Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: dela217 on August 30, 2005, 09:13:37 AM

Title: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: dela217 on August 30, 2005, 09:13:37 AM: I am sure that you have heard the news about Hurricane Katrina. Being that my family is from New Orleans, we had to get out. Most of my family are safe. I am in Memphis, Tn. The rest of my family are scattered throughout the south. But I have heard that my brother is in the attic of his home awaiting rescue and my mother is missing. I don't know why I am posting this, but I am hoping it will make me feel beter.

Pray for the victims.

Yes, my Alembics are in about 15 feet of water as I am typing this.

Michael

(Message edited by dela217 on August 30, 2005)
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: keith_h on August 30, 2005, 09:20:20 AM: I hope things work out for your family and that your mothers disappearance is just the result of the aftermath confusion.
I have been through a couple of hurricanes myself and know how upsetting the can be.

Your in our thoughts.

Keith
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kenbass4 on August 30, 2005, 09:53:43 AM: Michael,

I was worried about you with the advance of Katrina, and my son, who is in the Airforce studying meterology...at Keesler AFB in Biloxi. We got word from him this morning that he's OK, but I know there are many that are not as fortunate. Our prayers are with you and yours for a safe return.

Ken (TEO)
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: dadabass2001 on August 30, 2005, 10:34:54 AM: Michael,
My prayers are with you and your family also. I hope your news improves in all things that matter.
Mike
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bob on August 30, 2005, 10:55:16 AM: Thanks for posting, Michael, I started worrying for you over the weekend. We'll be looking forward to better news.
-Bob
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: lbpesq on August 30, 2005, 11:19:15 AM: Michael:

Here's some good vibes from the left coast. Judging from the title you picked for this thread, you haven't lost your sense of humor. I hope you haven't lost anything else, either. Now go out and buy a gallon of lemon oil for when you get those Alembics back.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: palembic on August 30, 2005, 11:39:16 AM: Also thoughts of support from this side of the pond. To you BroMichael and all those people living in the area.

Paul TOBO
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: staemius on August 30, 2005, 11:52:44 AM: Ugh - best wishes! Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: mica on August 30, 2005, 12:45:34 PM: Michael,

Thanks for checking in with us. We're relieved to hear you are personally safe and sound, and hope all goes as well with the most important thing, your family.

Float? Not sure, but we did have a Series I travel down the Hudson River for three days in its case after a flood. The electronics still worked when we plugged it in! But the fingerboard had to be replaced, the bass had to dry out for a month and we did have to chuck the very smelly case.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: hollis on August 30, 2005, 12:56:27 PM: Here's some more thoughts of safety for you and your family.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on August 30, 2005, 01:29:49 PM: Hi Michael; I'm glad to hear from you. I knew there was no way all the instruments were going in the car with you, and I figured they were under water when I saw the news on the internet this morning. I hope you hear from your mother soon; and I hope your brother is ok. Take care.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: mikedm on August 30, 2005, 02:25:55 PM: Michael,

Best wishes and prayers for you and your family. I hope you hear some good news soon, please let us know.

Mike
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: j_gary on August 30, 2005, 03:42:59 PM: Hi Michael,
When I saw the title of your thread I thought OH NO! Once you mentioned your families struggle, a floating Alembic is no big deal. Best wishes to you and your kin folk.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kilowatt on August 30, 2005, 04:37:40 PM: Michael,
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.Please keep your spirits up and try to keep us posted whenever possible.

Pete
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: 811952 on August 30, 2005, 05:48:54 PM: Michael,
Ditto what everyone else has said. When I saw it on the news this morning, you were actually the first person I thought of and I'm glad you're on dry land. I hope you ALL are back together safe, warm and dry very soon. Let the Elves worry about the basses later.
John
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: richbass939 on August 30, 2005, 06:06:25 PM: Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you for the safety of you and your family.
I also wonder about Gary (dumfuxx) who lives in Louisiana and, as far as I know, works on an offshore rig.
I hope for the best possible outcome for all of you who have been affected by the hurricane.
Rich
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: malthumb on August 30, 2005, 09:19:54 PM: Michael,

Glad to hear you got out. I've been thinking about you and a few 'net friends I have in the Milton Florida area. I'll send up a prayer for your brother and your mother.

Peace & Hope!

James
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kungfusheriff on August 30, 2005, 09:34:10 PM: Michael,
I popped into the Misc forum to ask if anybody had heard from you; glad to hear you're OK and far away and my fingers are crossed for your mother and brother. Things have devolved to Stone Age levels in your neighborhood, and I'm sure that's why you haven't heard anything yet.
This run of weather is only slightly more humid than normal for NOLA, so just be glad you aren't that poor schmoe whose bass traveled down the Hudson. A whole city's sewage is nothing compared to that slime-basin, believe me.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: adriaan on August 31, 2005, 01:06:08 AM: Michael,
Thinking good thoughts for all of you!
Adriaan
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: gare on August 31, 2005, 06:33:38 AM: Michael
More good thoughts and hopes for you and your family,and the many others in this situation.
I've followed the storm and news reports..amazing the awesome power of mother nature.

Gary
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: 57basstra on August 31, 2005, 06:53:17 AM: Michael...Our prayers are with you and your family and all of the storm victims. God be with you.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: ctjim on August 31, 2005, 09:23:31 AM: Michael,

Hope you and your family are all well and soon reunited.

ctjim
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: tom_z on August 31, 2005, 09:51:14 AM: Michael,

Our hopes and good thoughts are with you, your family and your community.

Tom
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: pace on August 31, 2005, 10:06:47 AM: Michael,

Im at a loss for words, but you are in my thoughts and prayers. We're all here for you~ thick & thin please keep us posted....

-Mike
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: the_mule on August 31, 2005, 10:55:46 AM: May your family and your Alembics come out of this disaster in good health. I can't imagine how you feel right now, I'll send all the good mojo and positive vibes I can spare your way...

Take care,
Wilfred
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: thebass on August 31, 2005, 02:07:27 PM: As a german I feel deeply ashamed by the disgusting comments that the german environmental minister Mr.Trittin has made to this catastrophy, completely ignoring the feelings and suffering of all victims and their families. All I can say here is that I feel sorry for this idiot accidentially being a minister in our government. The vast majority of the germans do feel with with the victims and their families and pray for them. Mr.Trittin will get the bill with our next election by Sept-18.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: oggydoggy on August 31, 2005, 02:36:09 PM: My wife and I wish you and yours the best. We hope the Sun will shine bright with good news as soon as possible for you and all involved.
Best Wishes,
-Ed
P.S. if any bass can survive a flood we all know an Alembic can!!!
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: smokin_dave on August 31, 2005, 04:48:19 PM: Mike,
I'm devestated by what I have been seeing on my TV and I'm just heartsick for you and others on the Gulf coast.All of you are in my prayers and I hope help arrives soon.Hang tough and be safe.
Smokin' Dave
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: george_wright on August 31, 2005, 05:26:32 PM: Werner is referring to this (http://tinyurl.com/b7cvt) statement by Minister Trittin.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: grateful on September 01, 2005, 03:24:58 AM: What a disaster: my thoughts are with everyone affected, and I pray the rescue efforts can minimise any further loss of life.

Nature certainly can be viscious.

Mark
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 01, 2005, 08:00:09 AM: George; thanks for the link.

Werner; thanks for your post about the minister's comments. I'm trying to be careful not to get into a political debate, especially here in this particular thread. I don't know to what extent the minister's comments may have been taken out of context; this is the first I've heard of them. And I know nothing about this minister other than the comments in the link. He may indeed have been a bit callous in his comments; since I did not see the whole interview, I don't know. In my view, the people of the gulf region affected by the storm are deserving of our compassion, our attention and our help; and I encourage that all in our group who are in a position to help go to the Red Cross site (http://www.redcross.org) and donate. Whether or not the minister's comments were callous, they are not wholly inaccurate. Many Americans, including state governors of both major political parties, support mandating emission controls. Both the current Republican administration and the preceding Democratic administration, chose not to sign the Kyoto accords. The current administration does not favor mandated controls; it is their position that such controls would slow the economy. While the current focus should be to render assistance to the people of the disaster area, one long term result will probably be a renewed focus on global warming and a commitment from the leaders of the American people to do something about it. While the minister's comments may have been callous, at least your leaders are doing something about the problem; ours are not.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: indigo on September 01, 2005, 09:49:41 AM: Michael -
I hope all is well and that you and your family recover from this. It is a HUGE disaster. New Orleans is a GREAT town in so many ways. My thoughts are definitely with you.

And not to stray to far from the reservation...just a reminder that in 1886 a record 7 hurricanes made landfall on the US...one of which was a category 4. I wonder what boogeyman they blamed then for the hurricanes?

Troy
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kmh364 on September 01, 2005, 10:03:34 AM: Michael:

Political debates aside, my condolences and best wishes to you and your family in your time of need.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bassman10096 on September 01, 2005, 10:23:24 AM: Michael: You have my greatest sympathy for your troubles and prayers for your family.

Bill
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bigbass on September 01, 2005, 10:43:03 AM: Brother Michael:
Since the time I heard of the impending hurricane, you and your family have been on my mind. All positive feelings and healings your way, in prayer and thought. My heart goes out to you.
~David
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: gare on September 01, 2005, 03:30:19 PM: Michael
Hope you've had some good news since your posting Tues..
Like Dave mentioned..this is really no time for political debate.
On a brighter note, working for a larger carrier, we are starting to see some major companies donating to the relief effort, we've been busy coordinating movement of much needed supplies into that region.
G
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: stoney on September 03, 2005, 07:38:26 AM: Michael, I've been out of town with no computer/email. Sending well wishes to you and your family.

Stoney
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: davr35 on September 03, 2005, 06:55:16 PM: I'm from southwest of New Orleans we just got power back today I use to live on Magazine St in Uptown and my Mother In Law still does but everyone in my family is O K but I still don't know if my best friend is alive or dead my prayers are with you and your your Family
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 04, 2005, 07:10:34 AM: Hi David; it's good to hear from you. The emotional impact of this tragedy on Americans all across the country has been deep, profound, and truly heartbreaking.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bracheen on September 04, 2005, 08:42:34 AM: David, it sounds like your house is still there. That's some relief. I'm glad your family is alright and hope there will be news of your friend soon. Dave in his usual eloquent way has expressed much better than I the feeling of helplessness as a bystander to this mess.

Sam
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kmh364 on September 04, 2005, 08:57:52 AM: Despite the embarassing response from our own Gov't. RE: this terrible catastrophie, the thoughts and prayers from working-class taxpayers like myself are with all of the people affected. Those of us affected personally by the barbarism of 9/11/01 didn't forget the help and support given by the rest of the country, and now it is our turn to give back.

The agency I work for, The Port Authority Of NY/NJ, is matching any donation by it's employees to help those affected by Katrina. That is the least we can do considering all the help we received from everyone after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 destroyed many of my fellow employees and their family's lives and affected us all deeply and profoundly. I hope my small part in this helps someone in need.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bigredbass on September 05, 2005, 07:16:22 PM: Growing up near Houston, and having inlaws in Pensacola, I've spent a LOT of my life running Interstate 10 right thru this disaster area.

It's a wild place, in that way the odd mix of heat and humidity and mossy oaks and Cajun music and swamps and the Gulf and black coffee affects you like no where else on earth. Tabasco sauce. Syrup cake. Zydeco. French spoken here. Oysters. Wonderful, big-hearted, fun-loving, hard-playing and -working people. Mardi Gras. Clifton Chenier. The Nevilles. The Meters.

Move further East to Waveland, Pass Christian, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile. Less Creole, more Old South, but still the Gulf influence.

In so many ways, these places were stations in my mind, where I learned so much in the fun times, the music, the food, the places. And now they shall become stations in my mind where I will learn patience, endurance, resilience, and perserverance. I only hope they know how many of us are pulling for them, and my deepest prayers are with those of you who are still awaiting word.

J o e y
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: jorge_s on September 06, 2005, 08:34:16 PM: Michael, my fellow New Orlenian I am praying for you and your family. I too had to leave my Alembics behind. When we make it through this nightmare we'll have to go get a beer. If my Alembics survive, you are welcome to them any time. I know God will be with you and yours.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 07, 2005, 05:10:10 AM: Jorge; I hope you are doing ok relative to what this disaster has done to all the residents of the area.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: smichaels on September 08, 2005, 06:04:55 PM: anyone hear anything from Michael? I am concerned for his family as well as many others I know in the area.

Sean
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: 811952 on September 08, 2005, 06:50:24 PM: I got a short note from him this morning. He's in Baton Rouge and trying to piece things together again. I didn't ask for any details, but I'm hoping that since it didn't come up, his family's okay. He's trying to get his son into a school, and working with FEMA, etcetera. I thought he'd post to this thread, so that's why I didn't post anything already. I should have realized he's got his hands completely full. I'll let you guys know if/when I hear from him again.
John
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: dela217 on September 09, 2005, 04:58:07 AM: John's right! I do have my hands full. My family is fine, everyone made it out. They were either able to get out in time, and the others were rescued by airboat. It's been crazy! I'm living at a friends house, sleeping on the floor. There are lots of horror stories. Believe me the news has been kind. Everything is fine, and I am trying to get a routine for my child. It is tough getting him back in school here, because they are so full. I guess we were just too late getting here. We started out by heading to Memphis, Tn. then headed to Sandersville, MS to look for other family members there who we could not get in contact with. We hooked up with a friend of mine in Baton Rouge, because we are trying to get as close to home as possible. Fortunately Baton Rouge is only about 80 or so miles from home. Recently the authorities let us go back to our neighborhood since the water went down. Of course we could not stay because there is no power, water, etc... We just went back to take pictures and to assess the damage. Damage it is! My whole house needs to be gutted. All the furniture is ruined. We lost everything. I think the Alembics are not salvageable. They are completely covered with mold and the laminations are separating, and some of the basses have developed nasty cracks. Oh well. Some were not as fortunate with their posessions. Some neighborhoods are still under 12 to 15 feet of water! At least, I was able to get 2 basses out with me when I left! The only thing I can think of is that I want to get my family all back in one room. Right now my family is spread out across 5 states. We are all fine and grateful for what we have. Pray for the others.

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!
Michael
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: jacko on September 09, 2005, 05:03:44 AM: Hey Micheal, it's good to hear your family are ok, All our thoughts and prayers have been with you over the past week or so and of course with everyone else affected by this tragedy.
It's a shame your basses are ruined but it's just stuff - hopefully replaceable.

Graeme
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: richbass939 on September 09, 2005, 05:17:58 AM: Michael, my heart jumped when I saw that you had posted here. I'm very happy for you that your family members are okay.
I hope that we hear from Gary (dumfuxx) soon. I think he must have been in the middle of the mess too.
Rich
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: bracheen on September 09, 2005, 06:35:49 AM: Michael, that's great news about your family being ok. I've been thinking of you daily. Debi and I will continue to pray for you and the others.

Looking at Gary's profile it seems as if he is well to the east of New Orleans. This may be a misperception but hopefully he'll check in soon.

Sam
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 09, 2005, 06:38:32 AM: Good to hear from you Michael!!
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: lbpesq on September 09, 2005, 07:38:48 AM: Michael:

Glad to hear you and yours are o.k.. Having lived through a fire, a mudslide, and the '89 quake (not that these disasters even begin to approach the level of devastation wrought by Katrina), I know how times like this tends to put things in perspective. Couches, TV's, yes, even Alembics can become VERY unimportant VERY quickly when family is threatened. I am happy and relieved to hear that you all got out safely. A good friend of mine lost his home and his law practice. His family made it to Tucson and he says they tell him it will be 4-5 months before he can go back!

Another friend, who is a big fan of NOLA music, found this worthy organization that is seeking donations to help out musician victims. Here's the info:

The Preservation Hall (the organization that best knows every 80-year old jazz and bluesman in the city) has started a fund to help support the New Orleans musicians and entertainers.

http://www.preservationhall.com/2.0/donate.php (http://www.preservationhall.com/2.0/donate.php)

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on September 09, 2005)
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: kungfusheriff on September 09, 2005, 08:13:11 AM: Good news at last!
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: dela217 on September 09, 2005, 05:16:05 PM: Thanks everyone. I know, it is just stuff. None of it matters. What is important is that we are all OK. There was a scare at first with my family because not everyone was accounted for, but after the days had passed, we found everyone. Thanks to the Red Cross it made the effort of finding relatives easier.

I think of all the gear I lost, I will miss the Alembic rack stuff most. I was involved in a recording session and my rack was at the studio. I lost my IN-2 power supply and my F2 preamp. I was working on a funk CD with some other New Orleans musicians. From what I hear that studio is still under water. I know, it's just stuff.

Michael
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: 811952 on September 09, 2005, 07:04:48 PM: Michael,

I am glad you're all OK. I hope all the other Alembicians on the Gulf Coast are safe and check in soon as well. Words can't express...

I don't doubt you will be able to get the rack stuff rebuilt for less than you'd imagine. And as for the basses, once they dry out I'm confident the Elves can probably refurbish at least some of them. It can be surprising what is salvageable if you have the right people involved in doing the salvaging. And if things aren't salvageable, then so be it. Your relationship with the Elves is such that I'm certain they'll be able to whip up some seriously kick-a55 long-necked small-bodied Alembic lovin' that will suit you perfectly. Your Kharma with this group is pretty good.

And forgive me for this, but I imagine those tracks are *extremely* funky by now...

John
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: indigo on September 09, 2005, 10:48:13 PM: Michael,

That is indeed good news about your family. Gear can always be replaced but loved ones can't.

Our thoughts will continue to be with you and the others affected by Katrina.

Troy
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: keith_h on September 10, 2005, 06:51:28 AM: Glad to hear your family were all found and hope all are now safe and sound.

Keith
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: rklisme on September 10, 2005, 07:31:14 AM: Michael It is indeed good to hear that you and your family survived Katrina. It also seems you have put the important things first to keep this terrible act of nature in perspective. I happen to fly into New Orleans the saturday before Katrina hit and was barely able to get a rent-a-car to get out. I finally drove up I-10 to Hattiesburg, MS to visit family and I got to tell you it was pretty bad. One hundred foot pine trees where falling everywhere. In fact one fell through my mothers home as well as another falling on my rent-a-car smashing it like a sardine can. Watching nature do her thing was very awe inspiring. To make matters worse my Step-dad is in the hospital with a tumor on his brain the size of a grapeffruit. Because there was no electricty or water at the hospital it was almost impossible to visit because of the incredible stinch but if he could take it so could I. I also have friends and relatives in New Orleans, Biloxi, and Gulf Port all alive but homes destroyed.I am relating this to you because I was there to witness not only the storm but the incredible will of the people to survive and help one another. While Hattiesburg didn't take the hit New Orleans and the other Gulf region took it was pretty devastating still the same. I wish you luck and my thoughts are with you during this trying time. Rory
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/20878.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/449/20879.jpg)
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: richbass939 on September 10, 2005, 09:15:21 AM: Rory,
I'm glad you and yours all made it through relatively okay. Also, my best wishes for your stepdad.
Rich
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: lbpesq on September 10, 2005, 10:05:02 AM: Rory:

It's good to hear you and yours are o.k. Sort of makes our earthquakes look like little pikers.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: rklisme on September 10, 2005, 11:19:15 AM: Rich and Bill

Thanks for the kind thoughts and wishes. I am a very lucky man!

Rory
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 10, 2005, 12:29:15 PM: Hi Rory; the breadth of the devastation is staggering. Your pictures tell a lot.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: palembic on September 13, 2005, 12:03:25 AM: Michael and Rory and all people suffering out there ...my playing and thoughts went out to you all last weeks.
Keep up!

Paul TOBO
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: rklisme on September 13, 2005, 06:03:29 PM: Paul and Dave

Thanks for saying hello and it is very good to be alive and kicking!

Rory
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: David Houck on September 26, 2005, 04:13:11 AM: To answer a previous post, I heard from Gary (dumfuxx). He says he fared fine and was just far enough west to miss the brunt of Katrina, and just far enough east to miss Rita.
Title: Re: Do Alembic Series basses float?
Post by: jacko on September 26, 2005, 04:15:07 AM: One small ray of sunshine. Thanks for letting us know dave.

graeme