Do Alembic Series basses float?

[811952]

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

[dela217]

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

[jacko]

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

[richbass939]

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

[bracheen]

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

[David Houck]

Good to hear from you Michael!!

[lbpesq]

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
 
Bill, tgo
 
(Message edited by lbpesq on September 09, 2005)

[kungfusheriff]

Good news at last!

[dela217]

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

[811952]

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

[indigo]

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

[keith_h]

Glad to hear your family were all found and hope all are now safe and sound.  
 
Keith

[rklisme]

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

 

[richbass939]

Rory,
I'm glad you and yours all made it through relatively okay.  Also, my best wishes for your stepdad.
Rich

[lbpesq]

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