Bummer, I was hoping you would be there Wolf.
 
I still hope to attend - there is a chance that the rain might slow down my return from Visalia, but hopefully that won't be the case!

Thanks so much to Bill for hosting us! We had a wonderful time. It was great to meet everyone (and see old friends) and play some really fantastic instruments!
 
It has inspired me to try to make it out for the big gathering in May, if I can get a cheap ticket and find some accommodations.

It was great having a few Alembic nuts over.  Some very cool instruments, but I think little Xander stole the show!
 
As for the big one in May, we've got a futon in the living room, Edwin. It may not be the fanciest, but the price is right.  
 
Bill, tgo

I'll keep that in mind, the view cannot be beat!  
 
Neither can the company.

Enjoyed the Sunday mini-gathering and finally getting to meet Edwin and his family. Two Alembicized Starfires to check out was not too shabby either and it was nice to meet Steve and see Harry again. Thanks again Bill!
 
Hope you can make it in May Edwin. We have dinner plans in Napa that night or I would offer to put you up in our spare bedroom. We will be part of the early shift at the Canyon gathering so still may see you again there.

Wanted to thank Bill for hosting - it was a nice mini-gathering - it's been over 20 years since I saw Edwin in person! Nice to reconnect with Stephen too.  Finally getting a chance to put a few pics together - here's one with pretty much everybody:  

  Here's a closeup of Edwin and myself:  

  And here's the bass!  

  And one final one with three of the instruments and their caretakers:  

I have to say that Stephen and Harry's instruments are exceptionally fine. I think the fretless neck on Harry's might be the most perfect sounding fretless I've ever played. The filters really bring out all the great tonal possibilities. The 6 string neck is interesting. Very cool tones, but if I were to design such a bass, I'd put it on the bottom. And maybe radius the fingerboard a bit. It's kind of wide, so chording is troublesome.
 
Chording on Stephen's 5 string, on the other hand, is a breeze. It plays so nicely and the tone is spectacular. Very rich and crisp. I'm guessing this sounds ferocious through a big PA.
 
Thanks for posting the pictures! The next time the Starfire makes an appearance, I'm hoping I'll have the master volume done and the hum canceler up front where it belongs.

Thanks for the pics!

Hey, there's my Alaska buddy Stephen! Hi Stephen!

Hi Rusty!
 
Still reveling in our wedding trip to Seward last summer. Hope to see you again next time we head up that way... or perhaps at one of the gatherings.

Hi Stephen! We will be back in Seward 4th of July week. Our son is coming up this time so we may do the Cane's Head hike where you got married!
 
I was hoping to come the the California Gathering this year but I'm playing Friday & Saturday that weekend.  
 
Take care!
 
Rusty

Looks like a lot of fun!