| Author | Message | ||
| oggydoggy
Junior Username: oggydoggy Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hi everyone, This has probably been brought up before but I thought it would be a great expirence if once a year their was an alembic gathering, exposition, whatever you want to call it. It could have showcases of bass from club members and the company itself, with new ideas from alembic being prsented and much much more, Just a pipe deam probaly but I thought it might be worth discussing. Let me know what you think -Ed (The cold one in the NE) | ||
| the_schwartz
Member Username: the_schwartz Post Number: 60 Registered: 1-2003 |
I like the idea, but the logistics would be tricky. It could be held in Santa Rosa, where the company is located; or Boston, where many of the members live. But several members e.g. Paul TBO, Eddie Van Huik, Jan, etc. live in Europe. I would go if it were held in California or Las Vegas. I would go if it were held in Boston between July 1 and July 4 this year, as I will be there for a wedding/vacation (but without my beloved Alembic). Joe | ||
| oggydoggy
Junior Username: oggydoggy Post Number: 31 Registered: 3-2003 |
I would go to CA if it was an Alembic endorsed gathering. I think it would be great to see what could be if Alembic really got involved and make a in-depth workshop. The possibilities are endless. Maybe even a interactive Swap-market with club members. -Ed | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1107 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brothers, back in the dark ages of this club ...when I was a younster of 144 posts ...there was this thread: http://alembic.com/club/messages/449/2592.html The idea is still growing in my mind and Val and Mica are aware of this idea. I once send them a mail how I saw this so maybe this is the moment of sharing a little bit more and let the event grow ...well ...maybe to an achievement somehow - somewhere - eventually ... I gave it the concept/stucture of a "XXL-weekend". * Location: Belgium! I know, why Belgium? No reason at all. Just that I can make things more concrete and plannable. Somebody says "Santa Rosa" ...I'll be happy but than I will not be able to organise. Where: in an old Monastery close to the woods. At 2o km from Brussels International Airport and about 2 km from a highway. You can check http://www.la-foresta.org/ (even in english) and see for your own that there is no luxury but it is comfortable and not expensive at all. There is LOT's of room to practice, to rehearse, to follow classes etc ... . PROGRAMME (proposal) * Thursday: arrival of guests. Putting together "the Alembic guitar circle" in the evening in the main hall. Getting to know each other. Edwin Van Huik's Masterclass (see Eeee Veeee Huuuuuuuuuh???) fills the evening demo-ing on Alembic basses, amps and filters * Friday: 2 Masterclasses: A: melodical improvisations by Maarten Weyler (belgian bass-player and teacher). B: Odd-meter masterclass by our Brother Paul the Fake one (the artist formerly known as Dino). Each Class is 1/2 day and will be held 2 times so everybody can switch. Friday-evening: preparing for "Leuven: simply the bass!!!!!!" (Saturday-night). Rehearsals, teaming up with band members (we provide "side-men" as guitarplayers, singers, drummers, keyboardplayers), getting to know each other, preparing for performances. LATE NIGHT: night cap in Leuven "beer-town", the home of STELLA ARTOIS! * Saturday: 2 Masterclasses: A: Phillipe Dujembé (can be misspelled) from Kameroen on African phrasing and rhythms on bass. B. Koen Leeman of Studio C on bass-recording (the studio is on 2 km from La Foresta). Second Goal: making an Alembic models bass-sample CD for Club purposes. EVENING: "LEUVEN: SIMPLY THE BASS". (The idea is that the name "LEUVEN" is changed when the gathering is made on another place: f.i. Milwaukee, St. Tropez, Helena, ...) An evening in one of the most cozy Jazz-blues bars in Leuven with annex a BEAUTIFUL small concert-hall for the performance of the gathered bass-players. Annex the "Paul table banging empty bottles" (ha ...I knew they would come ...the one with the stocking on his head is me LOL). Sunday = end: everybody gets home/airport/trainstation etc... in the afternoon or when travel schedules makes it necessary. I will organise a parallel problem for Senior Management when also present. Visiting Leuven, Hoegaerden (brewery), Chocolate factory, mountainbiking, woodwalk ...etc ... . So ...that's the concept. I didn't got the time to make a budget so I can by no means say what it's gonna cost. But ....I'm working on that. What I said in another thread ...I have some cleaning up to do first. PROJECTED DATE: SPRING 2005 Just my two cents. Paul the bad one | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 259 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'd be willing to go anywhere. The only thing that worries me is traveling with my bass. I've never flown with an instrument before and would be nervous as hell. Did you say Chocolate factory? I'm there! Sam | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 260 Registered: 5-2002 |
Paul (TBO) that was well thought out!!!the only thing that bug's me is how much would it cost to fly to Belgium (and I would love to go to Belgium) and I would love to bring Tornadic Thunder But I would need to charter a Cargo plane to get there! maybe what we need to do is pass the jar and raise some money to help offset the cost of our Euro brothers and other overseas brothers to come here. I think Las Vegas would be the place to have it, the room are cheap , airfair is cheap, live music everywhere, and nobody would get homesick because while in LV you can pop over to Rome or Paris or Midevil England then to Egypt then 30 mile to one of the biggest damn dam in the world. and only a few hours to the Grand Canyons but no matter where it was held, it would be FUN!!! David T (TLO) | ||
| alembic76407
Advanced Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 261 Registered: 5-2002 |
here's my Program, Thursday evening: open hospitality suite start drinking, quit drinking at 4am go to bed (no basses or guitar will be allowed while drinking) Friday Noonish: roll out of bed hungover Look for buffet, eat till sick, go back to bed. Friday evening: roll your butt out of bed and take a shower then head back to the hospitality suite and start drinking some more. Saturday Morning: Sleep right through. Saturday Afternoon: Wake up feeling worse than you did friday morning. Saturday Evening; All get together and toast each other (more drinking)and tell lie's Sunday afternoon: wake up only to find your Plane leaves in one hour!!!!!!!!! David T (TLO) PS; I've been to Vegas and this is FUN (I THINK) | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 261 Registered: 11-2003 |
OK now we have an agenda that will work almost anywhere. We're set. | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1112 Registered: 9-2002 |
I tried to -hips- follow David the -burps-one agenda but it didn't work -rooooooot- out very well. Sam ...I know the guitar problem. There were some threads about it. I will organize amps, sideman and sidewomen, sleeping, food, drinks, ....but I agree that the best thing would be is to come over WITH your instrument. EVH and some other Alembic dealers over here in EU can help me a LOT in guitars and amps but ...well ...I understand ...your bass IS your bass. Brother David TLO well ...what can I say ...If I can I'll be in Vegas but than there must be an organisation team ready in Vegas. I think I'll manage over here and can make it a kind of "bass-holiday" even for your non-playing partner but ... well ...I cannot do that in Vegas or Springfield/Washington. I know ONE ting for shure: IFF it started ...it has to take over every one or 2 or 3 years. I think music in general -AND BASS PLAYING MORE SPECIFIC- will bring people more together. I REALLY believe that: Irish and English, Blacks and Whites, Iran and US, Israel and Palestines, Flemish and Walloons ...oh ...I KNOW I am a dreamer but that's what I am proud of. Face it ...if you all were not able to dream there was not ONE Alembic sold ...not the last decades ...not this year. THis is just the start of a brainstorm and believe me: I strongly believe the Alembicians will back-up! Paul the bad one | ||
| dnburgess
Intermediate Member Username: dnburgess Post Number: 190 Registered: 1-2003 |
Regarding timing - I'd like to suggest either before or after NAMM in July - as presumably a number of would be (international) participants will be going to NAMM so could take in the Alembic gathering in the same trip. Following that line of thought - Santa Rosa or Nashville would be the most convenient location. (Despite the aforementioned "charms" of Las Vegas.) | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 264 Registered: 11-2003 |
Paul, do you think the airport security dogs will react to my Zebrawood bass? That could be fun. | ||
| the_schwartz
Member Username: the_schwartz Post Number: 61 Registered: 1-2003 |
Santa Rosa would be good if there was factory involvement, e.g. factory tour, open house, demonstrations, instrument maintenance clinic, meet Stanley Clarke, special discounts on custom orders etc. Maybe excursions to nearby wineries, e.g. Sonoma-Cutrer for tastings could be arranged Perhaps jam sessions w/local musicians e.g. Mickey Hart, Bob Weir at Skywalker Ranch could be arranged. Joe | ||
| captain_jan
Junior Username: captain_jan Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2003 |
Since there is interest for a meeting on the both sides of the pond why not agree to have a meeting once a year in US (Santa Rosa?) and the next year in Europe (Belgium sounded ok?). So members who live on either area can attend a meeting every second year close to them. And if they have a chance to travel further they would then be welcomed to fly over the Atlantic for the following meeting as well. This would also make it easier for either side to organize a good meeting since they would have to arrange it only every second year. So if Europe would host this 2005 meeting then 2006 would be in US and 2007 again in Europe. But either way a meeting would be very nice to have. Jan | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 265 Registered: 11-2003 |
Ya see Jan, that's why you're a captain! Brilliant! Sam | ||
| dela217
Advanced Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 301 Registered: 6-2002 |
That is a great idea. Alternate gatherings in the US and abroad. That way it is easier for everyone. I think the meet at Alembic, or near it would be a good idea. I would go. Nashville don't sound too bad either. But I think the first time should be more near Alembic. Just my 2 cents. I don't think it has to be too extravagant. Just a hotel where everyone can stay. An afternoon tour of Alembic, dinner, set up a jam session, etc... | ||
| oggydoggy
Junior Username: oggydoggy Post Number: 32 Registered: 3-2003 |
I guess this thread was a good idea, I can see that it is pulling at some bass strings. I agree that the first meeting should be held near Alembic. It would just be a good starting off point for this annual meeting. Factory Tour!!!! -Ed | ||
| bassman10096
Intermediate Member Username: bassman10096 Post Number: 173 Registered: 7-2003 |
I'm really excited about a lot of the ideas members have suggested in this thread. I like the idea of having the first (at least) close to the mother ship and asking Alembic to help by being a part of things. I also liked Paul's suggestions regarding master classes and facilities to jam, etc. I think it would not be too hard to get non-bass musicians to come out for that. As for equipment, between the members of this Club, we are a comparatively major customer of at least some gear manufacturers. Perhaps those with local dealers would be supportive and others who sell direct (Acme, Avatar?) would want to have a presence to get more hands on exposure for their products. As we live in Milwaukee (Home of Harley-fest), my wife has made the inevitable connection with the annual Harley thing. She views it as a good thing, loves to travel and is up for an Alembic gathering. Let's keep talking. Bill | ||
| mint_bass
Member Username: mint_bass Post Number: 53 Registered: 1-2004 |
that sounds great and belguim is easy enough for me to get to but i geuss it would be cool to go to america too i think it is a good idea i look forward to hearing more | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 275 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Guys and Gals, Count me in wherever you want to have it. I'd love to do it. Peace, Dino | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 270 Registered: 11-2003 |
Alright Paul. I have a brand spanking new ATA flight case. I'm ready to come. Do you need any kind of help logistically? Dino, often when I go overseas I fly out of Boston. If that happens maybe we can hook up at the airport. Sam | ||
| kenbass4
Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 81 Registered: 10-2003 |
Hey, all. I'd love to join in, but I'm not sure I can work the logistics of an overseas trip, at least not initially. With three kids, it gets difficult (not to mention costly!) to fly. If we start out with the first meeting at Alembic, and the following year in Europe, I may be able to work through the issues by then. Ken (TEO) | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 276 Registered: 7-2002 |
Sam, By all means!!! We can at least have a bee-ah or two. FYI-That's how we say beer here in Boston!!! Peace, Dino | ||
| ajdover
Junior Username: ajdover Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2003 |
All, I'm a member of several U.S. Military Veterans organizations, and we do these things (reunions, get togethers, etc.) all the time. As a 1st Cavalry Division Association member, I've been able to participate in several 1st Cav Div Association reunions. Every other year, they hold the reunion at the 1st Cav Div's home base (Fort Hood, TX). The Association members vote on where the next reunion away from Fort Hood will be held every year. Since we have many different Association Chapters throughout the US, each chapter gets to "pitch" why the Association should hold it's "away from home base" reunion near them during reunion activities. Not saying we'd have to do the same here, but the idea of having a gathering at Santa Rosa (home base) and elsewhere (in the US, Europe, etc.) makes sense. If needed, I can inquire as to how my 1st Cav Div Association goes about arranging such a thing. There are usually several hundred, if not over a thousand attendees, so there would be many logistical considerations regardless of where it would be held. Maybe what they know could help us Alembic owners avoid many problems should we (and Mica/Ron/Susan) decide to begin such a gathering. Anyway, thought I'd mention it. Wherever it's held, I'd show up. Regards, Alan | ||
| keavin
Junior Username: keavin Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2002 |
alembic convention??? held every summer, in the birth place of alembic, SAN FRANCISCO ??? .it would be like the alembic club LIVE!!!!in golden gate park,(alembic woodstock)everyone bring your axe, sit in the grass bring beer, tell stories and somehow organize the first annual( million bass jam) of course ,it would have to hosted by a celeb alembic bassplayer, maby phil, or stanly ???. or whoever, it seems like ron (wickersham) started somthing with these alembic guitars!!! | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1157 Registered: 9-2002 |
Every YEAR in SAN FRANSISCO? Oh ...huh ...no ...not for me . San Fransisco ...ok ...but not EVERY year. I love Alan's idea. Although ...brothers and sisters: you all have to realize that something has to ORGANIZE this. I'll tell you 1 thing: Alembic won't do it! Logic: they have their hands full producing the guitars and basses we love. So who? How much? I worked some parts out and believe: establiching a program is the EASY part ...organising is something COMPLETELY different. Ask Alan! I was/am candidate to organise and start working for a gathering THIS side of the pond. Who is in US? Or Japan? Or Australia? Paul the bad one | ||
| keavin
Junior Username: keavin Post Number: 26 Registered: 12-2002 |
yeah paul, your rite, because im all the way in chicago, and its not easy traveling these days,we are all over the world, theres thousands of us. but one good thing , we all have a online brotherhood!! everybody drink up!!!!!!! | ||
| bracheen
Advanced Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 284 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'm in Paul. As you know Debi and I both have itchy feet. Sorry, American expression. Debi and I both like to travel. I'm just worried about getting there, plugging in my Epic, and everyone thinking "who sold this fool a bass?" There's a bunch of REAL musicians in the group. I think it is a terrific opportunity for a hobbyist like me. Sam | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1158 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brother Sam ...my old brother Paul the fake one (the artist formerly known as Dino) once siad the wise words to me: "everybody can learn something from everybody, it's depending from ears and mind". So ... I propose the two of us will join in the most steady 1-5,1-5,1-5,1-5,1-5 ever heard on this earth ...and the rest of the bunch can clicketingtwnagbam..crrr-crrr-crrr-hastahasthashta-miiiiiiiiiiooooooouw - ploing the higher frets. There will be no money anyway, neither above or below the 5th fret. LOL Paul the bad one PS me too I'm a bit concerned about Bonnie but, you know ...there will be a lot of texts in this threads before this is gonna happen I guess. | ||
| dean_m
Advanced Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 287 Registered: 7-2002 |
Thank you brother Paul for the quote. It's not about how you play, just the fact that you love doing it. And we can all learn something from everyone!!! Peace, dino | ||
| kenbass4
Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 86 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sam, Paul, Dino, etc. We're ALL hobbyists...it's just that some people get PAID while doing it. On a bumper sticker... "Real Musicians have day jobs" | ||
| captain_jan
Junior Username: captain_jan Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hey all, been outside this conversation for a while but not too late to rejoin I hope. An annual meeting seems to be something all of us would enjoy, but as Paul TBO put in words someone has to arrange it all somewhere. So, we have the following questions that hopefully could be answered and agreed upon in order to get started: 1. where? 2. when? 3. who will organize it? 4. arrangements for the next meeting? 1. As already guessed the Alembic facory will most likely not have enough time to assist in this I think it still could be the proper place to start the gathering. Whatever the place(s) are in the future they all should be easily (and affordably) accessible by the members, also for the ones coming from oversea destinations. This would mean places like bigger cities or close to them. 2. The timetable for this event should be agreed well in advance so that as many members would be able to join. Also for the arrangers to know how many of us are really going to join it. Since most likely a number of us will bring our "better-halfs" on a nice trip to US/Europe if not to join the meeting, at least for some serious shopping while we're busy playing the basses! This means more accommondation to be arranged for the visitors. 3. To arrange all this, including the program (which is the easiest and nicest part!) I think one person is not really enough. A group of two to four people should put their heads together and each one of them have their own thing to arrange, catering, hotels, transportation, programs an so on. This is to be done by a volunteer basis, or how should we thank these persons who have done the meeting possible? (Buy them free beer...!) 4. And if this is gonna be an annual thing then where is the next meeting, and when and by who? Time goes so fast and before we even know it it's time for someone to do it all again! So, maybe a meeting later this year in Santa Rosa and the next year in Belgium? I vote for Paul TBO to be the headmaster for the 2006 gathering but he must have someone to help him (and if he wants to be the headmaster!?). I am willing to assist in any way I can. But who could be willing to pull the US meeting this year, or should all this be postponed to next year instead? I have no idea how much time all these things would take to arrange but in theory it's possible to have a gathering in the coming autumn if we just get started now. But, I am sure no matter how "good" or "bad" we consider ourselves as bass players it does not matter. The main thing is to meet people, see & play the basses and to feel the music and the groove we all can create! All the Bass Jan | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 1160 Registered: 9-2002 |
Brothers and sisters ...now you see why I'm in communication and he (Jan) is a captain: it's about talking about and doing it! About the jester and the king. In my new job I'm the co-manager of an Event company and I LEARNED already that organising is HEAVILY UNDERESTIMATED! Paul the bad one PS: it could be possible for the autumn but already a risk. Valentino and MIca already discussed this a bit with me and we thought that between official start of organisation and effectively gathering must be about a year/9 months. | ||
| captain_jan
Junior Username: captain_jan Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2003 |
Yes, I agree. It really might take some time to pull it together. So this would mean the first gathering would be in 2005? Rather do good planning and get as many people as possible together instead of something half done. Paul TBO, your program/location was really cool. So I guess at least the European gathering has already some things sorted out whenever that's going to be! But...Who wants be the lead person for the first meeting in the US? all the bass Jan | ||
| bucky
Intermediate Member Username: bucky Post Number: 102 Registered: 6-2003 |
Hey Guys: Count me in. . on either coast! Jeff Small Standard Bass SN 74-52 |
