Phil Lesh and his medium scale Series...

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Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post Archive through August 28, 2014 adriaan 51  1  2-09-15  2:10 pm   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message ed_too Junior Username: ed_too Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2011 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 4:39 pm:    ps. I’ve got tickets for Phil and Friends playing out here on Sept. 21st. I can hardly wait to hear him play TOV – I’ll post in the TOV thread afterwards. Regards, Ed pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1063 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 5:39 pm:    Yeah, yeah, I know Bill.... just busting your chops... ....good story though... davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11480 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 5:42 pm:    First video. This appears to be video from last night's debut of the new bass. Phil is singing Box of Rain. The video is dark and from the side, and you can't hardly see Phil or the bass; but you can hear it. And at the end, the band leaves the stage and Phil puts the bass in its stand; and you can see the LEDs all lit up. hammer Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 554 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 8:55 pm:    Just listened to the Youtube video. Cleanest, clearest bass sound I've heard from Phil in both his recorded (live) and the live performances I've been able to catch with PL&F and Further in years... Rusty: I've been following your build closely. Love how its looking as color is added and I'm jealous of the headstock. It's going to be incredible! Get well soon! edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1825 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 11:47 pm:    Hm, that video sounded a little less than clear to me when it comes to the bass (given my experience of both Alembic's and Mr. Lesh's tone). It sounded like a somewhat off axis recording in a location that was subject to upper bass standing waves, so a bit lacking in highs and a bit boomy in the upper bass and lower mids. I did like the fact that each register was very balanced, but I would expect an even better tone right in front of the amp or from a direct signal. It sure whetted my appetite for more! rv_bass Junior Username: rv_bass Post Number: 16 Registered: 8-2014 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 3:27 am:    Listened to it on the train this morning rolling along the New England coast at sunrise. A lovely way to start the day! davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11483 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 8:23 am:    Edwin's note that "each register was very balanced" was the thing that stood out for me as well. hieronymous Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1406 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 2:06 pm:    Been wondering where I should post this pic - this seems like as good as any! Snapped this after everything was over - Phil's sound was very dark, almost no high-end content at all - wondered if it was filter settings, but I guess turning off your treble at the amp helps?!! I took the pic to see how the Enhance knob was set, really did not expect the tone control settings! (Message edited by mica on September 05, 2014) edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1826 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 3:08 pm:    Interesting. Are the strings round wound? Was the dumping of the treble a way to compensate and give them more of a flat or ground wound character? The recording definitely represented a dark tone, but I assumed it was because of where the mics were in relation to the amp, but maybe I was wrong. mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8256 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 5:02 pm:    They are rounds... for now. That may change in the near future. Harry, did you notice that everything was missing highs? I thought even the vocals sounded like they were going through these settings. What I appreciated the most from the performance was how when Phil played quietly, the bass still sounded full, just quieter. Also the audience quieted down and paid attention as the band played with quiet dynamics. Tonight I get to hear it in the Grate Room! Plus Scott Law on his Alembic guitar and Lebo from ALO is sitting in as well. Looking forward to tonight! susan Moderator Username: susan Post Number: 112 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 5:23 pm:    Hi all...got an email from Phil about an hour ago...he has named her: "Khaleesi...Mother of Dragons!" Mica and I love Game of Thrones...I think it's the perfect name for that fiery looking bass. mtjam Intermediate Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 185 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 5:50 pm:    Well done, Susan, Mica, & Co.! This bass is even more awesome than I thought it would be. Phil will achieve a tone with this instrument that hasn't been heard from him for many years. I probably won't get to experience it live any time soon, so I hope to see Phil play it in a webcast in the near future. Now if we can just get one of my other bass heroes, Mike Gordon, to go Alembic... s_wood Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 388 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 6:23 pm:    I have often wished that Dave Schools of Widespread Panic would go Alembic. To my ears, he is an Alembic guy though he doesn't know it yet... tree63 Junior Username: tree63 Post Number: 36 Registered: 8-2010 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 6:38 pm:    Nice bass Phil, it looks gorgeous...hope to hear it in person soon...as soon as you come out east...Alembic basses connect us... rustyg61 Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1302 Registered: 2-2011 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2014 - 7:42 pm:    Harry has solved the mystery with his photo. I have the same amp, Eden WT 800 & as you can see, Phil has both the high band on the parametric & the treble gain set at -15db, so ALL the highs are gone. Probably just culture shock after hearing the pristine clean of the Alembic sound again after all these years! wfmandmusic Intermediate Member Username: wfmandmusic Post Number: 109 Registered: 1-2012 Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 4:23 am:    This is great news for the Alembic family. I can't wait to hear this bass played on a big stage after he tweaks it out! davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11487 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 3:06 pm:    New, and improved, video. This is from Friday night the 29th and features two Alembics being played by two very good players. It's a great performance all around by the whole band; a great lineup having a lot of fun. wfmandmusic Intermediate Member Username: wfmandmusic Post Number: 110 Registered: 1-2012 Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 8:57 pm:    Yes great players indeed. It looks like Phil is having a great time. Is that you Dave singing over the recording? davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11488 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 9:00 pm:    No; I don't sing that good. jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4197 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 - 11:31 pm:    That sounds really good from he few minutes I've listened but will have to put some time in and watch it on my tv screen and sound system soon. Thanks for posting Dave 811952 Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 2364 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2014 - 12:53 pm:    llobsterbass Intermediate Member Username: llobsterbass Post Number: 126 Registered: 5-2004 Posted on Wednesday, September 03, 2014 - 3:04 pm:    Can't wait to hear Phil play this beauty sometime! Mike Gordon has had an Alembic since at least the 1990s. I'm not sure whether he's ever played it onstage but I've seen backstage practice photos with it. Pretty sure it was a five-string Epic. cozmik_cowboy Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1768 Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 7:48 am:    Just made time to listen to Dave's link; prudy dern good! Can someone ID the drummer, acoustic player, keyboardist, & Richard Manuel, Jr with the Tele? Peter davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11490 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 2:45 pm:    The Alembic player is Scott Law. The tele player is Ross James. The accoustic player is Dan Lebowitz. The drummer is Alex Koford. The video doesn't show the keyboard player, but I'm guessing it was Jason Crosby since he was on the calendar. It looks like they were having a lot of fun; and it certainly sounds like a good night. I just found confirmation that it was indeed Jason Crosby on keyboards. (Message edited by davehouck on September 05, 2014) mtjam Intermediate Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 190 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 4:57 pm:    I hear that Phil & Friends will have a webcast tonight from the Lock'n festival on nugs.tv. It's a little pricey, but will surely feature some nice views of that new bass! Very tempting... cozmik_cowboy Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 1769 Registered: 10-2006 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 7:28 pm:    Thanks, Dave. Fine players, all. They do indeed look like they're enjoying it - I especially noticed how Phil smiled the second he picked up Kahleesi, and didn't stop. Peter mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8257 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 7:43 pm:    We are enjoying the webcast very much! The band sounds great. mtjam Intermediate Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 192 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Friday, September 05, 2014 - 8:33 pm:    Great to see Phil having so much fun tonight! germansal Member Username: germansal Post Number: 56 Registered: 8-2004 Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 7:02 pm:    AMAZING BASSˇˇˇˇAS ALWAYS.... germansal Member Username: germansal Post Number: 57 Registered: 8-2004 Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 7:04 pm:    I THINK YOU SHOULD PUT A VIDEO,TO LISTEN THIS BASS..I HOPE SO... germansal Member Username: germansal Post Number: 58 Registered: 8-2004 Posted on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 7:13 pm:    OOOOOPSSSSˇ I VE RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THERES A VIDEO..... pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1068 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Sunday, September 21, 2014 - 6:12 pm:    I'm at forest hills right now, and this is the set list I've waited over a decade for Phil to drop, and a tone that is absolutely to die for...... edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1833 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Sunday, September 21, 2014 - 7:23 pm:    Wow, he got the old band back together! I look forward to hearing a recording. I bet he's getting the SII dialed in quite nicely. pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1069 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Sunday, September 21, 2014 - 10:02 pm:    OMG, Edwin. Give tonight's show a listen, even an aud tape if one is up on archive. I was right behind the board for the whole show. His bass sounded amazing. Btw, I ran into a guy w a red Alembic shirt pre show~ Pete/Kilowatt?!?.... moonliner Advanced Member Username: moonliner Post Number: 265 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 3:14 am:    Here ya go! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fmTde46m46Q kilowatt Intermediate Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 139 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 6:06 am:    Mike, That wasn't me, but I wish it was. I really wanted to get out to this show, but I had too much to do. I bet it was great with that lineup. Regards, Pete ed_too Junior Username: ed_too Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2011 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 6:47 am:    I was there last night too – behind the board, a few rows up. Everything that Mike said, ditto. Favorite, line-up, set list, tone. I look to Morning Dew as a sort of bench mark. Went way down low and back up – full and clear. Oh yes, Edwin, he’s got it dialed in. Ed pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1070 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 10:44 am:    Ed, we must've been in the same section. Compared to the Modulus' or Ritters, the new bass has so much more depth of character. Having that one ebony stringer goes a long way helping the fundamental linger a little longer which is something I'm not used to hearing on him. Does anyone know what else was in last nights signal chain~ it was a monster rig! edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1837 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 11:39 am:    Thanks for the link! The bass does sound good, although I bet it sounded even better in the room than on the recording. Punchy and even like the Modulus but without the clang, etc. I love the way the attack and envelope of the note responds to changes in picking (my Starfire does something similar), with different tonal ranges coming in and out. Phil's singing has gotten a lot stronger, great to hear! Great energy in the band all around, although I still have an aversion to Warren Haynes in this context, especially his tone, particularly with the Leslie simulator. Love him in other settings, but this never did it for me. I guess I'm too used to hearing a rhythm guitarist immersed in McCoy Tyner, horn parts, and string quartets bridging Phil and the drummer, instead of straight strumming. :-) He's pretty killin' on Morning Dew, though, which is a great version. On the link I posted below, you can hear the fidelity of the bass a lot better, including the high end attack. (Message edited by edwin on September 22, 2014) edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1838 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Monday, September 22, 2014 - 11:57 am:    And it's up on archive with a bit better audio quality: https://archive.org/details/plq2014-09-21.km184 jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4237 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Friday, October 03, 2014 - 3:07 am:    I wonder if this is going to result in a Phil Lesh Signature style bass being developed? Jazzyvee bigredbass Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2246 Registered: 9-2002 Posted on Friday, October 03, 2014 - 8:08 am:    I would definitely suggest they keep those patterns. This looks (in the pics, anyway) as one of the few human-sized six-string basses I've seen. Most of them with those diving-board width necks just don't look liveable. No wonder that the almighty himself, Anthony Jackson, has to play that monstrous 36" scale signature guitar sitting down. I've read his thoughts about the evolution of his design, and understand them completely, but even at six-foot and 44-long, I could not imagine trying to navigate that beast. Phil's axe, it just looks perfect if I were diving off into a six. J o e y 5a_quilt_top Advanced Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 368 Registered: 6-2012 Posted on Friday, October 03, 2014 - 9:29 am:    And what better team than Phil and Alembic to successfully navigate through those logistical hurdles and devise an ELEGANT solution to the "manageable 6-string bass" puzzle. I'll confess, I wasn't interested in one those for the same reasons Joey mentions above (jeeez...a 5-string can be a bit of a load for me), but this bad boy has me interested. flaxattack Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 2506 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2014 - 3:12 pm:    Gongrats Wickershams. The nice part is the same type of bass they make for us. I'm curious as to the string spacing. Looks like Wolf? http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/13470_bodyfrontL.jpg i often wondered why phils sound was so "muddy" live on audience tapes but clear on sbds.... next up ? a six string godfather? i love a crisp sound. right billy? flaxattack Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 2507 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2014 - 3:13 pm:    Gongrats Wickershams. The nice part is that its the same type of bass they make for us. I'm curious as to the string spacing. Looks like Wolf? http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/13470_bodyfrontL.jpg i often wondered why phils sound was so "muddy" live on audience tapes but clear on sbds.... next up ? a six string godfather? i love a crisp sound. right billy? mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8293 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Thursday, October 09, 2014 - 5:33 pm:    Thanks, Flax - it's .50 between strings at the bridge. You would love the neck! Yeah, it's not super crazy custom, but the neck recipe, scale length and string spacing are a tad unusual for a 6-string bass. flaxattack Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 2509 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Monday, October 13, 2014 - 2:35 pm:    holy jerry Garcia thats real close to my neck.32 scale with 1/2 spacing i think i am 1/2 inch at the 24th fret. . the "shallow" C shape is what tony made for me on wolf gee wouldn't it be neat if i could sneak wolf in when he plays the capital. sure he can try it out echo008 Senior Member Username: echo008 Post Number: 455 Registered: 2-2003 Posted on Thursday, October 16, 2014 - 7:12 am:    Does anyone know the weight? Thanks T mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8305 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 2:26 pm:    Cool show from last weekend at TXR: http://youtu.be/-l4-CbYH7tk?list=UUdksSRVYuocSzyGucMNKvWg Phil Lesh, Stanley Jordan, John Kadlecik, Jeff Chimenti, Tony Leone, Alex Koford I didn't get to attend, but I've been enjoying this video! davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11556 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 3:36 pm:    I watched this show this afternoon; it's absolutely wonderful! First - there are two Alembics on stage, and in addition to looking beautiful, they both sound great. Second - I'm assuming from some of Phil's remarks that this is the first time Jordan has played with the Friends; and this lineup was just wonderful together. To quote one remark from Phil during the show, "Wow! Stanley Jordan!" The vocals were great as well. John sang most of the leads, while Phil sang some as well. It may just be me, but it seems to me that Phil's singing is getting better and better. The three part harmonies were great. And the set list was great as well. Just a wonderful show! sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3696 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 - 3:42 pm:    Thanks for posting this Mica . jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4278 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 2:34 am:    Great I'll watch it on on surround sound later. pace Senior Member Username: pace Post Number: 1087 Registered: 4-2004 Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 4:07 am:    Two Alembics and a Viger guitar.... You don't see too many of those around.... wfmandmusic Intermediate Member Username: wfmandmusic Post Number: 120 Registered: 1-2012 Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2014 - 6:07 am:    Yes thanks for posting Mica. It was a beautiful way to wake up this morning. OMG his bass sounds fantastic! bassman8416 Intermediate Member Username: bassman8416 Post Number: 121 Registered: 5-2012 Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 9:23 am:    Phil's Alembic sounds amazing!!!! http://vimeo.com/111767899 davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11561 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 1:50 pm:    That was great! Thanks, Craig! hammer Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 618 Registered: 9-2009 Posted on Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 6:35 pm:    Fantastic! Best video I've seen of Phil playing his new bass. mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8357 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 2:04 pm:    So many great videos to share! Here's two from last weekend at Terrapin Crossroads with Phil on his 6-string Series II, John Kadlecik on his custom Orion, and Scott Law on his custom Further. Lebo is on acoustic (but of course I'm planning on getting Alembics in his hands and Scott from ALO too!), Rob Barraco on keys , and Ezra Lipp on drums. Great lineup and set lists - enjoy! December 19, 2014 @ Terrapin Crossroads and the next night: December 20, 2014 @ Terrapin Crossroads (Message edited by mica on December 23, 2014) sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3830 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 2:24 pm:    Mica , Thanks for posting this ! Wolf davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11605 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 - 6:48 pm:    I watched both videos, and they're wonderful! jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4358 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 8:18 am:    Is the 5-pin on the furthur used for powering the guitar or is it used for the effects loop? lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5926 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 - 9:35 am:    Jazzy: I don't think there is a 5-pin on Scott's guitar. It certainly didn't have one when it left the factory (2006 Featured Custom "Owl"), and, it appears to me from the video, that it still has the two regular jacks (one mono and one stereo) for the standard effects loop. Bill, tgo mica Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8363 Registered: 6-2000 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2015 - 12:40 pm:    One from New Year's Eve: http://vimeo.com/116085337 Scott's guitar doesn't have a 5-pin connector - just 2 1/4" jacks. One for output, one for effects loop. jazzyvee Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4377 Registered: 6-2002 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2015 - 2:24 pm:    Cool. davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11623 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2015 - 2:53 pm:    Wonderful!! Thanks Mica! Great shots of the bass, and a wonderful performance! lbpesq Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5944 Registered: 7-2004 Posted on Saturday, January 17, 2015 - 8:45 am:    I saw P&F last night at Terrapin Crossroads doing a set of songs from 1967. Great show. The bass sounded wonderful, of course, and it is even more stunning in person. The top looks like someone crossed a cocobolo tree with a zebrawood tree! Maybe the elves can bring Phil to the 2015 Northern California gathering this spring/summer so we can get an up close and personal look at this gorgeous instrument? Bill, tgo cje Intermediate Member Username: cje Post Number: 173 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 11:08 am:    Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY - 11.2.14 Courtesy of my friend Jason (but I was there too!) cje Intermediate Member Username: cje Post Number: 174 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 11:09 am:    Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY - 11.22.14 Courtesy of my friend Jason (but I was there too!) cje Intermediate Member Username: cje Post Number: 175 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 11:11 am:    Whoops - mods, remove the first post (wrong date!) s_wood Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 399 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 11:54 am:    Great pic! mtjam Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 295 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 12:48 pm:    Looking forward to seeing and hearing Phil's new Alembic in person for the first time on May 14 at the Dear Jerry show! edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2001 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 1:13 pm:    I wonder if he's going to play it at the 50th shows. It's a beautiful bass, pretty much exactly what I'd want in an Alembic solid body. mtjam Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 297 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 1:20 pm:    It would be a crime to not play it at the shows this summer! : ) edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2002 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 10:42 pm:    I wonder if the Showman in this picture was functioning or just there for mojo. It seems like there are cables going into the input, but no lights are on. Hm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yjDdTvx5hw&list=PLrYfrKyq7_HLP7nzistk1De1kwlBk911V davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11724 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2015 - 3:50 pm:    Edwin; since the video you linked was the 1972 show, maybe it was there as a reference to the period. Oh, and thanks for the link! I've just started watching. llobsterbass Intermediate Member Username: llobsterbass Post Number: 128 Registered: 5-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 11:28 am:    Phil and Jack Casady goofing around last night with Phil's Alembic S2. Maybe Alembic should make one for Jack now, to bring the circle fully around to where you started? Photo at Terrapin Crossroads by Jay Blakesburg. enzo Senior Member Username: enzo Post Number: 474 Registered: 4-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 11:32 am:    Now that's a cool picture! sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4122 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 12:21 pm:    THIS , is one of the BEST pictures on this site ! I just love it ! Jack & Phil with Phil's Series II , so great ! May be it could just be a matter of time for Jack to get one as well , let's hope . Wolf stephenr Member Username: stephenr Post Number: 65 Registered: 9-2014 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 1:22 pm:    Seriously doubt Jack is going back to playing a solid body bass anytime soon but if he did order an Alembic I wonder what he would want. Definitely a great pic and cool that Jack spent the last two nights hanging out with Phil at TXR. Monday night Jack and Phil traded stories on stage before the 1973 show "recreation." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgOjln4RY6U hieronymous Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1507 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 2:43 pm:    Interestingly, there has also been a picture that I have seen on Facebook (I believe for an article on the newly announced tour with John Mayer) with Phil playing an Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass! Did anyone grab that image? hieronymous Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1508 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 2:45 pm:    Here it is: hieronymous Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1509 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 2:49 pm:    And by the way llobsterbass, I'm with you as far as Jack Casady coming back to Alembic! Phil coming back was a wonderful turn of events. sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4123 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 3:54 pm:    Very interesting . stephenr Member Username: stephenr Post Number: 66 Registered: 9-2014 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 4:41 pm:    Picture of Phil with the Casady Signature bass is from The Other Ones set at the 10/27/02 Bridge School Benefit. It was an acoustic set and he probably thought this bass would give him a better sound in that context. Not sure if he ever played it on stage again. Forgot to mention that Phil and Jack talked a bit about Alembic when they were trading stories at TXR the other night. The beginning of the YouTube clip is pretty interesting even if you skip the music. hieronymous Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1510 Registered: 1-2005 Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 7:24 pm:    Thanks for the info on the Casady bass! Must have been quite the meeting - two of the Guild/Alembic bass gods!!! 5a_quilt_top Senior Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 502 Registered: 6-2012 Posted on Friday, May 01, 2015 - 11:25 am:    Re: Jack "coming back" - IMO a bit ironic 'cuz ain't he the one that started all of this in the first place - ? Seriously, being a huge Casady fan (and a big fan of irony, as well) - I'M ALL FOR IT! Keep after him, Phil - he can't hold out forever! Especially if he keeps holding onto that work of art you're currently playing... davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11736 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Saturday, May 02, 2015 - 7:16 pm:    Thanks for the link Stephen! The pre-show talk with Jack and Phil was pretty cool. Watching the show now. And enjoying watching Rob Eaton from DSO. This is a nice lineup! edwardofhuncote Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 332 Registered: 6-2014 Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2015 - 3:18 am:    If all follows suit, I'd love to see McVie pull one of his Alembics back out of retirement. (the old Omega cut "continuously fretted" Series bass was back at the Mothership for some work last year. hmmm...) It's super-fun to watch these guys come full circle with Alembic! (Message edited by edwardofhuncote on May 03, 2015) stephenr Member Username: stephenr Post Number: 71 Registered: 9-2014 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 9:08 am:    In keeping with the back out of retirement theme... Phil demoed "Big Brown" (the Alembicized Starfire bass he played in the 70s) during the "history" segment of the 1975 show recreation at Terrapin Crossroads last night. Before he started he mentioned that the bass had been back to Alembic for a tune-up and so they could properly document it. He flashed a picture they gave him of the bass with labels on it telling him what all the knobs and switches do. Even with the diagram he didn't seem to have much of a handle on it but it was interesting. After watching him fumble around with the bass during the demo it is hard to believe how well he used to play this bass and how great it sounded. Haven't watched the show itself yet but the demo at the beginning is pretty cool... http://tinyurl.com/pljnw5h sonicus Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 4134 Registered: 5-2009 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 10:13 am:    Thanks Stephen ! That all brings back good memories of some of my experiences from back in the day , Wolf mtjam Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 305 Registered: 11-2011 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 1:03 pm:    Thanks for that link! Haven't had a chance to watch the whole show yet, but I really enjoyed the bass segment at the beginning. That sound is why I'm here today! davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11739 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 2:19 pm:    Can't watch the '75 show since I haven't watched '74 yet. I've been trying to watch them all in order; and it's been interesting seeing how the music changes over "time". edwin Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2008 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 2:47 pm:    After all that fumbling around, I think he should pass that bass on to someone who will use it to its full potential! :-) Seriously, though, I was hoping he was going to be playing it for the show. It's nice how he can get feedback from it. Mine shrieks in the high frequencies before it will feedback if I use a full range speaker. I think my pickups are microphonic. I think it shows how much you need to keep in mind what the tone you are going for is and what needs to happen with the filters to get it. Once you get out of practice with it, it can be daunting. The video also shows how great the basic tone of that bass is. Mica, any chance of posting that diagram on the forum? stephenr Member Username: stephenr Post Number: 72 Registered: 9-2014 Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 3:07 pm:    The times I have seen Phil play Big Brown onstage since the 70s he used it only to make feedback. I didn't see him play it on any tunes. Agree that it would be great if the diagram was archived on the forum. serialnumber12 Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1114 Registered: 12-2004 Posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2015 - 4:45 pm: