Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Community => Gatherings => Topic started by: lbpesq on January 18, 2008, 12:18:33 PM
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I thought I'd start up a new thread to begin organizing the second (annual?) Bay Area/Northern California Alembic Gathering. My drummer friend Will has graciously offered his family's ranch in Canyon again (where we met last year). So let's start thinking about a date. I'm proposing sometime in March, which should give us enough lead time to make this happen. So howzabout it? Who's in? What dates are good for you?
Bill, tgo
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You know I'll be there. The 1st, 8th, or the 15th work out best for me.
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Mica , what date would be good for you to zip out to Dallas, we'll do Jam #4 in your honor
David T
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The former drama major in me likes the idea of The Ides of March. Alembic goes Shakespearean! So I propose March 15th? Who's in?
Bill, tgo
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I can probably make March work.
I'd like to come down again.
Bradley
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Et Tu Brut??
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i am good until the last week of the month
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I can't make it at all in March. But that's OK, the doubleneck doesn't even fit in my car! (I had a rented vehicle last time for something else) So I probably won't be able to make it this time.
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Flax:
You comin' out for this? Bringing Wolf & Scarlet? Want to check out the Zoo while you're in town? lol
Bill, tgo
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Any of the first 3 Saturdays could be a possibility for me. Seriously, My sweetie and I need to get away for a weekend, and I'd love to come out for this if I can make it work. Don't know if I'd bring the old Excel, but I could sit there and grin! And, if things work out, maybe I could pick up the new Signature while I'm out there !!
Keep me posted, Mike, tho =]
(Message edited by 5stringho on January 19, 2008)
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The 15th, or any Saturday in March, is fine with me at this point.
Eric
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You guys will NOT believe this but, if you can arrange for the 15th ...I'll be THERE!
No joke!
Paul the bad one
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Paul, did you get my email about that very thing?
Sam
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Yep Sam!
So I checked this and ...well ...what can I say ...I DO am really moved that you are organizing this for me!
(hehehehehehehehehe)
Paul the bad one
Mmmm ... I have to admit that I am confused about dimensions your side of the pond. I live in a country that can easily be sinked in Michigan lake. What is meant here by Bay Area/Northern California???
(Message edited by palembic on January 21, 2008)
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Paul!!! Wow, that would be so cool if you made it to the gathering! I'm already banging my coffee cup on the table for pictures!
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I might be able to make the trip up from San Diego depending on what firm date is established.
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Paul, tbo:
If you can make it on the Ides of March, then, as de facto organizer, I officially declare March 15th the date (assuming my friend's ranch is available that day)! I'll post final confirmation after I've spoken with him (we're jammin' Tues. eve.) The Bay Area: usually refers to the area surrounding San Francisco Bay. This includes nine counties. The main areas are San Francisco; the East Bay - Oakland, Berkeley, etc.; the South Bay - San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose; and the North Bay - Marin County. The term Northern California usually means any area from the Bay Area (which, geographically is actually mid-state) and all points north, including Santa Rosa.
Toby: It would be cool if you could make it, too! The more out of town visitors, the better. Last year, Bradley drove down from Washington.
Dave: If Paul, tbo and Flax make the pilgrimage, you should too! (Just tryin' to plant a seed)
This is gonna be FUN!
Bill, tgo
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Bill; thanks for planting a seed! It seems highly unlikely, but it's a nice thought!
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Bill TGO ...you HAVE something with seeds!!!
Heheheh
Paul TBO
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Bill,
It's only a 6 or 7 hour drive up, so I may just be there if the date is the 15th. I'll be bringing my Signature equipped Rogue 5 with me if I come and I can bring a couple Bag End 15's if they're needed.
Toby
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Paul, only when I run out of the good stuff. And I never run out! hehehehe
Bill, tgo
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I was sure looking for an excuse to visit the Factory and the Bay Area but alas, thats the weekend my youngest daughter is getting married.
Maybe next time,
Olie
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... I would love to make it also, but I should put it into the dreaming... for now section...
Christian
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Congratulations Olie. I think a trip out West may be very do-able. I normally take a week off around St. Patrick's Day.
Sam
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Oh-oh
I completely forgot!
Is THAT the Saint Patrick festivities period? We will have a LOT to celebrate.
One co?ncidence after the other!
Paul the bad one
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Hey Bill, regarding Northern California don't forget us folks in the valley out east - I guess we could mention Stockton, Sacramento, etc., but especially LODI!!!
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I can never forget Lodi, John Fogerty won't let me!
Bill, tgo
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I wish I could be there. The 15th is also Phil Lesh's birthday, which seems somehow appropriate.
Edwin
Who will cruising through California later in March with Great American Taxi
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Edwin, let me know when you guys hit the Bay Area. I'd love to come out and see you again, if I can make it. Will you be playing with Barry Sless again?
Bill, tgo
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HEY!!!
I go away a couple of days and everything gets set up without me!!! I'm in, Bill, and let me know if you need my help with anything.
Ken (TEO)
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Ooops Ken ...do I have to buy a Elf-English-Elf dictionary???
Paul TBO
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Paul,
You don't need to bring one of those, but you HAVE to find a way to bring Bonnie!!!
Ken (TEO)
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Paul:
If it makes it easier to pack light and bring Bonnie, I'm sure we can supply some beer bottles and a table! lol
Bill, tgo
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And stockings. I'll bring stockings so you won't have to pack one.
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This would be a lot of fun. I'll have to see how things are going with work and gigs as the date draws near. I would love to come to this!
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If Paul gets there I'm going to be Sooooooooooooo jealous ;-(
Graeme
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me too, Graeme, me too...
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how can i fly scarlet out there without a flight case?
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Flax:
Buy Wolf a ticket, and Scarlet can hide in Wolf's carry-on! hehehehe
How did Scarlet make it to Connecticut? How about the same way, but in reverse?
Bill, tgo
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Hey Bro's!
Eh-eh ...Bonnie will NOT be there!
It's just me! You can have all the other options but NO basses! You can have my friendly smile, you can have my yelling for pictures and banging on tables with empty bottles, if we all have stockings we can all go out and find us a friendly little bank to rob so we can buy us some more Alembics, I'll bring my camera. I'll bring a friend too! But no basses.
If Bill TGO lend me a six string and amp I will be able to drag some chords out of it, if someone has a spare bass I'll keep myself to the I-V (I am very good at I-V, I-V, I-V ...see???).
Bonnie will rest in here case ovehee in Belgium (I mean my Bonnie, not Toronto Bonnie).
But if everything goes well ...I WILL be there.
Paul TBO
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I spoke with my friend, Will, tonight and he confirmed the 15th of March at his family's ranch where we had the gathering last year. So we are on! What does everyone think about time? Last year we hooked up at 2 p.m. as I recall. Does that work for everyone again this year?
Paul: We will have guitars basses and amps for you, along with some good ol' American stockings, bottles, and a resonant table too!
Bill, tgo
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Yippieyayeeeeh!
Yeah I'm goin' to San Fransisco, San Fransisco here I come...
(I shamelessly changed Kansas City hehehehehe)
Paul TBSFO
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Ok Paul, this (http://home.earthlink.net/~davehouck6/sanfrancisco.mp3) is for you.
I would imagine you know the song. For me, this is a very beautiful and spiritual song; listening to it just now brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart. Enjoy.
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Hi bro's and si's
so Moder Dave YOU talk about tears in your eyes.
Ha ...you should see mine!
Ok ...you asked for it you can get it. Some people long time members -well euh ...long ...that's interpretable no???- anyway they knows that I am not short so this will be again a too longPaul the bad one story.
When I was 12 years old (not sure - about 40 years ago) I was in a kind of scouts group. People decided to do some play-back things on scene for a family-show-evening on tunes who were very popular that time. In the creative meeting before I suggested the song Moder Dave gently posted If you're going to SF (and something about flowers in your hair).
See
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKWiwfOhI6U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKWiwfOhI6U)
or
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlQCuq-eezg&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlQCuq-eezg&feature=related)
You know,I was a short and rather fat 12 years old kid those days. They loved the song but didn't allow me to bring it on scene. One very good looking kid may do it. No kidding!
When he was play-backing the song I was very frustrated and said that is MY song ...euh ...well you know ...my ...in a way.
I know on that very moment I incripted to go to SF once!
I know now that there will be no more long haired man and women with flowers in their hair (to say just the most ...euh ...acceptable) but I think there will still be SF and some good friends and musiscians I can meet.
I will stay at Brother Bob's place.
But I will be very glad to meet the other bro's and si's.
Moder Dave that song ... I had the same idea but (good ol'but)...I didn't dare to post the first time because I was VERY emotional about it and I think it is something you from over the pond cannot and wil not understand very well the reason why because the diffecrence in scaling and perception.
I am going to San Fransisco.
I sung the song playing along my acoustic when I was on a camping with my family about 2 years ago. I was singing so enthousiastic out of tune that my children fell over laughing and still do when the song is mentioned or it is on the radio.
But... I AM going to SF.
Be sure ...I will NOT wearing flowers in my hair! My hair is too short to plug some flowers in it. Brother Bob would not recognize me when arriving in SF airport the 8th.
Moder Dave ...you made me cry a fair enough part of this evening.
OF COURSE I knew the song.
Of course!
Paul TBO
Bad one???? Bad one???? I'm a wuss!!!!
(Message edited by palembic on January 30, 2008)
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Paul:
We're very much looking forward to your gracing us with your presence. And you can still find long-haired men & women with flowers in their hair in S.F., as well as any and all of the other varied flavors that humans tend to come in. It's one of the endearing qualities of life by the Bay. And I can surely wear some special dried flowers in my hair in honor of your visit! hehehehe
Bill, tgo
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!!!
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Hi Guys, I've just spotted your arrangements for the Bay Area/Northern California Alembic Gathering on 15th March. I would have loved to go out there (I live in Dublin, Ireland) but, unfortunately, on 16 March I am heading off in the opposite direction to Kiev, Ukraine. Maybe next year (2009), there might be better notice of the California Alembic Gathering - say around about Oct. / Nov. 2008. This would give some of us longer range prospective attendees the time to buy a flight ticket at a semi-reasonable price. Best wishes to all for a great meeting.
Kevin.
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(Message edited by keavin on January 31, 2008)
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(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/48155.jpg)http://www.ytbtravel.com/sbarnescc
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My plans changed, so now I can make it! I am really excited - I was so bummed out when I thought I couldn't. Now I just have to see if I can get the case for the doubleneck (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=8334) to fit in my Honda Civic...
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Harry,
That's cool!! If it looks like you can't make it work, let me know via email. I might be able to help you out.
Ken (TEO)
(Message edited by kenbass4 on February 12, 2008)
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Harry, if you put it width-wise across the roof, I'll bet you could make your civic fly.
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I was at the factory on the 20th getting my F-1X serviced, and Mica graciously invited me. I'd love to go. Is there any thing I need to know (directions?) or bring? Also, is it OK to bring family members (wife and daughter)? Looking forward to it!
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John,
since those dudes even accepted a Belgian lazy tall, extremely good looking and I-V playing bassplayer ...I guess all members who could make it are welcome!
That's the idea of this jolly low-frequency loving club (OK Bill ...you're one of them ...) let's make a welcome for those who love the BASS and are member. Fine if it's an Alembic. If not ...well we still like you a lot
Really!
I am with Mica!
We invite!
I AM GOOD in inviting!
Paul TBO
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TWO WEEKS TO GO!!!!
Just a head's up that NCAG II is two weeks from today! All those who wanna attend should email me and I'll send along directions.
Bill, tgo
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I wanna come Bill but 2 weeks from today I'll be gigging in Edinburgh :-(
Graeme
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Bill ..still on track ...still on track. Keep you rfingers crossed!!!
I plan to visit the Alembic place too!
It's in Brother Bob's hands although.
I dunno if he has a schedule on that one yet!
Clock is ticking!
I'll leave Brussels at the 8 of march!!!!
If you're gooooo-!!!ng tooo Saaaa-an Fraaaaaa-ansisco, it's good to ware .... damned ...I've to look for some flowers.
Paul TBO
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Paul:
Don't worry about the flowers. As long as we still have hair to wear them in, we're doing o.k.!
Bill, tgo
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Greetings, all--
Talk about a fickle finger of fate...yesterday I was playing a casual game of basketball--had my hands up to receive a pass--and said pass slammed into the tip of the middle finger of my right hand. I look at my fingertip--the top joint is pointing down at a 45 degree angle from the rest of the finger. To the ER we go, where I learn that I have mallet finger, or as it is commonly referred to, baseball finger. Turns out this is a common injury in baseball, basketball, and football, and occurs when the force of a ball hitting the fingertip causes a tendon in the finger to either rupture completely or tear; the tendon in question basically operates and moves the fingertip joint. True to form, I could not straighten out the fingertip--I could straighten it out using my other hand to support it, but by itself it just droops. And the best part, as you guys have probably guessed--I'm strictly a fingerstyle bassist.
The treatment [Xray showed no broken,or fragmented bone,or dislocated finger] is 8 full weeks of splint on the finger, to give the tendon time to fuse back to its connecting point. While most people with this injury regain adequate fingertip function, there is no guarantee that full function and/or appearance will be restored. Surgery is usually not an option except in the case of broken bone [in addition to tendon damage] so severe that the finger would otherwise be deformed or totally unusable, which does not appear to be my case.
So...I'm still coming to the gathering on March 15--wouldn't miss it for the world, but I'll be the one with a very visible splint on my finger and not able to play. Yeah, yeah I know there's always flat picking, and a number of bassists use picks, including Phil Lesh, but unless I'm forced to go that way by future medical issues with this fingertip, I just don't want to go there. Plus, 2 weeks is not much time to learn a whole new style of playing.
One semi-cool benefit of all this--I'm right-handed--when I hold a fork now, my right thumb and all the fingers are wrapped around it, but by middle finger is sticking straight out in a classic flip-off position. It will be very useful at office lunches with all the bosses present--I've always wanted to flip most of them off, and now I can do so in all innocence!!
Seee you guys on the 15th--
Eric
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Eric,
I've did the same thing to the index finger on my right hand playing football (it got caught in a face mask). It's fully functional now.
If for some reason it ends up being gimpy you can always train that ring finger and play with the index/ring finger (assuming you're a 2 finger fingerstyle kind of player).
Good luck- Tylenol + Advil will be your friend for the next couple nights.
Toby
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Eric, my best wishes for a full recovery. Take care of that finger and give it every opportunity to heal.
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I wish you the quickest and most complete recovery.
I respectfully suggest that you look into accupuncture as a treatment. it helped me greatly with a number of injuries and conditions.
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Toby/Dave/Danno--
Thank you very very much for your messages of support, and the great suggestions. I really do appreciate it. Hopefully a return to full, or at least adequate finger functionality will happen. If not, I'll adapt as needed and overcome--I love playing bass too much to be stopped :>)
Thanks again--
Eric
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Eric - PATENIENCE! My youngest was on the wrong end of a bicycle/SUV collision about 2 years ago; the brain suregery, pinned collarbone, broken ribs, etc., have, thankfully, all healed completely. The only lingering problem is with the dislocated extensor tendon on his left middle finger - he couldn't stand not playing, and started picking his guitar before he was ready. The surgery didn't heal quite right, and now he has pain when he plays - not enough to keep him from playing, but he's worried he might not be able to keep it up his whole life. Fingers are key; let it heal! Your instruments will still be there when it's ready. (Of course, we're kind of glad his brain healed, too. Apparently the memory recovery was kind of trippy - he told me I'll take a CD that I know I knew inside out before, and I can't remember any of it. I'll put it on and after 2 or 3 notes the whole thing comes back at once. It's f***in' WEIRD!)
Peter
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Peter,
Good to hear your son is recovered- I suffered a pretty massive head injury at 16 and had similar experiences with my re-learning process. Frustratingly slow and painfully difficult, but life is sure alot more precious to me because of it. Patience is indeed learned....
Back on topic- I'm afraid I'll be unable to make it up for the get together. Life seems to have gotten in the way!
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Peter--
Wow...your sons's story kind of puts my tale of woe into a different perspective. I'm really glad to hear he's recovered so nicely. I do wish him a permanent recovery and full functioning with his finger tendon. The extensor tendon is the same tendon that gets hurt in the baseball finger injury I have.
Your advice about patience is right on the money, and I realize how important patience will be. Since I'm on the front end of the whole healing process, my concerns are actually focused on the end result...at the tail end of patience and healing, is everything still going to work! Patience--and time--will tell
Regards--
Eric
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All the best Eric,
You've got the right attitude, and music will still be around to play.
Peter, Also glad to hear of your son's recovery. I hope it's complete and permanent.
Mike
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Thanks, Mike, I appreciate your encouragement.
Eric
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Honey, I am home!!!!!!
Huh ...well ...you get it!
Paul TBO
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Ah, blessed be California!
All the rest of you, we're coming down to the home stretch. I've received only about 3 or 4 requests for directions. If you sent one and haven't heard back, please email me again. If you're coming and have the directions from last year, please drop me an email anyway, just so we have some idea of how many to expect. (Mica's bringing goodies for us and needs a head count!) This is gonna be FUN!
Bill, tgo
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Boy, I am missing this by a little more than a week! I'll be playing in Santa Rosa and then SF from the 26-28 and I will have my Series I by then looking all nice and new. Oh well, next time?
Edwin
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Edwin:
Sorry you won't be able to make it. I'll try and come out to see you again, if family stuff allows me to sneak away for a night. I really enjoyed your music when I came out to the C. Yankee. Just the right combo of country and psychedelia.
Bill, tgo
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Just the right combo of country and psychedelia
That made me laugh out loud ;-)
Graeme
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What do you say to a paisley horsey?
Pretty horsey! Give the nice horsey a sugar cube.
kudos to Firesign Theater
Mike
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Paisley has always been my favorite color.
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I got a Calton case for my Starfire. It's a beautiful purple, but I keep wondering if they could have done paisley!
Edwin
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I have two Caltons, one for my Further and one for my D-28. I believe they do a metallic flek thingy. As for paisley (or more likely tie-dye) I imagine they'd do it for a price, but the price would be HUGE and I'll bet the wait is forever. Absolutely the best cases out there that I've seen yet. Excellent protection for flying, but the same size and not much heavier that a standard hardshell case. And the form-fitting interior is a thing of beauty. Especially the headstock support in my Further case. A LOT of $ but well worth it, IMHO. Now to shove this thread back on track, I will be bringing my Further, in it's Calton case, to the Gathering on Saturday.
Bill, tgo
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MUNCHIES REPORT
I ordered a Fruit & Cheese Plattter and a mini Croissant Sandwich Platter for Saturday. It would be nice if some people could bring along some liquid refreshments like water, soda (I'm a diet coke guy hint hint), juice, beer (many of us are over 21!) or whatever.
Bill, tgo
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Just to move the Calton thing along, you should my Starfire case. The interior is WAY more plush than any I have ever seen. They're all good, but this is like being seriously ensconced in velvet! That said, it is bigger and heavier than almost any case that isn't a full on Anvil flight case. One of these years if my road work keeps up I'll be getting one for my Series I, but they just raised the prices by 30%. $1k.
Edwin
PS How about a post Gathering gathering at the Connecticut Yankee on the 27th or 28th? Can you tell I really wish I could make it this weekend? My Series I is due to arrive tomorrow!
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But you can't drink a Calton Case, so I'm steering this thread back on track. Anyone who's coming, bring what you'd like to drink and maybe a little extra for everyone else. I also think I may bring a sixer of my favorite beer, at last to show our honored guest from Belgium that America has some good beers - it all ain't Bud!
Bill, tgo
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I'm going to try and bring some beer - only problem is where to buy it? I'm coming from the east - I guess I can try and stop somewhere on the way. Or maybe I'll break down and buy a cooler...
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To all those attending, have a great time!
Play it Healthy!
Art (in NC)
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Bill,
I thought you were bringing the bud?
Bradley
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Bradley:
Touche!
Bill, tgo
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I've had a request that no dogs be brought out to the ranch. See y'all tomorrow!
Bill, tgo
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Guys and Gals
This was awesome!
We even got that shady and mysterious Unicorn out of the woods to listen!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/65124/49544.jpg)
Mighty cool!
People loving music, people and all living things!
Thank you all!
Paul the bad one
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I just got back myself (11:00 PM). Got to see some old friends from last year, and meet some new people too! Got to play my double-neck and a sweet Series II that Mica brought and even some drums. Pics to come, hopefully tomorrow - I'm too exhausted right now.
Oh, and Paul - nice to meet you and nice shot of the unicorn!!!
QUESTION - would anyone object to starting a new thread for the aftermath? This one's already really long and basically planning stuff...
(Message edited by hieronymous on March 15, 2008)