My friend Shaun recently posted about updating his guitar set-up. He even mentioned me in his post. He says that he, “Doesn’t break strings as much as some people [he] knows.” I’m pretty confident that I am the “some people he knows”. Anyway, his post reminded me that a few people asked about my gear at Beach Camp. Here’s everything I could possibly think of. Let me know if I’m missing anything.

Guitars
Gibson L-130 (Acoustic) – This is my primary guitar. I love the smaller specs and well-rounded tone.
Taylor 310ce (Acoustic) – I generally use this as a back-up. It has a brighter tone and more on-board EQ options.

Pre-Amp
L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic DI – I really like this DI, but I want to upgrade to an Avalon at some point.

Microphone (Vocal)
Shure Beta 87A – I wouldn’t use anything else. I love the response of this mic.

Tuner
Boss TU-2 Chromatic Stompbox – A must. Some people prefer strobe tuners, but I don’t know why. The TU-2 is way easier to operate in a live setting.

Cables
Planet Wave Custom Series Cables (Gold) – I really like the security of these cables. The compression springs make for a really solid connection. The lifetime guarentee is cool too.

Strings
Elixer Phospher Bronze Medium (Nanoweb) – I’ve tried everything else, and nothing compares to the life and tone of Elixer. I use mediums for the tone.

Picks
Snarling Dog’s Brain .73 (Red) – Most electric guys I know hate these pics becasue the grip is so rough, but I like them for that very reason. They’re made from a composite meterial that makes them a little more flexible than Dunlop picks.

Capo
Dunlop Trigger Capo – This capo seems to be a bit of a tighter fit than others I’ve tried. It also doesn’t affect the tuning as much as other quick-change capos.

Last night we had a great first night here at Laguna. The band from last year is back. Me (acoustic/vocals), Kristin (Keys/Vocals), Micah (Electric), Zach (Bass), Josh (Drums)…We arrived around 2:30 and helped set up Russell’s Bag End system. I broke two strings. “D” in practice and “G” in service. I’m going to try the DR Rares tonight. I’ve been having bad luck with my usual Elixer phosphor bronze lately. Set list last night was:

• Marvelous Light (Remix with loops)
• Endlessly
• Everlasting God
• From the Inside Out
• Hosanna
• Rescue

Today was my last day at Cleveland School of Music. I began working at the school in Febuary of 2006. Teaching has been a great experience, but I’m definitely taking a break from it for a while. Reflections on teaching at CSM:

• Teaching is not easy.
• Kids can learn really quick when they want to.
• It is a waste of time and money for a parent to force a child to learn something that they hate.
• Communication is SO important.
• E-Mail is not a good forum for dialogue.
• 30 minutes can be agonizingly long and unbelievably fast all at the same time.
• I’m not good with uniforms.
• Rhythm is the hardest thing to teach.
• Adults often want to know how to play, but they don’t want learn.
• Anyone can learn if they want to.

Going away cake

My guitar studio at CSM

Click HERE to see Rosie O’Donnell “playing drums”…Yeah.

My groomsmen got me a new 30 gig iPod!!! I’m pretty stoked. I haven’t had an iPod since the wheel on mine broke several months ago. The new iPod was completely unexpected and greatly appreciated…It has been really good to spend time with my friends and family. Thanks to everyone who has already made this weekend to remember.