about them in this way . I guarantee you it will change the way you play and invoke the unique sound that you have as an individual . And when it comes time for you to improvise or play spontaneously or prophetically in your worship , you will know how to navigate in a way that suits and represents that very moment and time .
Where can people find you on Social Media ? You can find me on Instagram , @ nobesmusic , and my YouTube channel , Nobes Music , where I post live performances and demos of some great gear from many different companies !
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