We should save this post as the origin of confluence.bassduke49 wrote:Credit where due: Defining which is "official" is questionable, but the first mention of "Confluence" was my description of the gathering of Jeff Rath, Steve Cooper, and myself in July 2004. I was passing through Detroit on my way to seeing my gravely ill Mom in Buffalo. I dropped off my Cheyenne and Laredo for Jeff to do the VVT mods, and sold him that gorgeous 2002 4003MGBT. The three of us got together at Jeff's place with a combined fleet of, I think, 13 Rick basses. I described it here as a confluence, and Jeff played with one of the pictures he took of the basses as though they were being blended in a mixing bowl. So I'll take credit for using the term "confluence," Jeff was our kind host, and Steve as able accomplice. I've gone back through the archives, but there is a pretty substantial gap in the Basses section from May to September 2004. I'm sure this gathering was discussed there, along with the posted photos.
I think the first "official" confluence was the Columbus, OH, affair in May 2005, thrown by Brian Crisman, Chris Pappas, Jeff Scott, and Randy Hawkins (others?)
I have conflu-ed many times now, and enjoyed myself at each and everyone.