Author Topic: Flood SUCK!!! (Read 261 times)

malthumb · « **on:** May 26, 2011, 04:30:54 AM »

Okay, how 'bout a NOT so fun story. Long story short.....Almost lost both Alembics last night. Basement flooded BIG time. Spent hours with Shop Vac running to just stem the tide. After a couple hours, my son noticed that the water had reached my Music Room. In the 15 years we've lived in this house, the basement had flooded two other times, but never reach this room. He did what I would have done....grabbed my Alembics. Problem is, he grabbed BOTH of them, one in each hand....and they're heavy, especially for a 14 yr old.....and he slipped on something floating in the water. Luckily he caught his balance and nothing touched the water. Had to move all of my gear out of the room. The carpet is floating about 4 - 6 inches above the floor.

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2011, 05:08:44 AM »

All's well that ends well!

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2011, 06:08:57 AM »

I feel for you; been there in '96 - had to gut the finished basement & start from scratch - lost 2 amps (Gibsons; Nighthawk & BR-1), stereo speakers, all my vinyl, & several hundred books, including 19th century 1st editions - but all guitars were grabbed first; 1 damp case was all. I'm sure you let your son know he's the hero of the day, right? Good luck getting dried/rebuilt/etc.

Peter

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2011, 06:39:17 AM »

I send my sincere concerns to all, my heart goes out to you during this grief.

tbrannon · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:45:16 AM »

James,
Glad you got the Alembics before the water got to 'em.

I had a house flood down in NZ when a water pipe broke. Please take care to get some professionals in there to make sure you don't end up with a mold problem. It can be a serious health concern.

seventhsunbass · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:07:23 PM »

You need to treat that young man to a dinner at the restaurant of his choice! From all of us, best wishes for a speedy recovery and a safe clean up.

dela217 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:38:44 PM »

Nope, that's no fun at all. I know firsthand that Alembic basses and water don't get along. Here is a pic of what can happen. This is the custom Alembic built for me in 2000. It is the one that was the featured custom called Retro Appeal.

As you can see the bass is very delaminated to the point of where I can insert that CD in several places. The finish is a mess and missing here and there. You can see the black staining in the 5A quilted maple from the switches and pots rusting from the salt water. All of the toggle switches are either rusted away or broken. The neck pickup volume control will not move. I even tried to spin it using a vice grip. No luck.

But, the bass still works and sounds great. I still use it on gigs! I've gotten used to the quirks of the electronics and the fact that they function in the way that they do. No switchable resonant point and no volume control on the neck pick up.

Keep them basses dry!

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 26, 2011, 07:43:12 PM »

That blows - but I love that you still gig it! Any news on the one you sent in for resurrection, Michael?

Peter

dela217 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2011, 08:23:35 PM »

Not really. I just know that it is still in progress.

afrobeat_fool · « **Reply #9 on:** May 26, 2011, 09:59:23 PM »

I see some Hyak's back there!!!

malthumb · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2011, 07:49:19 AM »

Getting back to normal,whatever that means in my home. My gear is still placed all over the house, since I will pretty much have to gut and redo my music room, but no real music related casualties. Worst thing is two of my hard cases took on some water, but we caught it before there was too much intrusion. Today is supposed to be sunny and near 90, so they'll get some airtime on the deck.

Michael D. - there but for the grace go I

David Houck · « **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2011, 03:50:40 PM »

James; glad to hear things are getting back to normal.

terryc · « **Reply #12 on:** June 06, 2011, 05:55:12 AM »

Malthumb..your son is a hero indeed, he obviously loves his dad to do that act so a big round of applause to him.
Basements are unheard of in the average house in the UK but my music room is on the upper floor.
Sorry to here such a disaster and I hope you get it back to normal soon

Dela217...I would cry myself to death if that happened to my MK but to hear it still plays is a testimonial to Alembic...ever think of repair or is it just too costly??

Author Topic: Flood SUCK!!! (Read 261 times)

afrobeat_fool