No profound insights this week from my ongoing journey as a late-blooming guitarist—just the latest chapter in a life that has already spanned roles as a pastor, federal police trainer, gun rights advocate, self-defense instructor, executive protection specialist, author, technical writer, intelligence editor, retired government worker, and U.S. Marine.
I decided to take apart my latest acquisition: an Epiphone Firebird modified to look like a Gibson. Inside, I discovered a few upgrades and quirks: Steinberger tuners, Johnny Winter Mojo pickups, a new bridge and tailpiece, and a Gibson truss rod cover that was, let’s say, incorrectly attached. It cleaned up easily, and it is beautifully light—far lighter than the vintage version I’ve come to love.
However, after stripping it down and changing the strings, I inadvertently altered the guitar’s dynamics. Suddenly, the G, B, and E strings started to buzz. Lacking the patience for deep troubleshooting in my current mood, I checked the availability of my guitar tech mentor, Eric Petrus of NoVA Guitar Setups. He previously worked wonders on my Firebird 1, so I woke up early on Saturday and made the trek around the Beltway to drop it off for his blessing.
I have also decided to sell a couple of guitars eventually, though I am waiting for the right moment. After all, nobody needs another guitar... right?
On Sunday, I played at church and could actually hear my improving skills at work. It was a fantastic feeling to lead a song, kick off an instrumental interlude, and watch the other musicians pick up on it and embellish the tune.
I also published a new episode of the Broken & Believing podcast (available at kennspodcast.com) focusing on worshipping God exactly as you are. I pray it resonates with listeners.
On the downside, sleep deprivation is no joke. I didn’t sleep well all weekend for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, but I am looking to remedy that as soon as possible. Between the exhaustion and the constant confusion coming out of the government lately, I find myself contemplating exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life.
To top off the week, I enjoyed an impromptu jam session. My son came over carrying a bass guitar I gave him years ago, and he clearly has a natural penchant for it. I wasn’t entirely sure how we’d sync up, but I plugged him in alongside me through a Positive Grid Spark LIVE amp—a dual setup I wasn’t even sure would work.
I found a bass backing track, and he eased into it so smoothly it impressed the heck out of me. Before I knew it, I was challenging him to ‘70s classics he had never even heard before. He absolutely loved it. Hearing him lock into the groove and follow along with Curtis Mayfield’s “Pusherman” completely made my day. It was truly lightning in a bottle. I’m not sure a moment quite like that will happen again, but I will gladly take it.
That is AWESOME!!!!!!!