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Martin Guitars Makes Impressive Comeback


Article by Jason Whitehorn May 14, 2010 in got worship? Reviews with 1 Comment

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I’ll be honest, this article is a shock to me. Two months ago, I would have laughed at you if you would have told me that I would be writing an article singing the praises of a Martin – but (take a breath) that is precisely what I must do.

I have not been a fan of Martin for quite some time. I can think of one model that I would have previously liked to get my hands on – but, aside from it, you could scratch Martin out of the running for any guitar to appear on stage with me. When the nice folks at Martin discussed their new Performing Artist series with me…it appeared to be an attempt to look more stylish like a Taylor, but I was openly skeptical to its playability.

I was dangerously wrong.

Allow me to introduce you to the Martin Performing Artist Series. This guitar looks like a dream…and plays and sounds equally as well. It has a neck that is like no other Martin that I have ever played. Its tapered qualities make it a very fast neck with relatively low action. In fact, the neck width is 1 3/4 at the nut.

The wood usage is phenomenal in this series as well. Each performing artist series has a Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck, Indian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony bridge and fingerboard. The cutaway is deep and flush with the neck – so playing in the upper fret region is easy. The PA Series also has a smaller bridge than I have seen on any other Martin. The smaller bridge is a great add because it allows the top to vibrate more giving more detail to the beautiful sound.

Speaking of the sound…enter the world of a Fishman Aura F1 preamp in this bad boy. Someone took painstaking efforts to record this guitar over a multitude of microphone and amp combinations and then took the nine best sounds and placed them as images in the onboard electronics. This is an awesome feature – giving me the ability to literally have my Martin sound as if it was mic-ed by a Neumann U-87 with nothing more than my guitar and a simple patch cable recording direct to my computer or other gear. I can change easily between the 9 available images and also blend the sound between the available images and the already beautiful sound of the on-body pickup.

GPCPA1_controls

The controls are very ergonomical and simple to use. There are a whopping total of two low-profile knobs. One knob mainly controls the volume – but with one quick press of the knob and you can easily check your phase. Press and hold it – and you now have a fully functional built in tuner that mutes the output. Need a compressor to cut through the mix? This guitar has a built in compressor as well as built-in anti-feedback tools. Not too shabby for a single guitar!

Pros: This is the first acoustic that I have had in years that I have literally felt 100% comfortable using only the guitar with a line out to a direct box…no effects, no compressor, no tuner…nothing to potentially degrade my sound. It has a beautiful look and feel. I’ve also abused this thing to death and still can’t manage to knock it out of tune. Kudos to Martin for knocking one out of the park!

Cons: You really have to take the time to learn the functions of the preamp before you start seriously using it. I had assumed that the “anti-feedback” was fairly automatic, yet had a FOH guy having a nightmare for 5 minutes trying to get the feedback on the Martin taken care of on the first night of use. To Martin’s credit…it was operator error. Once I actually READ the instructions, I learned that I needed to press and hold both buttons together and then it would be placed in the anti-feedback mode. Worked like a champ then. Make sure you read the instructions completely to get best use out of this guy!

More Info: Martin Guitars

(For reference, the model I am reviewing is a Martin GPCPA-1. This article is not a paid review and is freely given as an honest review to the readers of gotworship.net so that they may be able to use my experiences when purchasing or considering purchase of products. got worship? Media does offer a service for paid reviews – and will notate in the reviews those which we have received financial compensation for to remain ethically moral with ourselves and our readers.)

got worship? Reviews: “Sixteen Cities”


Article by Jason Whitehorn April 13, 2010 in got worship? Reviews with 0 Comments

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Most bands who start together in High School begin with dreams of making it big and signing a huge record deal.  What happens, however, when the same high school band cares more about winning lost souls to Christ by ministering than becoming famous?  They become a band of young adults – with a huge record deal – who are still more concerned with ministering to the lost than their own popularity.

Meet Sixteen Cities.  Formerly known as Issachâr, the band is comprised of lead singer Josiah Warneking, rhythm guitarist Joshua Miller, lead guitarist Dustin Erhardt, drummer Chad McCutchen and bassist Joel Warneking.  The band have made an impression on those already in the music industry – working with manager Ryan Shrout (former lead guitarist of the career platinum selling act Kutless) and writing with stellar Christian producer/songwriters like  Jason Ingram (Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North), Rusty Varenkamp (Bebo Norman, Rush of Fools) and Steve Wilson (Jonny Diaz, Hawk Nelson).  The biggest impression they make, however, is with God’s family.  The band members are committed to their home church.  Josiah and Joshua serve as their home church’s worship leaders.  Perhaps it is that constant connection that makes their music so relevant to its listeners.

The album has a great share of stand-outs from "Sing Along" (a great song that perfectly depicts how our universe is conducted in a beautiful orchestral melody for God) to "Come As You Are" (a reminder that we serve a God who loves us regardless of what we do – a message that reaches all.).  My personal standout favorite is "Pray You Through", a song that won’t pretend to have the right things to say – but, instead, offers the prayer of intercession to help.

The album is full of great gems that will encourage and inspire – and will be a great recomendation for your personal collection or to add to your youth services.

You can visit the band’s website to listen to some of the cuts from the album, purchase the album in advance, or learn more about the band at www.sixteencities.com .

Thanks to the band and Centricity Music, our readers have an opportunity to win an autographed copy of the album this week.  For details…and to enter, click the album cover below!  We will draw three winners this week!  Be on the lookout for some special guest blogs from the band this week as well!  Good luck!

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“Best Of…” Awards : Best Hybrid Guitar


Article by Jason Whitehorn March 25, 2010 in got worship? Reviews with 4 Comments

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We set out this month to find the answer to a couple of questions:

“The best acoustic guitar for a worship leader/acoustic worship musician is a ___________________?”

“The best electric guitar for a worship musician is a __________________?”

When Taylor Guitars was bold enough to think that they could answer both questions with one guitar…we laughed. When we played the Taylor for the first time, however….it was Taylor who had the last laugh…and one of the best guitars for the buck.

Continue Reading…

got worship? Reviews: “Me In Motion”


Article by Jason Whitehorn March 23, 2010 in got worship? Reviews with 0 Comments

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We spend so much time as worship leaders and worship pastors listening to music for the congregation that we tend to forget to find music that can suit our own ear buds.

Thankfully Centricity Music found Me In Motion.

Me In Motion - a new group right? Depends on your definition of the word “new”.  If by “new” you mean “their debut self-titled album is being released today (March 23, 2010)”…then, yes…quite new.  If you can define new by a trio who had a fan base of tens of thousands and logged countless miles of touring hours as simple touring artists before a major record label even batted an eye at them…and add to that that, even before their album has even been released and the words “Me in Motion” have hit most radio station’s lips, the trio is already signed to tour with the Newsboys…then the term “new” seems a little “tacky”, doesn’t it.

So lets focus on what matters.  Three guys:

Seth Mosley (lead vocals/guitar)

Tim Wilson (bass/background vocals)

Brian Dexter (drums/background vocals)

“From the very beginning,” lead singer Mosley explains, “Tim, Brian and I wanted Me In Motion to be remembered by fans as the band that was always available and accessible. That’s why we hang out at the merchandise table before and after our shows, just to connect with the kids who come out to see us. And it really has a big impact on people when you take that time with them instead of just getting up on stage, playing your set and splitting. It really matters to kids and a lot of them leave messages on our facebook page afterwards to let us know. We also post a new online video content weekly and do a lot of twittering to make fans feel even more a part of our community. One of our primary missions is to make sure that Me In Motion never loses that aspect of who we are.”

Their songs have a feel that is positive and leaves you feeling charged…lifted up.  With influences obvious within the songs such as Jet, Foo Fighters, Switchfoot, Oasis, The Killers, Weezer, The Bravery and the Beatles – it is an album that has a little something for everyone.  The key, however, to the songs is not in the style…but the intent of the content.

“I’m trying to write songs that will inspire people to ‘live’ in a way they never have before,” says Seth. “..to realize that loving everyone, regardless of circumstance, is what it’s really all about.”

There’s even songs like Here In The Middle that, in my opinion can be used in a worship setting to help encourage a congregation to find the opportunities to serve God in spaces that we look at as “just another day”

but every day could be more

if every day

here in the middle

was Yours!

“Doing simple things like helping their neighbors, or sitting by a lonely kid at the lunch table at school, or giving someone an open ear–It’s often those little things that let people around us know how much they’re really loved.”

Standouts on the album…Back To You (very Coldplay-ish), Losers (their first radio release) and Gotta Be Something (“be not conformed to this world…”)

Interested in getting the album?  Word has it that you can get the whole album this week only for only $5.00 … head to the Me In Motion music store to snag it up!

got worship? Reviews: “Guitar Praise”


Article by Jason Whitehorn March 15, 2010 in Another thought, got worship? Reviews with 0 Comments

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It’s rare that we give you a review of something you can have “fun” with versus something that is just outright practical…but we’d thought we’d give it a shot.  Guitar Praise is a game especially for Mac and PC users that, some would say, is the Rock Band or Guitar Hero of the Christian music world.  I would concur.

Digital Praise, the creative genius behind the game, gave us one to play with as well one to give away to our awesome readers.  While we’ve had fun with the contest – we’ve had a blast playing the game itself.  By now, most of us are familiar with the way games like Rock Band or Guitar Hero work.  This game functions much in the same manner – but you don’t have to own an XBOX or Playstation to use it…you need only your computer.  The game is standard with a wireless controller making it a greater value right from the start.

There’s lots more fun to be had when you add a second controller to the mix.  You can go head-to-head … errr…. shred-to-shred with a friend and trip them up with some cool PowerUps:

• Invisibility – causes your opponent’s target zone to disappear
• Minus – causes your opponent’s play to subtract from his/her score
• Speed – causes your opponent’s notes to fall faster
• Smoke – causes a cloud of smoke to hide your opponent’s target zone
• Broken Fret – causes one of your opponent’s frets to break, it must be pressed several times to be    repaired
• Whammy – causes your opponent’s fret buttons to stop working until they press their Whammy Bar several times
• Blast – takes away all PowerUp from your opponent

One of the coolest ways I can see you guys (our reader) using this game…is for outreaches and special events.  I’ve already seen the success that this game can have at major events like GMA’s Immerse. (I even got to challenge Pillar and Leeland playing it….true story)  Since it only neeeds a Mac or PC to operate it – why not connect it to your projection screens at your next youth rally and let the kids have at it?  You’ll be confident in knowing that that the songs will be appropriate and that the fun will be wholesome.  Buy a second so you can have a “shred-to-shred” competition.  Here’s the kicker….buy a third one…and use it for a drawing to giveaway as a door prize to one of the guests.

Guitar Praise can not only be used for quality family fun – but also for large group fun…and for fun on your own.  With a growing number of songs available via Expansion Packs, the game is not likely to become dated.  Intrigued?  Take a look at this quick promotional video of the game in action….then take it into action yourself and buy one direct from Digital Praise.

got worship? Reviews : Ultimate Ears UE 4 Pro


Article by Jason Whitehorn January 22, 2010 in got worship? Reviews, Uncategorized with 2 Comments

ultimateearsOne of the most commonly searched terms here on “got worship?” pertains to in-ear monitors.  For that reason, we like to keep you in tune with the best products for your in ear mix and, from time to time, get the opportunity to review products that you might find worthwhile.

Today, we have the pleasure of reviewing a set of custom molded in-ears from Ultimate Ears – the UE 4 Pro.

The General Stuff

There is something to be said about custom molded in-ear monitors to begin with – but most have a pretty hefty price tag to go along with it.  Ultimate Ears decided to take their high standard in custom in-ears and break it down into a more cost-obtainable package called the UE 4 Pro.  Dubbed the in-ear for emerging artists, this custom molded in-ear comes in at only $399.00.

The UE 4′s look a whole lot like the pricier UE 10 or 11′s – with a a few cutbacks.  First of all, you can’t get them in custom colors and designs – you get your choice of clear, clear or clear.  That isn’t too much of a problem since clear doesn’t look too gaudy onstage.  The in-ears even have the customization of having your intials on each ear bud in red and blue to indicate which ear to place them in.

Now, while I mentioned that they look like the 10′s or 11′s – don’t forget that there is a reason in the $500 plus difference in price…they don’t sound the same.

The UE 4 Pro has a proprietary dual-armature speaker system.  It also has an integrated passive crossover circuit  - tech talk for a dedicated speaker just for the bass and mids and a dedicated speaker for the highs.  Its a good blend even if your desire is true reference sound – but it’s a contrast to the 11′s with quad armatures and three-way crossovers.

In true custom mold fashion, these guys also provide -26dB of isolation and passive noise cancellation and, with an extra $50 – you can get an ambient noise pass-thru.

Now, cool stuff…if something is bound to break on any given in-ear – it is usually going to be a cable.  The Ultimate Ears crew opted to go with a detachable cable which means easier replacement.  I can easily buy a spare cable and swap it out rather than send my in-ears off for a few days and use a less-reliable backup.  Kudos for that gem.

Techincal Stuff

UE 4 Pro  Specifications

  • Input Sensitivity: 108db @ 1mw
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 15,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 17.5 ohms at 1 kHz
  • Internal Speaker Configuration: 2 proprietary precision balanced armatures
  • Noise Isolation: -26dB
  • Input Connector: 1/8″ (3.5mm) Gold plated

Personal Listening

The Test Song

For all in-ear reviews, I use  ”Footloose” from the Footloose soundtrack for a few reasons:

  • The song has a great mix of highs, lows, and mids to judge the different qualities.
  • It is a “busy” song in that there are plenty of separated instrumentation tracks to try to pick out.
  • It, by virtue of being under the category of “80′s Music”, happens to be first in my iPod.

The test song was played via the same iPod at the same volume level (20 and then max for a second listen) in order to be fair in my assessment.

Overall, the UE 4′s had a good balance.  All the voices and instruments seemed to be right in the pocket where they should be, though the sound at 20 was not as “hot” as some of my other in-ears.  I do wish the bass had a bit more “umph” to it.  Still, the sound was stellar crisp and clear.  No complaints in the personal listening department…but I don’t think UE is looking for a niche in the mp3 player headphone department at close to $400 – nor do I expect most would buy them solely for that reason.

Stage Performance

Worn in a full-on FOH mix with AVIOM personal mixing station at my disposal.  The venue is a theater-type hall with great acoustics but with drums that will tear you up without having proper noise cancellation.

The UE 4 Pro’s did the trick.  I didn’t have any muddled sound, which is what I would have expected with a low-end in-ear.  While these are not UE 10′s or 11′s by far, the sound is great for a worship leader or musician working on a budget.

Oh…remember my earlier complaint about the bass while jamming to Footloose?  That actually becomes a redeeming factor on stage.  FOH (Front of House) mixes tend to be bass dominant by nature, so if you are like me and play acoustic while you sing, you fight to hear yourself in there.  The less than enthusiastic bass in the personal listening category actually made for a good balance on stage and allowed me to make a good mix.

I could really only find one complaint with the UE 4 Pro’s and even it isn’t trully a complaint…Cord length – this is actually a hit or miss type thing.  When I have on a wireless pack, the cord length is actually perfect – but it is entirely too short when hard-wired into an Aviom.  This can, however, be resolved by purchasing a separate cord from UE…so kudos on having accessories.

Overall Summary

The UE 4 Pro’s are definitely great for a low-end price custom mold one piece.  The $399.00 price tag may not reach everyone’s budget…but it is still a far cry from some of the 700,800,900, and 1,000 dollar alternatives.

The ownership experience is nice…I got an email from the Ultimate Ears team telling me that my in-ears had shipped followed up by an email from UPS with a tracking number provided by Ultimate Ears to track the package.  Then, I got a “welcome” video from Ultimate Ears that told me a little bit about how to properly wear my new in-ears and how to care for them once they arrived.  The ownership experience continued when I got the package – they come in a sturdy case that is personalized – a nice touch…while the in-ears themselves bear the purchaser’s initials, too.  The kit also comes with a wax loop and brush making maintenance fairly easy for the in-ears.

My ultimate take-away is this :  if you have around $500 to spend and you are dead set on getting your first pair of custom one piece molded in-ears…then you will enjoy these UE’s.  Make sure that you understand that these are not intended to be the “ultimate” monitor for vocalists and musicians, but a cheaper alternative without having to sacrifice all matters of sound quality.

Ultimate Ears: http://ultimateears.com
UE 4 Pro: http://ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/store/custom/ue4pro.php
[album: http://www.gotworship.net/images/UltimateEars/]

“Got worship?” Reviews : Glam Rock Gear


Article by Jason Whitehorn January 17, 2010 in got worship? Reviews with 1 Comment

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When does a pedalboard become less like luggage, function and utility and more like a work of art?  The simple answer…when it is hand-made from Glam Rock Gear.  Glam Rock Gear is based in Nashville, Tennessee and makes real world cases for real world musicians.  The owner of the company, Nathan Westerfield, is a personal friend and no stranger to worship music.  Nathan is one of my favorite lead guitarists to abuse…I mean – “one of my favorite lead guitarists that I like to utilize his calling for his talents on stage with me”.

With that being said, he knows the needs of a worship leader or worship musician.  Nathan understands the need to have practical and rugged portability for gear while keeping in mind that not every person in the world has an unlimited budget.  Let me be clear about this concept :  These pedalboards are top-notch quality down to the most finite details.  They rival some of the best that I have seen on the road made by companies that charge a fortune for them.  Nathan manages to keep the same quality at only a fraction of the cost.

Most of the guitarists that I work with own a custom made pedalboard from Glam Rock Gear – and they wouldn’t trade it for the world.  Nathan doesn’t limit himself to just helping you and your guitar needs – Glam Rock Gear also builds custom keyboard gear, amp cabinets and more.  He can also provide several “upgrades” to a pedalboard to help customize your gear for your needs.

You can see some of Nathan’s work with Glam Rock Gear below or check out his site at http://www.glamrockgear.com

[album: http://www.gotworship.net/images/glamrock/]