B.L.A.B.L.A.

Jeff Bollbach · #1 10-21-2005, 08:31 AM

That would be the-
Brotherhood of Loosely Associated Bass Luthiers of America.
Well, I just got back from our first gathering and I thought a few Tbers might like to hear about it.BLABLA [Nick's tongue in cheek acronym btw] is sort of a grass roots attempt to bring together likeminded bass luthiers with the intent of furthering our craft. We met at Robbie MacIntosh's farm/workshop and had a great turnout and an even better time. In attendence were me, Nnick, Arnold, Robbie, Zachary Martin, Jed Kriegel, Mark Leue, Cris Roberts and Andy Stetson[of Ciinci Bass Cellar fame], Tom Barrett, Jay van der Kopple, Bill Lakeberg. and Geoffrey Ovington.
We gave lectures, had discussions, demonstrations and debates, and got to eat some of the most amazing home grown/made foods thanks to Robbie's lovely wife Bliss. What was most amazing about the whole event was the complete lack of competition and ego even though we are all basically competing in the same market. Secrets, techniques and resources were shared willingly. Anyway, here's a few pics--
Nnick showing us how he makes and uses a glass scraper with Ahnold looking on.

Jeff Bollbach · #2 10-21-2005, 08:33 AM

Here's a shot of Robbie, Mark Leue, Chris Roberts, Nnick and Bill Lakeberg -

Jeff Bollbach · #3 10-21-2005, 08:34 AM

and general milling about in the shop-

mpm · #4 10-21-2005, 08:45 AM

Wow, what a great time that must have been! More pictures???

nicklloyd · #5 10-21-2005, 09:16 AM

Wow, Jeff, you did a nice job of cropping out the glass of Laphroaig scotch that was on the bench during my show and tell...

M_A_T_T · #6 10-21-2005, 01:15 PM

That's cool.

Captain_joe6 · #7 10-21-2005, 05:42 PM

I'm more a fan of "American Brotherhood of Loosely Associated Bass Luthiers of America." I think it speaks more for the spirit of the organization.

Tbeers · #8 10-21-2005, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_joe6

I'm more a fan of "American Brotherhood of Loosely Associated Bass Luthiers of America." I think it speaks more for the spirit of the organization.

Hehe, just like in the movie Dodgeball... "American Dodgeball Association of America."

Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun. I always have a good time when I visit Arnold's shop, I can't imagine how it must have been to have had several of you bass luthiers all in one place.

Uncletoad · #9 10-22-2005, 12:42 AM

Hmmn I'd love to be a fly on the wall on that one. Looks like a great time.

arnoldschnitzer · #10 10-22-2005, 06:42 AM

I have a similar thread started under "miscellaneous". As Jeff alluded to, raising the bar was the purpose of our powwow. I think the goal was furthered. Jeff is one heck of a trout fisherman...

KSB - Ken Smith · #11 10-22-2005, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arnoldschnitzer

I have a similar thread started under "miscellaneous". As Jeff alluded to, raising the bar was the purpose of our powwow.

I posted in Misc. Arnie.. I feel safer over there. Smaller war, less ammo, less troups needed..lol

Have fun with my comments/questions..

If you want it posted here, I can move it over. Just say the word.

Andy Stetson · #12 10-24-2005, 03:29 PM

So this is where you guys hang out... You can spend all day rummaging though this site. I still need to convert you boys to bourbon... the scotch was hidious...

Jeff Bollbach · #13 10-24-2005, 04:14 PM

Welcome, Andy!

arnoldschnitzer · #14 10-25-2005, 06:25 AM

Welcome indeed, Mr. Stetson...I liked your bourbon.

Heifetzbass · #15 10-25-2005, 09:10 AM

Woodford Reserve, anyone?

Makes me

**Damon Rondeau** · #16 10-25-2005, 09:27 AM

Good whiskey is good whiskey.

If it's well-made and aged properly, I'll take bourbon, scotch or rye, in that order of preference.

Irish not on the list due to a near-death experience in my teenage years. The smell, the smell...

Given the extreme hazard to the bass world represented by having that many fine luthiers in one location, I would think that you've gotta have a "no cheap whiskey" rule, just like you all should be using separate transportation...

Eric Jackson · #17 10-25-2005, 10:38 AM

Never had a single malt scotch that I thought was hideous.

Jeff Bollbach · #18 10-25-2005, 10:48 AM

Hey-this is getting way off topic! It's supposed to be about BLABLA and now we're talking about drinking. Oh, wait. Nevermind.

**Damon Rondeau** · #19 10-25-2005, 12:16 PM

B.L.A.B.L.A. = Bring Liquor And Bring Lots. Adios.

hdiddy · #20 10-25-2005, 12:33 PM

I would've rather made it....
B.L.A.B.L.A. = Bring Liquor And Bring Lots... AAWWWWWWYYEEEEAAAHH