Guitar and Bass tone. . . . What does it all mean. . . .

A litte back story to the guts of this post.

So, last night I went and saw Switchfoot at the pageant. It was the first time I've seen them in a couple of years so I was super pumped for many reasons. 1.I absolutely love Switchfoot, I've listened to them since I was 13 and they've been one of my favorite bands since then. Jon Foreman, the frontman and major songwriting force, is an amazing songwriter and performer. Tim Foreman, the bass player, is one of the bass players I attempt to mimic when I play and a great performer as well. The whole band plays with so much energy that you can tell they leave everything they've got on the stage. It was an AMAZING show!

The interesting thing is what Jon and Tim were playing through. In the past they've both always had fairly large pedal boards for their tone. (I'm a gear hound, so I always look when I go to shows.) This time around they were both playing through Line 6 modeling amps or effects units. Tim had the newer Line 6 LowDown Bass Head through a GK 412 and I think Jon was using either some sort of POD through a "PHAT" amp, thats what the front of the amp said I think it was a VOX AC30. OR he was using a Line 6 amp. They both had FBVII pedalboards on stage.

All that to say that I've always respected Switchfoot's guitar and bass tone. It was always something different and good all at the same time. As soon as I saw the Line 6 amps something in me said, "Wait, is the tone still gonna be there?" I'm not sure why this happened but in the one minute discussion in my head that followed I decided to wait and hear what it sounded like, not let my eyes do the hearing for me. And it sounded absolutely amazing all night. -Aside, Drew, their other guitar player had a 65 amp with his normal pedalboard.-

So, what does this all mean to you non-gear heads that read this blog? Oh wait does anyone actually still read this thing. Moving on. . . . .

Through out the night I was so excited to be at this show. Singing along with all the other switchfoot fans, hearing Jon's unique scream and worshipping God through their music was what my soul, mind and body needed. I've had a few discussions with friends who were at the show and some who weren't about what it take for good tone and have come to this realization.

Do what ever it takes for you to have good tone, whether that's learning how to play your instrument better, saving up for a new instrument that is of a higher quality, or buying all the pedals and toys you want to. Here's the big thing for me as a follower of Christ and one who enjoys playing music for the Church. Play for the glory of God no matter what gear you've got. If all you can afford is a Line 6 Pod then master that piece of gear and make it sound good for the glory of God.

That's the big thing that matters in worship, that you bring your best stuff to the table to praise God for all he's done for us.

For me I will be doing a lot more research into amps, cabs, and pedals. So, master your craft and bring the best that you've got to the table for the Lord. . . . .At least that's my plan.