New guy

[ben]

Hello all,
I'm the new kid on the block dreaming of owning a piece of Alembic history. I've been playing bass for 40 years and have been on stage since age 12. Been a musician since age 4. I grew up in the Motor city in the '60s and '70s and then moved to northern Idaho--living there for 30 years out in the woods. After a short stay in Charleston, SC I moved back to the NW and here I am in Silverton Oregon. Any Alembic heads up in this neck of the woods?

[lbpesq]

Hey Ben, welcome to the club!  I don't know how far you are from Portland, but we have at least one very active member there - afrobeat-fool, aka Nick. Good luck on your quest for an Alembic.  If you keep your eyes open you should be able to find a good used one to your liking for a reasonable price.  Feel free to poke around this site and ask any questions you may have.  The folks around here are VERY friendly and VERY helpful.  I haven't found another forum quite like this one - as you'll find out if you stick around, it really is almost a family.  
 
Bill, the guitar one

[ben]

Hey Bill, That was a fast reply!
I like the family feel of Alembic. The more I read about them, the more I can see that they connect deeply with their customers and supporters. Strange thing though--there is pitifully little on their history I've been able to find online. I realize Susan and Mica have a brief history posted here but hasn't anyone compiled a detailed history of Alembic?

[artswork99]

Hi Ben and welcome to the forum!  Here are some good stories of Alembic history if you haven't seen these yet. Art

[cozmik_cowboy]

You can also find a good account of Alembic's genesis in Blair Jackson's Grateful Dead Gear.  Welcome to the board.
 
Peter

[sonicus]

Hello & welcome , The Book that Peter mentions is full of details regarding various aspects of noteworthy interest . I really found it to be a must have  publication. Have fun on your pursuit and quest of  Alembic instruments and equipment.
Sonic Regards,
         Wolf.

[ben]

Thanks all, I bought the book three or four days ago online and  I'm waiting for its arrival.

[afrobeat_fool]

Hi, Ben! welcome to the club. This is a great place. The only forum I am part of. The Family here is fantastic. The Wickershams encourage and promote this site for the users. The members are diverse and intelligent and most questions posed can be answered quicker than you could imagine. I have never experienced a company so INVOLVED. And Users and fans so cool. Enjoy!!  
 
 
Nick

[ben]

Just finished reading Grateful Dead Gear. A real fun book. Some good stuff on Alembic but I would really like to know more. I've never had contact with the Wickershams but from what I've been reading they sound like they're low key and highly creative. I'd like to go see the shop and meet them. I have a brother and Dad who live in that area--10 hours from me. Anyone been there?

[edwin]

Lots of us! Give them a call and set up an appointment. A tour is something not to be missed. I've been there 3 or 4 times and there are some who go by Santa Rosa a lot.
 
The Wickershams et al are really wonderful people. Very generous with their time and energy. They are also very intuitive about getting the right instruments to the right people. :-)  
 
Getting to view all of the instruments and the people and tools who make them is a singular experience. The wood collection is especially cool.
 
Go, bring your camera and report back!
 
Edwin
PS Welcome!

[rustyg61]

I'm moving my son to LA in June & planning a trip to the factory while I'm out there!

[medanum6298]

Hi everyone, i am new to the forum and look forward to getting Hi everyone, i am new to the forum and look forward to getting to know you!  
 
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(Message edited by adriaan on April 22, 2011)

[David Houck]

Hi Ben; welcome to the board!