Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Community => Gatherings => Topic started by: lbpesq on February 27, 2016, 11:25:32 AM

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: lbpesq on February 27, 2016, 11:25:32 AM

With our brother Edwin and family in town next weekend, we thought it might be nice to get together for a little socializing -  and if an instrument or two gets played, so much the better.  I've volunteered to host at our place at the top of the East Bay Hills, next to Tilden Park.  Many of you have been here before as we hosted the NorCal Alembic Gathering two years ago.  For those who haven't, we have a fully equipped studio, including a couple of bass rigs.  So, who is interested and what times would people prefer?
 
Bill, tgo

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on February 27, 2016, 02:30:32 PM

Sounds like fun Bill. Have you run the time thing by Edwin to see when he is available? Seems like the best starting point.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on February 27, 2016, 07:07:09 PM

I'd love to do this. I'm thinking starting around mid afternoon.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: hieronymous on February 27, 2016, 08:44:14 PM

Afternoon works for me! I probably won't be able to get there until 3 or 4 - will do my best to get there!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on February 27, 2016, 09:26:34 PM

Sounds perfect!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: lbpesq on February 27, 2016, 09:27:30 PM

Warriors at Lakers is on at noon, so 3 or 4 works great for me.
 
Bill, tgo

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on February 28, 2016, 09:42:43 AM

3 or 4 works for me, too.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on February 29, 2016, 09:28:28 AM

Sounds perfect!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: lbpesq on February 29, 2016, 10:01:54 AM

Let's call it 3 then.  So, who's coming and who needs directions?
 
Bill, tgo

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: jacko on March 04, 2016, 06:27:10 AM

I need plane tickets Bill :-)
 
Graeme

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on March 04, 2016, 11:00:25 AM

Skype? :-)

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on March 05, 2016, 03:19:28 PM

Hey Bill I need directions. I sent an email to the address in your profile, if that address is still good you could reply to that.
 
Looking forward to seeing whoever shows up tomorrow.
 
Thanks!
Stephen

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: lbpesq on March 05, 2016, 05:01:13 PM

Stephen and Edwin:
 
Email with directions sent.
 
Anyone else?
 
Bill, tgo

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on March 05, 2016, 05:22:33 PM

Got em... thanks Bill!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: sonicus on March 05, 2016, 05:40:39 PM

Hello friends & Edwin .  
        My apologies ;   as previous engagements and agreements and family issues prevent me from  participating  in this event.  
 
 Sincerely ,  
                   Wolf

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: hieronymous on March 05, 2016, 10:27:25 PM

Bummer, I was hoping you would be there Wolf.
 
I still hope to attend - there is a chance that the rain might slow down my return from Visalia, but hopefully that won't be the case!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on March 08, 2016, 10:33:40 AM

Thanks so much to Bill for hosting us! We had a wonderful time. It was great to meet everyone (and see old friends) and play some really fantastic instruments!
 
It has inspired me to try to make it out for the big gathering in May, if I can get a cheap ticket and find some accommodations.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: lbpesq on March 08, 2016, 02:48:29 PM

It was great having a few Alembic nuts over.  Some very cool instruments, but I think little Xander stole the show!
 
As for the big one in May, we've got a futon in the living room, Edwin. It may not be the fanciest, but the price is right.  
 
Bill, tgo

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on March 08, 2016, 03:52:08 PM

I'll keep that in mind, the view cannot be beat!  
 
Neither can the company.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on March 08, 2016, 04:10:45 PM

Enjoyed the Sunday mini-gathering and finally getting to meet Edwin and his family. Two Alembicized Starfires to check out was not too shabby either and it was nice to meet Steve and see Harry again. Thanks again Bill!
 
Hope you can make it in May Edwin. We have dinner plans in Napa that night or I would offer to put you up in our spare bedroom. We will be part of the early shift at the Canyon gathering so still may see you again there.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: hieronymous on March 09, 2016, 10:35:49 AM

Wanted to thank Bill for hosting - it was a nice mini-gathering - it's been over 20 years since I saw Edwin in person! Nice to reconnect with Stephen too.  Finally getting a chance to put a few pics together - here's one with pretty much everybody:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/226524.jpg)
  Here's a closeup of Edwin and myself:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/226525.jpg)
  And here's the bass!  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/226526.jpg)
  And one final one with three of the instruments and their caretakers:  
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/226527.jpg)

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: edwin on March 09, 2016, 10:53:27 AM

I have to say that Stephen and Harry's instruments are exceptionally fine. I think the fretless neck on Harry's might be the most perfect sounding fretless I've ever played. The filters really bring out all the great tonal possibilities. The 6 string neck is interesting. Very cool tones, but if I were to design such a bass, I'd put it on the bottom. And maybe radius the fingerboard a bit. It's kind of wide, so chording is troublesome.
 
Chording on Stephen's 5 string, on the other hand, is a breeze. It plays so nicely and the tone is spectacular. Very rich and crisp. I'm guessing this sounds ferocious through a big PA.
 
Thanks for posting the pictures! The next time the Starfire makes an appearance, I'm hoping I'll have the master volume done and the hum canceler up front where it belongs.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: David Houck on March 11, 2016, 08:47:52 PM

Thanks for the pics!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: rustyg61 on March 11, 2016, 11:43:12 PM

Hey, there's my Alaska buddy Stephen! Hi Stephen!

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: StephenR on March 14, 2016, 11:53:27 AM

Hi Rusty!
 
Still reveling in our wedding trip to Seward last summer. Hope to see you again next time we head up that way... or perhaps at one of the gatherings.

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: rustyg61 on March 14, 2016, 12:31:30 PM

Hi Stephen! We will be back in Seward 4th of July week. Our son is coming up this time so we may do the Cane's Head hike where you got married!
 
I was hoping to come the the California Gathering this year but I'm playing Friday & Saturday that weekend.  
 
Take care!
 
Rusty

Title: NorCal Social/Mini-Gathering Sunday 3/6
Post by: mtjam on March 16, 2016, 06:08:32 PM

Looks like a lot of fun!