| Author | Message | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 165 Registered: 6-2012 |
While on vacation in the Santa Rosa area last week, my wife and I made arrangements for a tour of Alembic. What a fascinating and pleasant experience! Everyone we encountered was very hospitable and we were made to feel like family in no time - a further reminder that this business operates in a unique and personal way, especially in today's business climate where numbers are king and moving units is all that matters. After we shared a few "war stories", anecdotes and historical tidbits with Susan, Mica took over and provided us with a thorough tour of the Alembic facility from the raw wood storage area to the room where the finished instruments are set up and prepped for shipping. Along the way, we saw the tools of the trade and learned about the techniques and processes that make these extraordinary instruments so special. Of particular interest to me was the way the "labor" is divided between man and machine. Machines do only what they do best: repetitive tasks requiring consistency of execution and precision. Human hands, eyes and talent touch everything else. In this shop, slower traditional methods of hand craftsmanship are preferred to faster ways of accomplishing a given task because it's the best way to ensure every instrument has a one-of-kind custom feel. There is simply no substitute for taking the time to do the job right. And by "right", I mean perfect. Bottom line: seeing all of this in person was a bit overwhelming but it made me appreciate why it can take a long time to complete an instrument. Of course, this doesn't make the waiting any easier, but it is reassuring to know why the result will be worth the wait. Speaking of instruments, I would guess that there were about 150 (+/-) instruments on site in various stages of completion - some new and some visiting for a little TAC (Tender Alembic Care). No two exactly alike and every one remarkable in its own way. Here is where I need to insert a gentle "parental advisory": DO NOT visit Alembic unless you come prepared to deal with a massive and unavoidable G.A.S. attack. Trust me, there are so many fabulous "opportunities" available that even the most staunch and well-prepared individual will find it nearly impossible to resist temptation. Even though I kept my wallet on a leash while at Alembic, I found myself spending the rest of my vacation contemplating my next project... So you've been warned. All in all, visiting Alembic is a little bit like riding a scary roller coaster - the danger is part of the fun! | ||
| growlypants
Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 57 Registered: 3-2011 |
Allright. I'm moving a tour of Alembic to the TOP of my Bucket List!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11152 Registered: 5-2002 |
It's great you got to take the tour! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3411 Registered: 10-2002 |
Congrats on making the tour david. I was there with my wife last september and I can echo every sentiment - it was just like visiting family. We especially loved the 'ordered chaos' of the main workshop - my grandfather, a cabinetmaker to trade, would have felt right at home. You're right about GAS too. I've been wondering how I can finance a walnut SII ever since :-) Graeme | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3584 Registered: 6-2002 |
Repeat echo here from me . I visited there last April to collect my SII and have a factory tour. Seeing first hand the process from the wood store to finished product does make the whole experience of owning one of their instruments more special. If I was to be in a position to order a new custom, I would factor in the cost of another trip over to collect it from the Wickershams personally. Jacko, resistance is futile, it seems we both at some point will have to find a way to submit to the urge within and get a custom build before the prices go up again. Jazzyvee | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3412 Registered: 10-2002 |
I wish :-( I have a wedding to pay for in 2015 and I found out a couple of weeks ago that I'm going to be a grandad early next year. that's all my alembic savings up in smoke! Graeme | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 2122 Registered: 11-2004 |
Yeah..did it in 2000, have a load of pics as memories..great place, great people, I held Stanley Clarke's latest bass at that time(there is a pic of me with it on the forum somewhere) Need to go again before mortal time runs out | ||
| jon_jackson
Intermediate Member Username: jon_jackson Post Number: 177 Registered: 12-2008 |
A fun picture from our 2011 visit:  Jon | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 3585 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here is a link to a picture of Ron Wickersham and myself from my visit there last April. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150736543019192&set=o.2350059330&type=1&ref=nf Jazzyvee | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5516 Registered: 7-2004 |
Reading all of your posts makes me realize how fortunate I am to live just an hour south of the mothership - and have business that takes me by there fairly regularly. Among the highlights, I got to go through the wood pile and pick out the wood for my custom Further, as well as visiting it regularly during it gestation period. I've played both Stanley's Dragon Bass and David Crosby's Alembicized Guild Starfire 12. The best by far, though, has been getting to know the Wickersham extended family and all of my friends on this site. Bill, tgo | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2012 |
"ordered chaos" - perfect description of the main workshop, jacko. Good idea, growly - IMO: if you want to appreciate your Alembic even more, the tour of its birthplace should be on your bucket list. Also - not to sound like too much of a travel agent / pimp, the area in and around Santa Rosa (Sonoma, Russian River, Alexander Valley, etc.) is absolutely beautiful and is home to several fantastic wineries (if you like reds - check out Woodenhead) and some great restaurants. Alfred Hitchcock fans will also appreciate Bodega and Bodega Bay - exterior locations for some of filming for "The Birds". If you are familiar with this film, you might recognize this church...  Great friends, great instruments, great area, great food and wine = perfect vacation. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5517 Registered: 7-2004 |
And don't forget Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" which was filmed in nearby Petaluma. Bill, tgo | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 167 Registered: 6-2012 |
Bill - You are correct! Didn't have time on this trip to see the mansion featured in that film. Hmmm...one more good excuse to return (as if I needed one). | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 935 Registered: 2-2011 |
Touring the Mothership gave me a whole new appreciation for these exquisite instruments! I'm planning a return trip for next summer! | ||
| slawie
Senior Member Username: slawie Post Number: 540 Registered: 8-2002 |
If you are in the area a place you must stop at is the Culinary Institute in Santa Rosa. Try the sampler! Last time we were there we did the Russian River wine tour. Buy a glass and sample the wines at numerous wineries down the road. How civilised! slawie | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1612 Registered: 5-2002 |
I had thought Shadow of a Doubt was filmed in Santa Rosa. At least, IMDB claims that it was. Great movie! A tour is always a good thing. I'd love to go back, it's been a while (2008) since I've been there. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5518 Registered: 7-2004 |
D'oooooh! Got mixed up. SOAD was, indeed, filmed in Santa Rosa. Petaluma was one of the prinicple locations for American Graffiti. Bill, tgo | ||
| hammer
Senior Member Username: hammer Post Number: 403 Registered: 9-2009 |
And if you head south on HW 101 through Petaluma and Novato to San Raphael you'll find Terrapin Crossroads. When my son a I toured Alembic as part of his college graduation present last year we lucked out and one night were able to listen to Phil playing in a group with his son Grahame and Warren Haynes. | ||
| 5a_quilt_top
Intermediate Member Username: 5a_quilt_top Post Number: 168 Registered: 6-2012 |
Terrapin Crossroads was the last stop for us prior to departure. We spent several hours there eating, drinking and listening to live music featuring Grahame. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed, the service is attentive but not pushy and the food is quite good (traditional favorites and some surprises). Highly recommended - even if you're not a Deadhead! |
