| Author | Message | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8267 Registered: 6-2000 |
We are starting !!  Sorry for huge picture size- I will resize later (or Adriaan will) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11508 Registered: 5-2002 |
Say hello to everyone for me please! | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 769 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wow, now that's a cat tree !!!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3577 Registered: 10-2002 |
WOw! wish I could have been there. Graeme | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Junior Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 47 Registered: 6-2014 |
The 5-string Rogue (?) with the creme MXY's (?) is fetching. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8269 Registered: 6-2000 |
OK, I'm getting my pictures together just now. I thought I'd post more during the Gathering - but I didn't manage to steal away very much. Here's the setting, atop the Berkeley Hills. Many of us kept going to the window and outlooks just to appreciate the wonderful setting.  Mount Diablo | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8270 Registered: 6-2000 |
It was pretty hot when folks started to arrive. So we mostly just stayed hydrated and talked until the shade hit the canopy around 2:00  Wolf and Ron, the green shirt club. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8271 Registered: 6-2000 |
As more people arrived, the population of amazing guitars and basses began to expand.  1972 through 2014 builds represented here. (Corrected the date range with Bill's prompting - serves me right for trying to talk on the phone and post pictures at the same time!) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8272 Registered: 6-2000 |
It was 2:00 and the music started. Even though we were going to take the group picture at 2:00, the time was right for tunes.  Wolf plays his Zebrawood Distillate. Every time I hear this bass, I am amazed at how full the tone is. I probably should be amazed any more, but these instruments still surprise me after all these years. Also, Wolf is a fantastic musician, so that's got to be the largest portion of the enjoyable tone. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8273 Registered: 6-2000 |
 Matt playing his Zebrawood Series I guitar. Likewise with Matt. Sweet tone! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8274 Registered: 6-2000 |
Finally started to get the pictures going at around 3:00 or so. First a few smaller group shots.  Sam taking a small group picture of Wolf, Nate, and Ken.  Tina, Barbara, Sarah, and Eileen enjoying the day Then the "Painted Ladies" as they were known  Eric and Dave with their lovely tinted Alembics. Not quite like herding cats, but we did manage to get the group shot. This was at Sam's request because we usually have no agenda at all, so even though we were an hour late taking the photo, it really happened!  Group shot of all the players that came with at least one instrument from each. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8275 Registered: 6-2000 |
The splinter group of Alembicized Fenders gathered for their picture.  Jerry, Harry, and Matt. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8276 Registered: 6-2000 |
Deep, technical discussions always abound at these events.  Ron and Jerry. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8277 Registered: 6-2000 |
Time to get back to music!  Harry plays his Walnut/Bubinga Stanley Clarke 5 Harry also played drums, but I didn't get a picture of him. I tried hard to get a "Band of Gypsies" trio set up, maybe next year, guys! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8278 Registered: 6-2000 |
OK, if memory serves, I believe they were playing Sugaree.  Jerry and Matt. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8279 Registered: 6-2000 |
Time to unwind and look at the view upside-down!  Will getting ready to invert. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8280 Registered: 6-2000 |
After a short consultation with Ron, Matt's Fender is ready to repair.  Matt and Ron. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8281 Registered: 6-2000 |
And at the end, we all just enjoyed the wonderful setting.  Harry and Mika returning from their walk. The day was beautiful, filled with beautiful smiling faces and beautiful music. I didn't get pictures of the downstairs jam, so I hope some more images start getting posted. Thank you everyone for coming and making this just a really great day! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5828 Registered: 7-2004 |
Mica wrote: "1973 through 2014 builds represented here" Actually, there were even two representatives from 1972, #10 & #12, together in the same room for the first time in 42 years! Sam took a pic of the two old warriors together which I suspect will be posted here in the near future. Senior Management and I were delighted to welcome all of the wonderful people and amazing instruments to our new home. I think all the activity scared away the wildlife for the day (though I heard of one deer sighting), but our raft of wild turkeys were back again on Sunday. Bill, tgo | ||
| kenbass4
Senior Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 431 Registered: 10-2003 |
(Tried to post earlier, but got the file locking error...probably Mica posting her pictures!) I wanted to thank Bill and his wife for putting up with all of us, and of course Mica, Ron and the rest of the alembic crew for giving us such inspirational works of art. I had a great time (as always) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4222 Registered: 6-2002 |
Looks like you guys had a blast. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11515 Registered: 5-2002 |
Pictures!!!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11516 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wonderful pics Mica! The variety of shots you have of people, instruments, and ambiance helps give a good feel of the day. It makes me happy just seeing the pictures! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3603 Registered: 5-2009 |
My sincere thanks to Bill & Tina for having us . I also would like to thank Ron & Mica for all that they do every day to support us in so many ways in addition to those wonderful conversations that I always learn something new from . | ||
| mtjam
Advanced Member Username: mtjam Post Number: 201 Registered: 11-2011 |
Looks like everyone had a great time. I hope to meet all of you one day! Keep those pictures coming! The 5-string Rogue looks a lot like the one that Will Gunn has for sale on his website. | ||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 380 Registered: 11-2011 |
Oh what fun this looks like all is having! Relatively new to the Alembic world and no doubt outclassed musically by this amazing group. I do so need to get to one of these events. I almost feel like I know a few of you enough already! Being outclassed never stopped me before and what an experience it would be. Peace and Joy to you all, Pete | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3604 Registered: 5-2009 |
 #12 ! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1314 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks for the pictures Mica! It looks like a great turn out & great time for everyone! Wolf, loving the new beard trim! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3605 Registered: 5-2009 |
 Jerry's Jazz ! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3606 Registered: 5-2009 |
HI Rusty ! ____ Thanks __, from time to time my face shrub gets a new look . | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1315 Registered: 2-2011 |
Always great to see you Wolf, in all of your incarnations! | ||
| oddmetersam
Advanced Member Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 366 Registered: 7-2008 |
Here's my group shot. There were still a number of instruments being played outdoors or downstairs.  Three of Ken's basses on display.  Wolf and his Distillate, Nate and his new pride and joy and Ken with his series II Rogue.  Closeups of Nate's and Ken's spectacular instruments.  Nate's scorpion bodied monster! Like all the other instruments on hand, pictures don't even remotely do justice to the sheer beauty of an Alembic.  Eric and Dave  Mica and Ron share a laugh. These gatherings are the highlight of my year!  My bass is the one being held by Ron in one of Mica's pictures. The experience was so intense, she had to have a cigarette, afterwards!  Bill, our gracious host, shows off the exquisite back woods of "Woody". This guitar is a stringed jewel.  Bill, Matt and Wolf getting down to business.  Matt  Wolf's single pickup Distillate. Echoing Mica's comments, I told Wolf at the gathering that I love his tone.  Harry and Will. Harry is equally adept at pick playing as well fingerstyle and can transition seamlessly between the two.  I apologize for not remembering this gentleman's name but he was BLAZING on guitar!  David Pinto brought a rare 5-string Ampeg Baby Bass.  As mentioned earlier, rare circumstance reunited Alembic #12 on the left and #10 on the right after about 42 years. Incredible mojo!  | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1316 Registered: 2-2011 |
Awesome pictures Sam! Thanks for sharing! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3607 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello Sam it was great to see you there ! Thanks ___ . I am sorry that we did not get to speak a little more there . The fellow wearing the white hat and playing a PRS is Steve . He is indeed quite a talented guitar player and a Master of controlled feedback and the whammy bar ____ besides his vast playing ability spanning a wide genre of styles from jazz standards to various jam band styles ; Dead / Quicksilver... etc ... ... I have been playing with him in various musical configurations for a few years now . He attended the 2012 Gathering as well . (Message edited by sonicus on September 15, 2014) | ||
| alemberic
Intermediate Member Username: alemberic Post Number: 113 Registered: 6-2006 |
Bill and Tina, thank you so much for your hospitality and for putting up with all of us! It's been a few years since I was able to attend the NorCal gathering, and it was great reconnecting with a few Alembecians I knew, as well as meeting new ones. As always, thank you Mica, Ron, and the entire Alembic staff for everything you do, and have done, for so many years, with such a commitment to quality. Long live Alembic. Eric | ||
| oddmetersam
Advanced Member Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 367 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hey, Rusty! I've been off the music grid for about a month and it's great to get back in the swing of things. Glad you're doing well and your own bass is already creating quite a stir! Wolf, always a pleasure to see you. Thanks for the heads up regarding Steve. I'd met him before but I'm terrible with names.... | ||
| kenbass4
Senior Member Username: kenbass4 Post Number: 432 Registered: 10-2003 |
Okay, here's a weird serendipity moment... Steve, who I've now met twice at Alembic gatherings, lives a quarter mile from me! He asked casually what town I lived in, replied with "So do we! What Street? So do we!" Alembic does, literally, make the world smaller! :-) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11517 Registered: 5-2002 |
Sam and Wolf, thanks for posting more pics! I'm really enjoying seeing the faces, the instruments, the ambiance. | ||
| growlypants
Intermediate Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 101 Registered: 3-2011 |
Indeed! Thanks a ton, - it's so nice to see these pics! (SOME day...) | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 1265 Registered: 6-2006 |
Are thos Sierra Nevada Torpedoes I see on the table in front of the 'audience'? Mmmm - oh and those instruments look delicious also. :-D #12 was there without Keavin? I think I recall him saying it was going back to the Mothership for some work . . . | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5829 Registered: 7-2004 |
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. And wherever #12 is, Keavin is there in spirit. So, when do we start planning NorCal 2015? lol Bill, tgo | ||
| jcdlc72
Advanced Member Username: jcdlc72 Post Number: 381 Registered: 11-2009 |
Oh, the envy of it all!!!. Hopefully I will attend one of these meetings someday. I will be delighted of sharing in person wih the entire Alembicians family! Greets! | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1317 Registered: 2-2011 |
Good to see you back Sam! All your pictures are awesome, but I especially like the one of Mica & Ron & Nate's Scorpion is to die for!! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11519 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yes; the picture of Mica and Ron is very cool! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3580 Registered: 10-2002 |
Sandra's asked for more photos of the house Bill and she says hi to Tina and Mica. Seems vastly different to the old place. Roll on the 2017 get together. Let me know the date soon and I'll make sure I'm there :-) Graeme | ||
| oddmetersam
Advanced Member Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 368 Registered: 7-2008 |
Rusty and Dave Thanks for the comments, guys! | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1414 Registered: 1-2005 |
I had a great time - it was pretty hot the first few hours and it was affecting me somewhat - I didn't take as many pictures as usual, and didn't feel like myself until a few hours in. Here are a few shots my wife Mika took of various parts of our surroundings: We started to get some shade... Here's the side of the house - leads down to the basement area, plus you can see the valley in the background. Bill TGO - did we beat the record for parked cars? This was the view if you looked up | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1415 Registered: 1-2005 |
I did take a few instrument shots! Ken in the basement - his bass sounded great through his SF-2 going into the Traynor bass amp Bill has in the basement:  Don's small body (not sure what model to call it) - if I have the story straight, the horns are modeled on a graphite necked instrument that was at a previous Gathering:  His bass sounded great - he was playing through my GK MB112 II, which we had cranked pretty loud! That's one of the things I like about the Gathering is to get to hear different instruments played through different gear! (Message edited by hieronymous on September 16, 2014) | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4225 Registered: 6-2002 |
Jacko, if I can persuade my better half to come along to a meeting of harmless, friendly alembic nerds, that could be a good time for my second visit in 2017 | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Junior Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2014 |
I hate picking favorites with this crowd, but (Eric's?) sunburst maple is breathtaking. Wow! Ordinarily I just like too see beautiful wood speak for itself, but that finish is really something. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11520 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Harry, and thanks to Mika too! Glad you got to feeling better. | ||
| eligilam
Senior Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 423 Registered: 2-2006 |
Nate's Giant Scorpion = my new favorite...WANT | ||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 1268 Registered: 6-2006 |
Never met an ugly Alembic . . . There is something about the clean, 'simple' look of Wolf's single pickup Distillate that is appealing. Is that a short scale on it? It looks diminutive next to Nate and Ken's basses. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3609 Registered: 5-2009 |
HI Paul , Thanks ! My single pickup Distillate is medium scale. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3610 Registered: 5-2009 |
 | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3611 Registered: 5-2009 |
 | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3612 Registered: 5-2009 |
 | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3613 Registered: 5-2009 |
 | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Senior Member Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 929 Registered: 5-2007 |
What a gathering! From the scorpion to Wolf's Distillate to the great # 12! Wish you all would come visit me in Washington, D.C. VMG | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1084 Registered: 12-2004 |
what's the electronic layout on that funky lefty jazz bass? | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1085 Registered: 12-2004 |
what's the electronic layout on that funky lefty jazz bass? | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1417 Registered: 1-2005 |
I was wondering the same thing (Re: the lefty Jazz) - Jerry said that it's stereo, with the Alembic pickup in one channel (and receiving power from the blue box) and the Jazz pickups passive through the other channel of the blue box. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 3584 Registered: 10-2002 |
Nice photos wolf. Good to see Harry's doubleneck getting pride of place. Hard to believe I played that a couple of years ago. Love the purpleheart Rogue; same headstock as mine too :-) Is that a sitar in the background? Anybody brave enough to try it out? Graeme | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3619 Registered: 5-2009 |
Thanks Graeme , I still look forward to meeting you ! I would also like to thank Mr. Barnes Ray (serialnumber12) for letting us see his awesome bass in person ! (Message edited by sonicus on September 19, 2014) | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1418 Registered: 1-2005 |
Graeme, we look forward to when you can make a return trip! Actually, I was thinking that there is one thing I don't like about the Gatherings - they end too soon! This past week I felt depressed, because I kept wishing I was back at the Gathering. I'm only half-kidding! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3624 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hello friends ! You are now provided with some LIVE audio on SoundClound from the 2014 Alembic Gathering ! https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/2014-alembic-gathering-1 | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5834 Registered: 7-2004 |
Wolf: Big THANKS!!!! I didn't know it was recorded. Bill, tgo | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1324 Registered: 2-2011 |
WOW Wolf!! That sounds incredible!! Y'all sound like a polished touring band, not an impromptu jam! The rumors are true, your bass sounds amazing & your playing is impeccable! Everyone in the band played great! You guys should keep this band going & play gigs! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3625 Registered: 5-2009 |
Bill , It was easy to bribe a few Ravens to place those microphones in the trees ! ___ __LOL ! Rusty , thank you so very much ! Your heartfull input is always a joy to read ! | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11523 Registered: 5-2002 |
Very cool Wolf! Thanks for sharing! | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5835 Registered: 7-2004 |
Everyone playing in the recording are people I've been lucky to have played in bands with previously. All excellent players with excellent ears. It's amazing how different a three guitar line-up can sound in a Grateful Dead context vs. the typical three guitar hard rock line-up! Wolf & I play together often with a rotating cast of players. It's always a blast - I too love the sound of Wolf's Distillate and what he does with it. Bill, tgo | ||
| flpete1uw
Advanced Member Username: flpete1uw Post Number: 387 Registered: 11-2011 |
Wolf, I and don't think it was the Ravens! That really sounded awesome Guys! Rusty is right that is as good or even better than be asked for in an impromptu band! Kudos Kudos!! Bill, even so great job! Now I've to see if I can get my Distillate to sound like that! Pete | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1087 Registered: 12-2004 |
 | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1088 Registered: 12-2004 |
Honk if you love alembic guitars! | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1089 Registered: 12-2004 |
Honk if you love Alembic guitars! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3627 Registered: 5-2009 |
Back@ you #12 ! We gave your bass lots of love & admiration !  | ||
| smokin_dave
Advanced Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 390 Registered: 10-2002 |
One day I hope to attend a gathering because they look like so much FUN.Great pictures everyone and I want a sticker or several for that matter. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 1090 Registered: 12-2004 |
Mica or Susan are the sticker ladies give them a call. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3633 Registered: 5-2009 |
And there we have it ! Another live recording of Alembic Gathering 2014 Part #2 https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/2014-alembic-gathering-2 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11526 Registered: 5-2002 |
Another cool tune! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3635 Registered: 5-2009 |
In a capsulation this event was a Blast . Bill & Tina really stepped to the plate and came to the rescue in providing us a place to do it on the projected date. I again would like to thank Mica for her kindness and incredible insight, Ron for his unprecedented abilities of innovation , conversational interest and inspiration to me ( I learn something from him at every conversation ) and of course all the Alembic Brothers & Sisters who make it all a continuous adventure and delight at the Gatherings and on a daily basis who work at Alembic Inc . Kudos all around ! Wolf | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3637 Registered: 5-2009 |
And now ; LIVE audio of Alembic Gathering 2014 Part#3 ( The"Raven" kept flapping around with the microphone on this one so the pick up pattern is a bit rough .)  https://soundcloud.com/sonicus-alembicus/alembic-gathering-3 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 11530 Registered: 5-2002 |
Nice vocal! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 3673 Registered: 5-2009 |
I would also like to thank Rosie McGee for attending our Gathering. I am enjoying reading her book and I am grateful for having her autograph it for me , to me . http://www.rosiemcgee.com/ Wolf |
