| Author |
Message |
811952
Senior Member
Username: 811952
Post Number: 642
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 1:58 pm: |  |
He's strapped to the front of a boat somewhere.. ;) |
osoloco69
Junior
Username: osoloco69
Post Number: 29
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 28, 2006 - 6:25 pm: | |
My friend had to repair Lucille for BB a few years back. In a storm she got at the bottom of a trailor that was flipped over and filled with water. Bad bad condition. She was fixed and is in playing order. Just thought yall would like the story, cause it seemed pertinant. |
mpisanek
Intermediate Member
Username: mpisanek
Post Number: 144
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2006 - 1:28 am: | |
I think this will turn out to become one of those urban legends! A bass spends weeks underwater, comes out, is plugged in, and really works! Only an Alembic!
I would try to leave the bass as original as possible. Keep the scars.
The only thing I might add is that you should definitely take the advice of the people in the know here. I believe that with a combination of your personal ideas, and the expertise that Alembic has, that you will have an instrument that is amazing! Different from the original in some respects, but amazing, none the less! |
serialnumber12
Advanced Member
Username: serialnumber12
Post Number: 364
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 3:30 am: | |
I cant wait to see the final product on this one the finish reminds me of my finish being that it has worn off over the years. |
bigbadbill
Advanced Member
Username: bigbadbill
Post Number: 225
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 2:30 pm: | |
Paul TBO, underneath that alias I suspect you may actually be more "good" than the rest of us combined... |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 2295
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 3:18 pm: | |
Nono ...i am bad ...really bad ...bad bad bad bad bad bad ...oh am I bad
P |
bob
Senior Member
Username: bob
Post Number: 585
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, February 20, 2006 - 9:34 pm: | |
No he's not, he just likes to say that. |
bigbass
Member
Username: bigbass
Post Number: 93
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 11:52 am: | |
I guess that settles that.... |
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee
Post Number: 1021
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:37 pm: | |
Bah - I came here looking for an update and all I get is off topic drivel!!! 
Seriously, though, any progress on this one yet? I think this may be the most intriguing construction job in the works.
-Bob |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 3094
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:45 pm: | |
This is on hold a for little while I do some more research about wood conservation and restoration. I've got a couple of books to sift through first, then we'll have enough information to decide how to proceed. |
j_gary
Intermediate Member
Username: j_gary
Post Number: 192
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 25, 2006 - 9:36 am: | |
Hi Mica, I've got an idea, so run!
How about an Alembic "Relic" series? This Hurricane Alembic could be the model for a new line of basses. It appears this same crazy idea is working elseware in the bass world. Mike would have an instant "collectors item", if indeed he does not already.
Okay, I'll be quiet now.
Mike, a darn shame what happened to the old girl as she was a beauty. Now she is a living legend, good luck! |
s_wood
Intermediate Member
Username: s_wood
Post Number: 191
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 03, 2006 - 11:35 am: | |
As a person who really appreciates a well-made bass, nothing makes me more crazy than the whole "Relic" concept. Why in the world would someone take a nice new bass and beat the hell out of it? Even weirder to me is the idea that someone would actually pay more for a bass that has been abused at the factory!
On the other hand, the whole concept behind the restoration of Michael's bass is so cool I can't even talk about it! What a wonderful vibe and story that bass will have when it's done. Tiumph of the human spirit, and all of that... |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 640
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 03, 2006 - 11:56 am: | |
Steve - That is EXACTLY how I feel. Even more so than musical instruments, I don't care for distressed furniture. Antiques that have not been refinished are one thing, but to take a new piece and make it look old is beyond me.
Michael |
jack
Member
Username: jack
Post Number: 51
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, April 03, 2006 - 4:33 pm: | |
The best is when they do it with blue jeans and charge 80 bucks a pair. All the rage here in NYC.
I really hope this bass pulls through.
-Jack |
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko
Post Number: 754
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 3:01 pm: | |
I've just been watching a BBC programme about hermann Leonard and his attempts to rebuild his collection of 10,000 or so prints of Jazz musicians. Aside from Leonards obvious losses, the programme spent alot of time dwelling on the after effects of katrina and how, even now nothing is being done by the government. I was especially moved by the plight of residents of the lower 9th district Which appears to have been the worst hit. Outside of the states, we've pretty much forgotten about the problems in New Orleans. For instance, we're not told that that the national guard have had to be brought back to control the escalating violence.
I found it amazing that the residents of New Orleans felt it absolutely neccessary to go ahead with mardi Gras this year despite the obvious difficulties. This programme has highlighted the problems in New orleans to me more than any news item.
Which, in a roundabout kind of way, brings me to wonder what has happened to Micheal's series 1?
Graeme |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 703
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 18, 2006 - 5:55 pm: | |
Graeme - It really is still a mess here. But it is definately getting better. There are houses in my neighborhood that had to be torn down because of structural damage. I am still not in my home and it is coming up on a year since the storm! You are right. What is called the Lower 9th ward was the worst hit. But there are other areas with just as much devestation. It is strange that some areas did not get ANY flood water, but just a couple of blocks away, the water was up to the second story. I guess you guys can tell, I have had my fill of Katrina. Since the day I came back to this area, I have been working to rebuild. Both my house, and where I work. Hopefully we will be blessed in the future and not have another natural disaster.
On the bright side is that all of my neighbors have become much closer. It is though we are unified, all helping each other. Before the storm, I had dificulty hanging a picture. Now I am a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and brick layer! I have to admit that it has been quite a learning expierence.
Everyone here felt that Mardi Gras was neccessary and important. It HAD to go on. I was thrilled to be a part of it. I had the opportunity to play bass in the Krewe of Endymion. What a rush!!!
The national guard was called in early on because the city was lawless. People looting, and killing each other for gasoline. Pity. For a while though we were back on our feet with no help, but the crime got out of control. There were many murders every night. As soon as people started fixing up their houses, the stealing started. Folks were stealing wiring and copper pipes out of houses just to sell it by the pound! It got REAL bad. I am glad the Nationl Guard was called back. They really make a difference around here. I go out of my way to let them know how much they are appreciated here.
I am very lucky.
Michael |
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic
Post Number: 2449
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 1:30 am: | |
Bro Michael, I am with you and supporting on a distance. The National Geographic did an astonishing and breathtaking articl eonthe Katrina visit in New Orleans.
I was really wooried knowing you -and other friends- were in that mess!
Keep the good faith!
Paul TBO |
jorge_s
Member
Username: jorge_s
Post Number: 91
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 8:15 pm: | |
One of the few positive things for me about Katrina was that a little while back, Michael and I had the oportunity to have a little post-hurricane Alembic show-and-tell. We got to take a little breather from re-building and shared some of our instruments. Michael is such an expert. I have to say I learn something new about Alembic every time I talk to him. It is too bad neither of us had a camera that day. It was very nice to meet him in person as well as his lovely family. By the way Michael I do have a bass I would like to show you. I am out of town at the moment but I'll call you when I get there. |
smokin_dave
Advanced Member
Username: smokin_dave
Post Number: 281
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 10:15 pm: | |
Thank you so much for that last post Michael.I'm sorry you and others are in that mess too but thanks for being a window into what seems to be another world.Like a science fiction tale.I just wish everybody Godspeed in getting they're lives back in order in New Orleans.Plus I hope 73-30 get's back to you soon.
To you and Jorge I say,Chin up. |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 4294
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 20, 2006 - 9:06 am: | |
Apparently there is a new Spike Lee documentary about Katrina on HBO. Unfortunately I don't get HBO, but my guess is that for those who do, it will be well worth watching. |
rooney
New
Username: rooney
Post Number: 3
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 9:29 am: | |
If suggestions for what to do with the bass are still being taken, then I'd like to suggest that it be made to look new again, but have some sort of inlay to commemorate(sp?) this event. |
ajish4
Member
Username: ajish4
Post Number: 95
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 10:28 am: | |
Like little MOP hurricane shape inlays?
(Message edited by ajish4 on August 21, 2006) |
rooney
New
Username: rooney
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2006
| | Posted on Monday, August 21, 2006 - 10:35 am: | |
I was actually just thinking that, or possibly something a bit more complex like a body inlay. It's up to the owner though. |
keavin
Senior Member
Username: keavin
Post Number: 908
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 6:02 am: | |
I'd like to see some progress photos. |
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan
Post Number: 1011
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 6:30 am: | |
It's been mangled by something named after Saint Catherine, so a wheel might be an appropriate image -
Found here: http://www.catholic-forum.com/Saints/stc01001.htm |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 705
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 6:45 am: | |
I like both those inlay ideas! But, I am leaving it in Alembic's hands. When I talked to Mica last, I told her to do whatever they think is best to bring it back to life.
From what I saw of that bass after the flood, I really thought I was just going to throw it away. I had real doubts about it ever being playable again. When I first talked with Mica about this projest, she told me "Send us your worst one." I feel that this one was the worst damaged of the bunch. If it can be salvaged at all, I will be thrilled.
Michael |
jubeas3eyes
Junior
Username: jubeas3eyes
Post Number: 22
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 7:53 pm: | |
This is like "pimp my ride"! Well...except you have to pay for it... |
jtussing
Junior
Username: jtussing
Post Number: 11
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, January 07, 2007 - 7:01 am: | |
Just read through this wonderful set of posts. Michael, I hope things are improving for you all down there.
Any news on the progress so far? |
cozmik_cowboy
Advanced Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy
Post Number: 204
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 11:09 am: | |
How's this coming along?
Peter |
dela217
Senior Member
Username: dela217
Post Number: 835
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Monday, September 24, 2007 - 7:24 pm: | |
I have not heard any news. I will have to call Mica and check on things. |
lindoom
Junior
Username: lindoom
Post Number: 19
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2008 - 9:11 am: | |
just to keep this on the radar. anything to report? |
serialnumber12
Senior Member
Username: serialnumber12
Post Number: 733
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 3:50 am: | |
any progress on this one Mike? |
altgrendel
Intermediate Member
Username: altgrendel
Post Number: 123
Registered: 5-2008
| | Posted on Friday, June 25, 2010 - 9:18 am: | |
Curiosity bump. |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 22
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Monday, June 28, 2010 - 7:19 pm: | |
I remember seeing that bass when I was in the planning stages of my bass. I am extremely interested in the restoration of that beautiful and rare Alembic shorty.
It just goes to show just how strong and well build Alembics are, and being that some of the wood selections are from hurricane areas, that's in it self, is an agreement with nature's fury.
With so many inspirational, and beautiful stories of New Orleans; and its many tragedies, this bass is a wonderful example of symbolic musical quality, from the birth place of Jazz.
I also remember touching this bass, and sadly remembering the people who lost their whole way of life. Yes, this bass is special to me too and it represent something "still standing, and still strong" as the great people of New Orleans.
Peace and Love,
Hal-
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on June 28, 2010) |
count
Member
Username: count
Post Number: 97
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 7:12 am: | |
How did this story end, or is it still ongoing.? |
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko
Post Number: 3395
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 7:16 am: | |
I saw the bass in the workshop last september.It still needed a whole lot of love to bring it back to life.
Graeme |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 11116
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - 5:07 pm: | |
My recollection is that in addition to a whole lot of love, there is a whole lot of research and testing involved as well. |
edwin
Senior Member
Username: edwin
Post Number: 1884
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 2:39 pm: | |
Any further word on this one? |
mica
Moderator
Username: mica
Post Number: 8352
Registered: 6-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, December 21, 2014 - 9:05 pm: | |
I was just looking at this bass with Keith today when he picked up his Starfire. Still salt oozing out of the endgrain, but it's slowed enough that I'm just about confident enough to start taking the sucker apart.
It was crusting up every month with salt. My adviser on the project suggested waiting until it took 6 months to crust. We're about at that point. Will be nice to get this bass going strong again! |
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page