For the pedalboard, I’ m using a Pedaltrain PT-3 that’ s built to be flexible but efficient. It all starts with a TX Underfacer buffer and summing box, and from there it flows through the Jackson Audio Bloom for compression and EQ, a Micro POG for octave stuff, three different drive stages( Benson Preamp, Browne Protein, and JHS Kilt V1), and then into modulation with the GFI Synesthesia. Almost all delays and verbs are covered by the Strymon Timeline and BigSky via presets, and the GFI Specular Tempus is there for spontaneous or ambient moments. I use the RJM PBC / 6X for MIDI control and looping, and everything is routed to stay stereo all the way through.
If I’ m not running direct and have the luxury of amps, I’ ll occasionally bring out my 2001 Vox AC30 / 6 TB or a‘ 97 Fender Prosonic. But only for local events.
[ WM ] Words of encouragement or advice for other worship team guitar players?
[ Eli ] I think the biggest thing I’ d say is: stay connected to why you’ re doing this. It’ s easy to chase tone, gear, or even perfection- but none of that matters if it’ s not tied to the purpose: leading worship. Your role isn’ t just to sound good, it’ s to help lead people into worship, and that happens when you bring your heart, not just your talent. I’ ve found that the most powerful moments I’ ve had on stage weren’ t when I nailed a part- they were when I was fully present and tuned into what God was doing in the room.
Also, don’ t underestimate the value of preparation and listening. Learn the parts, know the arrangements, and then let go of control once the set starts. The best worship musicians I know are the ones who can support, adapt, and flow with the moment.
[ WM ] We see you are learning some pedal steel guitar … tell us about that?
[ Eli ] I tend to be a little spontaneous when it comes to learning new instruments. I wouldn’ t say I’ m out here mastering them( laughing) but something happens when I hear a sound I really love- I’ m not satisfied until I can try to recreate it. It’ s like I have to get it out of me somehow. Over the years, I’ ve tinkered with mandolin, banjo, harmonica, lap steel … if it makes a cool sound, I’ ll probably try it.
Pedal steel really caught my ear in a different way, though. Kim had one in the family and was kind enough to let me borrow it, and I’ ve been playing it whenever I get the chance. There’ s something about the sound that just hits- it’ s beautiful and haunting at the same time. If you’ ve ever listened to Chris Stapleton’ s“ Fire Away” or Colter Wall’ s“ Cowpoke”, you know what I mean. It’ s still a side project for now, but
BUYER’ S GUIDE # 12- 2025 WT Subscribe to [ WM ] for Free... 21