And One More Makes Four

[edwardofhuncote]

Four years ago today I first signed on here... and after 2534 of my often goofy, rambling posts, I'm both surprised and thankful you guys haven't run me off yet. I love this little place. I'm crazy about Alembic instruments, and just as crazy about the people that make them. I've come to realize that we're all just a little bit crazy here. I really do look forward to checking in here each day and reading what you guys are up to.

I knew practically nothing about these things when I first came here, except that several of my bass-playing heroes played Alembics. I had just bought this used Persuader 5-string on eBay after 20-some years of wanting one of my own, only to find out it had been stripped of its electronics and fitted with some aftermarket parts. (yeah, major letdown) So on June 24th, 2014, the search for help landed me here... honestly I didn't even know Alembic was still around until another Club Member told me so. I called the number, Aunt Mary answered, then handed Mica the phone. "Yup", she said, in that delightful California accent that makes it impossible for me to tell them apart to this day, "We're still here." At the end of that phone call, my first Alembic had some brand new pickups and controls on the way, and the musical part of my life took a very strange turn for the better.

I've learned quite a few things hanging around here... not only about music, but physics, and artistry, how they're related. Even picked up a little bit about myself, especially during the 23 months, 6 days, and 13 hours that my Custom fretless was underway. Of course I counted. Some things in life are worth waiting for. To be completely honest, I bought a vintage Distillate while waiting, but it was such a good deal, well shoot... I had to do that.

Anyway, thanks to this place;

1. My imagination is even wilder than it used to be.

2. That logo just looks cool at first, but makes perfect sense after you get it.

3. The formula for getting 'my sound' got a lot simpler when somebody here expressed it this way: player>instrument>amp>speakers.

4. I have totally changed my mind about something, or reinforced what I already knew by posting here, but could never tell which it would be. It's probably 50/50.

5. I can still appreciate other nice instruments, but will always weigh them against an Alembic. It's just that way now... can't un-ring the bell.

6. I like Grateful Dead music now. It took 30 years to shut up and listen, (and a gig where I had to) but I finally appreciate it.

I think it's only fair to say none of it would have happened but for the helpful nature of various people within this fairly small little circle. So, A VERY BIG THANKS to everyone around the globe here at the Alembic Club, especially to Mica, Susan and Ron Wickersham, Aunt Mary, and all the Staff at Alembic HQ I haven't had a chance to meet (yet)... you're all the best.

~Greg

[mario_farufyno]

I hear you, totally agreed!

[David Houck]

Thanks for this reminder of why we're all here.  Happy Fourth!

[elwoodblue]

That's some real nice words Greg,
right back atcha 

[jazzyvee]

Greg it's been good reading your posts even the sane ones. ;-) I have found this to be the best forum on line for all things bass and guitar. My knowledge of those instruments from many aspects has become much more acute after spending time here. Since I've been a member I am pretty sure I have read most of the threads on here and one of the consistent things I find is the openess of the members and the willingness to share knowledge and in a non judgemental way, (though we may laugh at some questions that get posed). Whilst we are fiercely loyal to alembic some we don't usually rubbish other brands or musicians for using non alembic instruments we just accept that not all have the same taste as we do. Something i find lacking in other bass and guitar forums.
It's a great place and the Wickershams and the whole alembic team have a lot to be proud of!!

[the_home]

I echo all of your great reflections of belonging to the Alembic tribe (with the exception of having taken the dive into a custom instrument). Thanks for summing up these feelings for many of us.

[rv_bass]

Right on, Greg, thanks for summarizing this community experience

[StefanieJones]

I have't been here that long, but can wholeheartedly agree with what's been said. (as I've said in some other posts) It's a lot to take in at first but the experience is so worth it.

[edwardofhuncote]

Recycling my own thread for Year 6. 

Just taking a moment to send a Thank You to the little community here. In a time when there is so much to be frightened, unhappy, or even angry about, I am thankful to have this place of refuge to check in every day, grateful to have some of the finest instruments ever built to play for an escape from those harsh realties of life, and glad to have a few internet buddies to share the experiences with.

You're all the best.

~Greg

 

 

[gearhed289]

Thanks, I feel the same. Good people here, brought together by great instruments and music.

[KR]

Greg, I'm with you --great club here.
Take care,
Keith

[lbpesq]

Glad to have you aboard, Greg.  I had a very similar experience, except about 15 years ago when I picked up an Electrum at a guitar show.  It had some issues and while investigating discovered that Alembic was still around.  I brought the Electrum to Santa Rosa (only an hour’s drive from here).  They treated me like I had spent $25K with them, and even sorted out the guitar while I waited, NO CHARGE!   This is the first place I visit on-line each morning.   I feel very lucky to be part of this world-wide extended Alembic family.  On one issue, though, you are clearly mistaken:   Californians don’t have accents.  The rest of y’all have accents!

hehehehe

Bill, tgo

[gearhed289]

Californians don’t have accents.  The rest of y’all have accents!

hehehehe

Bill, tgo

Haha! I had an old friend/band mate relocate to Cali back in the late 80s. After several years, I told him he'd developed a California accent and he was like "what are you talking about?". Now he makes fun of my Chicawwgo accent. 

[edwardofhuncote]

I can only imagine what my Southwest Virginia, by way of Piedmont North Carolina roots must sound like to Mica and Mary over the phone!    I try sometimes (just in fun) to type out phonetically what it sounds like when posting here. Just part of the character. 

[rv_bass]

Greg, first I agree with your sentiments, this is a great place and one of the few on the web where I spend any time.  Second, when voice recognition developers wanted to test the effects of accents on their algorithms they came to Boston and found their devices couldn’t understand anything anyone was saying.