| Author | Message | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 489 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi All! Here is a story that you may appreciate. I purchased a Brown Bass in 2001. I struggled with the sound of this bass for some time, even put custom electronics in it and wasn’t crazy about that either. I finally decided that I would poke around and see if there was something for trade out there that I might like. In 2007 I stumbled upon this thread, http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/97354.html?1300721317 and got in touch with the owner, James Belanger. We quickly became good phone pals and talked about the trade for a few weeks before we decided to make it happen. James had Marfan Syndrome. (Marfan syndrome, also called Marfan's syndrome, is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with Marfan's tend to be unusually tall, with long limbs and long, thin fingers. Abraham Lincoln had Marfan’s Syndrome). Through complications, which led to operations, James ended up in a wheelchair due to paralysis from an operation. As he said in his post about his Orion, “I just wish it were a short scale, which would make it perfect for me.” When I read that post I thought, wow, nice looking bass, perhaps he’d be willing to trade. As it turned out, James was willing to make a trade. He had a fellow Alembican write an email to me, vouching for his good reputation regarding buying/selling/trading etc. I directed him to a thread about my former Essence in which fellow Alembican Oggy Doggy stated that I am a good person with whom to deal. With that, the trade was made….and I knew, the moment the UPS truck left, that I would regret giving up Brown Bass. Because my playing style and tone had changed so much over the years, I’ve been looking around for a reasonable deal on a Brown Bass but could not find one. This past March I was on the For Sale/Trade page and to my amazement, my Brown Bass was listed there on this thread: http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/97354.html?1300721317 I immediately contacted the owner, explaining that I was the original owner and would like to purchase the Brown Bass. Sadly, James died about two years ago. After much deliberation, his sister Jane, to whom three Alembics were left, decided to keep the other two basses in the family and sell the Brown Bass back to me. She and her husband Mark, who are from Connecticut, decided they would meet me half way (I’m in the DC area) so we met in Mt. Holly, New Jersey. We spent a good 45 minutes together at the Mug Shot Diner. Over a few cups of coffee, Jane showed me photos of James, told me stories about him and was delighted to learn that I still have James’ Orion. We talked about the Alembic Club site and how helpful the members are in offering advice, history of the instruments etc. We talked about how special Alembic instruments are and how the Club members are very fraternal. I am convinced that the spirit of Alembic led her to the decision to send the Brown Bass “home”. We were both pretty emotional during the visit and probably could have spent the entire day together but it was time to go home. So with an embrace we left the diner but will always keep our memories. Attached is a photo of Jane, me and the Brown Bass. Stoney  | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2909 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nice story Stoney. Glad it's worked out well for you and Jane. Time for you to update your profile. Graeme | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 491 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Graeme, good to hear from you. Hope all is well across the pond! | ||
| skyboltone
Intermediate Member Username: skyboltone Post Number: 120 Registered: 11-2010 |
Stoney. That is truly a great story. I too coveted one of James' basses but it's one of the ones Jane elected to keep in the family. I do understand her motivation as I still have my brother's clarinet that I don't have the lip for. (Sax players don't play Clarinet). I have a grand daughter on the way.....maybe she'll play that evil black stick. Anyway, good for you and Jane. James lives on in his instruments. Dan | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 492 Registered: 7-2002 |
Thanks Dan, The Orion and the Brown Bass are side by side in my stable. As a footnote, the day I picked up the Brown Bass would have been my father's 91st birthday.....there's some Karma going on there. I've named the bass "AJ" (for Arch, my father and James). I've got two of my dad's coronets (one is a Bach nickle plated Strat) and his trumpet. He played first chair trumpet for Billy Butterfield (big band era)NO, I don't play them either! | ||
| rustyg61
Intermediate Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 154 Registered: 2-2011 |
Great story Stoney! I originally wanted a Brown, but opted for a SC Signature Deluxe instead. I've never played a Brown but hope to someday! I can relate to being the keeper of loved ones things, my brother passed away in 2002 & left me his Harley. I will never sell it because it was his. I feel like he is with me everytime I ride it! I have my own Harley too, & my son rides my brother's so that makes it even more special! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10172 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wonderful story Stoney! And what a nice experience meeting with Jane! James was ctjim on the club; his was a familiar username on the board for several years. I'm going back rereading some of his posts, and it seems he must have always had a smile on his face when posting to the club; his posts were always friendly and his contributions were a part of the spirit of this community. So thank you for bringing us up to date Stoney. Another of our family has passed. Tonight I hold a place in my heart for ctjim. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1938 Registered: 10-2003 |
Ah, yes, ctjim. Rest in peace, friend. | ||
| ctjimsniece
New Username: ctjimsniece Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2011 |
I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing stories of my Uncle Jim. He was an amazing and talented musician and its so nice to hear everyone talk about him!! Thanks! | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1485 Registered: 7-2007 |
Welcome Sarah! | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 493 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi Sarah, Welcome! What's your best Uncle Jim story? | ||
| ctjimneice2
New Username: ctjimneice2 Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2011 |
I remember whenever we went to visit my grandparents, we would always sneak up to Uncle Jim's old room... in there, he kept several acoustic guitars, some old posters, and lots of guitar picks. We would always try to play the guitars, but eventually would be "discovered" and kicked out of his room... Uncle Jimmy was always a great role model because he always kept his passions alive... When he lived in New Britain, I remember helping him go through his VAST collection of records, tapes and cds... at one point, he began putting ALL his music onto his computer as well. He was the music man, and I miss him very much. I hope his grandniece gets the chance to learn about his life and his loves... especially his guitars  They were like his children! He was always so proud of them. Thanks everyone for keeping him in your heads and hearts. | ||
| stoney
Senior Member Username: stoney Post Number: 494 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hi Stacy, Thanks for that post. Jane told me of his room that was full of guitars, music and a computer. He surrounded himself with things he loved, including family. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10175 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Stacey and Sarah; welcome to our community. Thanks for sharing the story about Jim's room in your grandparents' house. Our group here always has a number of folks who participate frequently and that help make this place one that so many find a welcome refuge in their daily lives. For several years, Jim was one of those whose warm-hearted attitude help make this such a great community; and for his contribution to our lives, we are grateful. | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 611 Registered: 6-2006 |
Well there you have it - Uncle Jimmy passed on his passion of music to his nieces. Another generation of appreciation will continue to carry the torch. Obviously Jim's limited time on this planet did some real good! |
