Author Topic: Visit to the Mothership (Read 181 times)

ajdover · « **on:** August 16, 2006, 09:34:49 PM »

Folks,

Today I had the privilege of spending about 7 hours at the Mothership in Santa Rosa, and a few more enjoyable hours over dinner with Ron, Susan, Mica, and her husband Bill. I can't begin to describe what a treat it truly was. Mica gave me (and two other visitors) the tour, and I went over the dimensions and body shape of the custom I'm having built with Chip. Later, Susan and I went over other details, and I had a chance to try out several other basses they had in the showroom. Suffice to say I had to put down a Balance K and a Stanley Deluxe with a quilt maple top - if I didn't, I was going to walk out with them. Try explaining that one to the wife!

3005 Wiljan Court is a magical place. It doesn't look like much from the outside - just another industrial park building. However, what occurs inside is pure magic. It's difficult to describe, but suffice to say everyone there is an artisan in their way. They care about what they do, and it shows. Many tools they use are hand made by them for specific purposes, components are of the highest quality, things are made with absolute, astounding precision. No detail is too small. When they say, beyond custom, they're not lying, no joke.

If you've never had the opportunity to visit in person, I strongly suggest you do, particularly if you're having a custom made. It really gives you the opportunity to talk with the fine people making you the instrument of your dreams, get the specifics down as you want them, and just see how the magic occurs. It is well worth the trip, and I strongly recommend it to anyone with the werewithal to do so. You won't be sorry.

Alan

bob · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2006, 11:20:04 PM »

Well said.

It is indeed a privilege to spend some time there, but generously extended to anyone who walks through the door. I think I may have used the word magical myself a few years back to describe the place, the experience in general, but most of all the people and the way they work together, with you, to build the custom instrument of your dreams (even the dreams you haven't quite remembered yet...).

As you say, it is difficult to describe, and I can't think of a better word.
-Bob

jacko · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2006, 01:18:19 AM »

Way to go Alan you lucky guy. Visiting the shop is one of my dreams, which may be realised in about 5 years - Mrs J has suggested a trip for our 25th anniversary - wonder if she'll get me a 'nice' present ;-)

Graeme

ajdover · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2006, 01:28:51 AM »

Graeme,

Even if you don't get a nice present, as you say, the trip will be a present in and of itself. Walking into the showroom is like walking into an adult bookstore - it's pornography for bassists and guitarists. Worth the trip alone if you ask me. I've never seen such a collection of gorgeous instruments in one place (well, maybe with the possible exception of my own collection!) in thirty years of playing bass. And you get to play them!

BTW, I saw Rami's 6 string fretless. Beautiful instrument, though I can't say I would buy something similar myself (I don't care for the strings and I'm not a six string player). It is gorgeous, though, and truly stunning. Rami must be foaming at the mouth.

Saw the Dire Wolf as well. Looks like they've got the problem solved, but only time will tell. I sure hope Flax gets the Wolf back soon. I know that the elves at Alembic are doing everything they can to make that happen

Alan

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2006, 12:40:18 PM »

Great report Alan, thanks!!!

palembic · « **Reply #5 on:** August 17, 2006, 12:43:15 PM »

When I'll be a grown up and a big boy ...I'll go too ...

PTBO

PS: I can't believ it ...is Rami's bass STIL there ...or is he secretely building another one we don't know about???

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2006, 01:10:36 PM »

Paul; stop by and pick me up on your way!

FC Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2006, 01:14:33 PM »

And I will pick you up Paul, when will you be grown up?

Cheers!
Flip

palembic · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2006, 03:21:35 PM »

Moder Dave ...when the days will come I'll can hop over the pond that hideway of yours in woody mountains is a destination on his own ...
A grown up???
Mmmmm...let me see ...giving the fact being 52 (I am in full puberty now) ...I'd say ...in a more or less 20 years?

?
Hehehehe

Paul TBO

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** August 17, 2006, 04:05:34 PM »

Just in time for your special order 50th Anniversary Alembic!

ajdover · « **Reply #10 on:** August 17, 2006, 10:35:09 PM »

One other thing ...

I mentioned magic in reference to what goes on inside 3005 Wiljan Court. What's magical?

The fact that it doesn't matter whether you're a touring pro, or just an amateur/hobbyist like me. You will get the same attention to detail, craftsmanship, and artistry as Stanley Clarke, Mark King, Jimmy Johnson, Greg Lake, John Entwistle, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and other pros received. This didn't hit me until I got home tonight - the CEO (better known as Thor or Susan), the Godfather of active electronics (amongst other things, Ron - I saw your workshop!), the Graphic Goddess, Val (haven't come up with a nickname yet, but I'm working on it - maybe the Unshaven One?) all took time out of their day to not only show me how the magic happens, but to attend to the details of what will become my dream instrument. I can only speculate to how their better known customers are treated (and I wouldn't blame them if they gave them even more attention), but if my experience is any gauge, this is why Alembic inspires such loyalty. I'd never get anyone at Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, or any other production manufacturer to show the same concern for my instrument. Yes, Alembics are expensive. Yes, they're an investment. But they're an investment in something you just can't buy - quality, craftsmanship, and above all, treating every customer as if they were the first one to walk in the door. Getting it right, the first time. I could go on and on ...

Suffice to say, I'm an Alembic player for life.

Alan

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2006, 05:59:29 PM »

TRUE story:

When I moved to Nashville, I got a job working at the Gibson plant (NOT realizing what a slaughterhouse I was letting myself into). After I'd been there over a year, I knew most everybody.

Well, my family came up from Florida and came by the plant, and as they all have old 40s and 50s Gibsons, they wanted a tour. Security virtually threw them off the property, and the Guard knew me well. My supervisor ate may a** up. And none of it was the expected speech about insurance, safety , liability, etc. He said you had to BE SOMEBODY to get a tour, we weren't taking tourists around the joint!

I came back with them about 11 that night and the Night Shift guard let us walk around the still plant for several hours while I tour-guided.

Besides that, how many of us bought our first ALEMBIC used, not putting a dime in their pocket, and STILL got treated like family when we made the inevitable phone call about why does my tone control sound like a wah-wah when I flip that switch?

And it's so ironic: They COULD be total jerk snobs and STILL build the best electric basses and guitars in the world and be back ordered till September 33rd. I mean, lots of other custom builders do business that way every day . . .

I'm totally jealous you got to go. But tickled for you. Is it a complete mind-blower: Baghdad last month, Santa Rosa this month?

J o e y

ajdover · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:31:48 PM »

Joey,

I bought three of my Alembics used (well, I'm not really sure about the DW; it was mint when I got it), and two new. My custom will be new. I'm completely confident I'll be treated the same way regardless of whether I buy new or used. I can't begin to stress how great an experience it was - real people who care about what they do to the depths of their souls. It showed in everything I saw. Alembic may not be everyone's choice of instrument, but I can tell you that the Wickersham's and everyone who works at Alembic should be everyone's choice of people and business.

It is a bit ironic - this time last month, I was transitioning with my replacement in 120 degree heat. This month, I'm in Santa Rosa, in relatively cool temperatures, talking to artisans about a custom bass (and sharing a great meal that isn't mess hall food!). I'm not complaining, though.

Do yourself a favor - get a cheap plane ticket and go. It is worth the trip even for non-Alembic players. It is a slice of something that is rapidly disappearing here - American craftsmanship of superlative quality.

Alan

Bradley Young · « **Reply #13 on:** August 18, 2006, 11:12:56 PM »

I'm with Alan.

The trip to Santa Rosa is a very nice one.

Here are some tips for convincing The Management(TM):

Santa Rosa is only an hour north of San Francisco, and a very pretty drive. It is in the wine country, if that is your thing. There are numerous spas in the area.

San Francisco is a great tourist destination, and airfare shouldn't be too bad from just about anywhere, since it is a hub for United (and Continental?).

Of course, the Alembic factory is the real deal. Makes me want to geek out just thinking about it.

Bradley

palembic · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2006, 01:51:29 AM »

Huhuhu ...The Management is no problem that would be me around the house though SENIOR Management ...O-O ...that's an entirely other story.

Paul TBO

But the wine-tip still stands I think!