| Author | Message | ||
| basicvoo
Junior Username: basicvoo Post Number: 17 Registered: 7-2009 |
Went on the factory tour today. It's a little more than an hours drive up from Oakland, and the butterflys started before I left. I was a little early and they were expecting a few more guests, so Mary fixed me up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. (I don't think i've ever turned down a cup of coffee in my life)! Thanks again. Bob took over, taking us through the shop. I think he genuinely enjoyed fielding some knowledgeable questions. At one point he said he might just be a little jaded, being around this stuff all the time. Mica took over in the showroom. I had a question as to why cherry doesn't seem to be used more. Interestingly enough, her personal bass has some cherry from a board and a story of it's own. It's just incredible... the smell of the wood... the instruments in all their phases coming to life. At every stage I must resist this urge to take a bite out of 'em... It's pretty humbling, knowing the talent that has passed this way. At the same time they all made me feel like I was just an old friend, stopping by to say hello. I can't promise you the same experience, but if you ever get the chance..... | ||
| bob
Senior Member Username: bob Post Number: 857 Registered: 11-2002 |
Boy, does that bring back memories. I think it was on my first visit, I was desperate for some coffee, trying to figure it out myself - and Mary came over to save me. Unfortunately, with three visits so far, I have yet to meet Bob - seems his schedule varies with the seasons, so he can spray in the optimal temperature and humidity conditions, and thus far we've been out of synch. But it is a truly wonderful place, and I expect we'll eventually connect. | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 972 Registered: 11-2004 |
25th September 2000...the date of my visit, never forget it, have the pics and signed catalogue from the family, even held Stan Clarke's bass before it was being shipped to him(I think Mica was taking it to him personally) On my 'bucket list' before I go to the great gig in the sky. | ||
| jx2638
Junior Username: jx2638 Post Number: 41 Registered: 2-2008 |
Is it odd to feel excitement just reading this??? Just moved to So Cal and can't wait to find my way up to HQ. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8497 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congrats Thomas! I love hearing about shop tours! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2009 |
I will never forget my visit to Santa Rosa. I just wish my Mother was alive to meet such a wonderful family. My heart will always be with the Wickersham and the people of Alembic. I support them 100%. Susan and I attended the same High School... San Mateo High! I remember the great Count Basie and his Orchestra played at our High School and that same year, our Marching band took 1st places... The year was 1979! I was playing the big bass back in those days at SMHS. Yes sir, The Wickersham family are the best and I was amazed of their shop... I felt like Pinocchio, Figero, and Geppetto was somewhere inside. Alembic make dreams come true... | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Junior Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 40 Registered: 7-2009 |
How much lead up time does one need for a tour? I am thinking of heading down that way soon. | ||
| basicvoo
Junior Username: basicvoo Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2009 |
link to tour info: www.alembic.com/family/directions.html Funny, I just looked through -Meet the Staff part of the web site, four days after meeting them. The Empire Strikes Backwards. |
