Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: tncaveman on December 24, 2011, 07:44:43 PM

Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: tncaveman on December 24, 2011, 07:44:43 PM
I'm getting a Rat pedal for my guitar - but my 14 year old son is getting a 1998 American P-bass in a metallic teal color - pretty sweet.  We're going to start Roy Vogt's Teach Me to Play Bass series together (another gift).  Roy's a pretty awesome local bass player in Nashville.  Do a search for Stan Lassiter (Roy on bass) - jazz fusion that is pretty intense.
 
I'm pretty excited.  But this is shifting me away from bass, which kind of sucks.  But, I've jammed with my son a few times w/ me on guitar. That is pretty cool for sure.  It's been a while since I played my guitar.  And those strings sure are small.
 
Merry Christmas to all - and post up pics tomorrow.
 
Stephen
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: pauldo on December 25, 2011, 10:21:16 AM
Zoom H4n.
:-)
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: terryc on December 26, 2011, 10:26:33 AM
A pair of Dr Martin's classic 1461 shoes in black to match the red pair I already own, plenty of whiskey and indigestion!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: elwoodblue on December 26, 2011, 11:13:13 AM
Curt Mangan Bass strings,
My recent favorite for my guitars,I haven't tried them for bass yet ; does anyone here use them?
 
Elwood
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: Bradley Young on December 26, 2011, 06:40:20 PM
A box of ammo.
 
Yes, seriously.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: tmoney61092 on December 26, 2011, 09:24:58 PM
Mesa Powerhouse 1200, got it for about $400 from a local music store :D and a set of La Bella flatwounds for my Wishbass, it's my first set of flatwounds I've ever used but I definitely love the sound.
 
~Taylor
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: bigredbass on December 26, 2011, 10:37:57 PM
A box of ammo is always serious, even my beloved .22's.  A visit to the sticks with a .22 and a bag of various inanimate targets is all the psychotherapy I need.  
 
My better half says (silly girl!) that I'm hard to buy for . . . . so we were somewhere looking for something else and I ran across the Coppola remastered box set of all three Godfather flicks, on a terrific Christmas sale, problem solved.
 
Tell ya the truth, I really don't need anything I don't already have, I'm very fortunate.  Now I can think of a couple things I want, but like Don Covay said, 'it's better to have and don't need, than need and don't have'.  Certainly been there . . . .  
 
J o e y
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: terryc on December 27, 2011, 03:21:11 AM
bigredbass..I guess we are at that age when if we want something we just go and buy it and as you say there is very little I want in my own world.
It all becomes insignificant when your health is at stake!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: dannobasso on December 27, 2011, 05:18:15 AM
In the spirit of Joey's quote, need has become an extremely rare thing. I have come to realize that the single life is a luxury. So great health, spirit, peace, prosperity, wisdom and joy to all of you who care and provide for others. Truly heroic in my book. That goes for all types, kinds and arrangements of families in this modern world! As a teacher of troubled youth I see what results the hero chooses another adventure. So again all the best to you dads, husbands, providers, caretakers and defenders.  
 
Oh I got some useful black clothing and such. Always coordinate my wardrobe with my opaque basses!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: 811952 on December 27, 2011, 04:45:25 PM
I'm using the Curt Mangan strings on the Lakland.  They aren't as bright as I like, but they seem to hold up quite well and maintain their tone.
 
As for the above thoughts, yes, we are indeed fortunate, probably beyond what we can comprehend, and there are yet heroes among us.
 
It's great to be alive.
 
It's great to have friends.
 
John
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: raynbass on December 28, 2011, 03:43:34 PM
Santa, brought me, through craigs list, a 1947 Kay upright bass. Great shape . I've never owned an upright before, but i'm taking to like a duck to water. lovin it.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: edwin on December 28, 2011, 05:39:02 PM
My first A in law school (well, an A-, but that works for me!) and a clean bill of health for my impending first child!
 
I thought I was going to go through all of law school with my highest grade being a B+ (which is fine with me, the fact that they haven't thrown me out on my butt feels like a major accomplishment) and at age 50 I thought I had missed the boat entirely on being a father. Life is an amazing adventure!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sonicus on December 28, 2011, 05:56:14 PM
Edwin ,
            I send my sincere congratulations to you on your pursuit of becoming a lawyer . I send my dearest congratulations to the both of you regarding your first child.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on December 30, 2011, 09:01:36 AM
Hanukkah Harry brought me a wonderful photo of Jerry by Baron Wolman and a signed ZigZag man poster by Stanley Mouse.  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/119807.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/119808.jpg)
  Bill, tgo  P.S.  Edwin:  Do you know what they call the person who graduates last in their law school class?  Attorney!  (Message edited by lbpesq on December 30, 2011)
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: 811952 on December 30, 2011, 09:16:56 AM
Santa brought us tickets to see Wicked in Detroit.  Sister-in-law is a reed player in the pit, so the kids got to sit in the pit for an evening performance after watching the matinee from some pretty good seats in the house.  Great show, if you haven't seen it, although it does diverge quite a bit from the book (which is a great read).
 
John
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: jon_jackson on December 30, 2011, 11:53:41 AM
Just finished the book yesterday. Very fun.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: jon_jackson on December 30, 2011, 11:59:56 AM
and to bring the thread back, I got a NOS Nikon SB 105 strobe to use with my old Nikonos V underwater camera. I'm planning to try it out tomorrow.
Jon
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on December 30, 2011, 12:10:31 PM
Jon:
 
You're doing some underwater photography tomorrow?  In Kansas????  Whodathunkit!  
 
Bill, tgo
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: jon_jackson on December 30, 2011, 03:35:36 PM
Bill, right now I'm in Runaway Bay, Jamaica for New Years Day (and my wife's birthday). The Parlimentary election was yesterday with a huge PNP majority, so lots of jubilation going on today for one side.
 
But sometimes we also dive in Kansas...
Jon
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sparechaynge on December 31, 2011, 03:27:05 PM
signed first edition of Searching for the Sound and a Dave's Picks subscription.
 
thanks Santa!!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: jalevinemd on December 31, 2011, 04:26:23 PM
Bill,
 
Do you know what they call the person who graduates last in their medical school class?
 
The defendant!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on January 01, 2012, 09:02:02 AM
Jonathan:
 
I'd heard it was doctor!  A healthy and prosperous New Year to you and yours.
 
 
Sparechaynge:
 
A great read - you're gonna love it.  Lesh is one intelligent and insightful dude.  
 
Bill, tgo
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: edwin on January 01, 2012, 11:51:08 AM
And here I was thinking the answer was drummer!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sparechaynge on January 02, 2012, 11:10:00 AM
Ibpesq
 
I haven't been able to put it down! I know Phil is very smart and very funny, but I had no idea just how much he knows about music, history and everything. Now I have a lot more to  talk about next time I meet him.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: David Houck on January 03, 2012, 08:27:30 AM
Phil's book is a wonderful read, and his take on the Dead's history, as it unfolded around him and as he contributed to it, is a gift to all who read it.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on January 03, 2012, 09:18:21 AM
Just yesterday I was thinking about maybe giving it a 4th read (Dead-obessed?  Me?  Naw, couldn't be!).  
 
Peter
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: redcloud on January 03, 2012, 01:13:53 PM
I have been very fortunate.  I am awaiting the delivery of a Thunderfunk TFB-800B2 and a Barefaced Big Twin T.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: rami on January 03, 2012, 03:06:46 PM
I bought myself a box set collection of 9 Stanley Kubrick films - Very COOOOL! (and weird)
 
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: edwin on January 03, 2012, 03:28:29 PM
OK, I suppose I should update: another A- (International Legal Order) and a full on A (Energy Justice). Having squeaked by with Bs and Cs for the last two years, it's quite a surprise! However, having had my grades go up every semester so far, it means that my impending last semester is going to be pretty tough if I want to keep up the trend.
 
In the meantime, perhaps it's time to give Searching for the Sound a reread before the mayhem hits. My band is covering Europe '72 on the 28th, so it would be good to get some more vibe to sink in.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sonicus on January 03, 2012, 04:02:07 PM
I highly suggest getting the CD  Audio Book version of  Searching for the Sound with Phil telling the story himself ! Awesome !  I have recently been rehearsing with some folks on some EARLY  Dead .  
We are working on  Cream Puff War  to  Viola Lee Blues to New, New Minglewood Blues , visceral felling stuff and others as well ,   like  the first Album to late 60's but with our own Mojo and Fire . Dark Star must be performed as well ! Lots of fun _______!!! LOL _  _ _ _ _ _ _
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on January 03, 2012, 04:53:05 PM
The audio is great while driving, but it is abridged.  You guys have me thinking I want to go re-read it too!  One thing that surprised me about the book is that, given the drugs and partying, I'm surprised Phil could remember as much as he did!
 
By the way, another rock autobiography that is refreshingly intelligent is Levon Helm's This Wheel's on Fire about The Band.
 
 
Wolf:
 
You guys need another guitar?  I could even whip out my 335.  Sounds like BIG fun!
 
Bill, tgo
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sonicus on January 03, 2012, 05:45:15 PM
Bill,  
        As a matter of fact I suggested to one of the Cats that is involved with this  ,that I have known since High School,  that we have a jam with you at some point . He is a great singer too.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: benson_murrensun on January 04, 2012, 09:13:47 AM
given the drugs and partying, I'm surprised Phil could remember as much as he did
I just started reading Keith Richards' Life - ditto!
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: bigredbass on January 04, 2012, 10:05:32 PM
Rami, a Kubrick box set, what a hoot.  Sorta on the same page:  Was in my favorite used media shop and got DR STRANGELOVE and FAIL SAFE (the original with Henry Fonda).  I guess my spooky Cold War childhood won't let go.  Now if I can find ON THE BEACH (scary, but I can never get that hymn-like arrangement of 'Waltzing Matilda' out of my head), my Cold War set will be fairly complete.
 
Funny how you remember movie music.  For my money, that section of 2001 where the transit from the Space Station to the Moon is set to 'The Blue Danube' is just perfect for me.
 
J o e y
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sparechaynge on January 05, 2012, 09:05:02 AM
On The Beach is one of my favs. I just found out that one of my favorite Dead covers, Morning Dew, was based on that movie. Cool!
 
music makes the movie IMHO. Clockwork Orange just wouldn't be that same without Walter/Wendy Carlos' synth arrangements.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: flpete1uw on January 06, 2012, 05:40:08 PM
Not quite Santa, but my First Alembic arrived on 12/22/11!!!!!(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120395.jpg)
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on January 06, 2012, 06:19:01 PM
I've never heard of On the Beach, and I'm a Kubrick fan.  Shame on me!  I'll have to get it.  Another great old Kubrick film is Paths of Glory with Kirk Douglas.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: tncaveman on January 06, 2012, 06:40:06 PM
AWESOME looking bass Peter !!!!!!!
 
Late Merry Christmas for sure!
 
Stephen
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: tncaveman on January 06, 2012, 07:01:51 PM
Christmas isn't what it used to be.  With my parents gone, Christmas is now about the kids more than anything.  Here are a few pics of the joy of your first bass - a 1998 American Fender P-bass.  He knew he was getting something, just not sure which one.  It plays like a dream!!!
 
And also a pic of a raindeer cookie - yum yum!
 
Stephen
 
(pics are below - didn't follow directions)
(Message edited by TNcaveman on January 06, 2012)
 
(Message edited by TNcaveman on January 06, 2012)
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: flpete1uw on January 06, 2012, 07:08:21 PM
Stephen, How Cool is that! That boy is in heaven. And you are blessed.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: tncaveman on January 06, 2012, 07:09:03 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120429.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120430.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120431.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120432.jpg)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/120433.jpg)
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: David Houck on January 06, 2012, 07:47:12 PM
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: bigredbass on January 06, 2012, 08:07:09 PM
A clarification:  ON THE BEACH was directed by Stanley Kramer, the renowned director who among other films including JUDGEMENT AT NUREMBURG, also directed another must-have:  ITS A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD.
 
J o e y
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: rami on January 07, 2012, 12:29:33 PM
Hey Joey,
 
My collection includes:  
 
SPARTACUS
                        LOLITA
                        DR. STRANGELOVE
                        2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
                        A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
                        BARRY LYNDON
                        THE SHINING
                        FULL METAL JACKET
                        EYES WIDE SHUT
 
All amazing classics - and I agree with the observation about the music and special effects.  True works of art - WOW!!!
 
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: bigredbass on January 07, 2012, 05:42:50 PM
Rami, I often joke to my friends that I bought the Big-screen TV, but I don't need surround sound:  Most of my favorite movies are in black and white and M O N O . . . . . I've always gravitated to the 'Old' movies, most things today just don't have the feel of a John Ford or Stanley Kramer or Elia Kazan, etc.
 
Just like music, today's tools and tastes will produce great new things.  But I love old and older movies.  If I could collapse my cable choices to Turner Classic Movies and the Weather Channel, I'd be very happy.  
 
Most people are thrilled with 3D;  I was thrilled that METROPOLIS was almost completely restored.  Hopeless, I'm afraid . . .  
 
J o e y
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: sparechaynge on January 07, 2012, 06:06:11 PM
sorry, I should have been more specific on  director.  
 
bigredbass I have been dying to get the new Metropolis! how awesome is it? the original was great, and I'd love to see it with less titles and more movie.
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: lbpesq on January 07, 2012, 09:14:45 PM
On the subject of great older movies, senior management and I watched Little Big Man on NYE.  And, speaking of B&W,   we polished that off by watching some of the Twilight Zone marathon.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: bigredbass on January 08, 2012, 12:23:14 AM
Syd, they ran it on TCM a few months back.
 
Supposedly they found an almost complete copy of it in South America, but in 16mm instead of 35mm standard projection.  Anyway, they pieced it all together, spent millions blending it all, recut the score in a new recording to add into it, re-mastered the result digitally to 35mm copies, and it was amazing, albeit an almost 3 hour run time.  There's a few moments where it's obviously a scene from the 16mm they did the best they could, and a few minutes where they keep on the captions (missing frames) to not interrupt the score, but no complaints considering its age and the route it took to get here.
 
Plus it's great mental exercise to keep Fritz Lang (the METROPOLIS director) and Hermann Lang (the great between-the-wars racing driver) and Eddie Lang (the great Swing Band guitarist) separate in my mind !
 
If METROPOLIS is on your radar, I can definitely recommend it.  I have a horrible DVD of the previous edit, and will be glad when I can get the new one.  OK, now where's my NOSFERATU ? ? ?
 
J o e y
Title: What did Santa bring you?
Post by: jacko on January 09, 2012, 05:12:02 AM
Late getting in on this thread...
I got a bread making machine and the latest Kate Bush album. I've been in heaven ever since :-)
 
Graeme
 
p.s. also got my facebook account back