Midwest Confluence Report
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:42 am
What a great time! I began to be a little worried come late Friday afternoon when I was the only one there. Bill Henshell was the second to arrive and rescued me from isolation. Bill brought a fine collection of collectibles, including the RCA 12-string (I'll let him explain what that is to those who may not know), and a raft of other 12 strings, including an acoustic jumbo (what's the model called?). He also brought a couple of 4001S basses, including the only fretless I'm aware of. This bass was the January calendar girl in the Rick Forum calendar. He also brought a Midnight 4003S/5. A bit later, Lindsay Hahn and his wife and two daughters arrived from Springfield, IL. Lindsay brought three basses: a fine Turqoise 4003, the Spock's Beard white, and a Jetglo V63 -- I mean, how often do you see a Jetglo V63?
Unfortunately, both Ted Staberow and Jeff Thomas got tied up Friday night (I hope they enjoyed it!), but arrived with their massive bass collections Saturday morning. So did Wes Peterson from Minneapolis with his 4001 project, and Mike Koski from Iowa City with three beautiful guitars, including a stunning Fireglo 381/12 that had everyone drooling.
Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice "I'm not here!" and it was Marc Seligman! Marc was one of the first to say he would come, but family commitments caused him to back out. He had already booked a flight to Milwaukee, and when the plans changed, he had to go to Chicago. But no sense rebooking the flight, so he rented a car to go to Chi Town from Milwaukee, and stopped by to see the show. It was great to see Marc, even briefly.
Jeff and Ted arrived and had close to 2 dozen Rick basses, and of course, Ted brought the Triumvirate: Blackstar, Tuxedo, and the Marc Seligman Redneck, currently the subject of some serious negotiations. Ted also had a Jetglo V63. You don't see those everyday!
Jeff's bass collection included several of his favorite model, the 4003S, and a few 4003/5s, including a Ruby. Jeff brought in a rare Jetglo V63. Hey, wait a minute . . . .
Dean Mentjes was next to arrive with his step daughter Krista from Springfield, IL. Dean brought three basses including a stunning (but not bleeding) Midnight Blue, and a pretty 660/12 Turquoise. Later in the day, brothers Randy and Dennis Malone from the west suburbs came by to ogle the Ricks. Welcome, fellas. Ted Williams (no, not the frozen one) came from Middleton, WI, with a pair of guitars, a 360WT and a 660/12 (I think?).
The last arrival was a Milwaukee lurker, Doug Carpiaux, with yet another 660/12, this time Mapleglo.
We had around 55 instruments all told, with about 18 enthusiasts. Bill Henshell was kind enough to bring a couple of small amps so all could try out their favorite instruments "live."
The Four Points Sheraton was a breeze to work with, and pretty much didn't notice the bin full of Sam Adams (thanks to Bill -- again) and the super sloppy Chicago-style pizza, the leftovers of which are now overfilling some local landfill.
Thanks to all who came by to see the show, and thanks to all who contributed with cash to help cover the room rental. And of course, we couldn't have done it without the collectors and players who make all of these confluences work!
Paul Boyer
Unfortunately, both Ted Staberow and Jeff Thomas got tied up Friday night (I hope they enjoyed it!), but arrived with their massive bass collections Saturday morning. So did Wes Peterson from Minneapolis with his 4001 project, and Mike Koski from Iowa City with three beautiful guitars, including a stunning Fireglo 381/12 that had everyone drooling.
Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice "I'm not here!" and it was Marc Seligman! Marc was one of the first to say he would come, but family commitments caused him to back out. He had already booked a flight to Milwaukee, and when the plans changed, he had to go to Chicago. But no sense rebooking the flight, so he rented a car to go to Chi Town from Milwaukee, and stopped by to see the show. It was great to see Marc, even briefly.
Jeff and Ted arrived and had close to 2 dozen Rick basses, and of course, Ted brought the Triumvirate: Blackstar, Tuxedo, and the Marc Seligman Redneck, currently the subject of some serious negotiations. Ted also had a Jetglo V63. You don't see those everyday!
Jeff's bass collection included several of his favorite model, the 4003S, and a few 4003/5s, including a Ruby. Jeff brought in a rare Jetglo V63. Hey, wait a minute . . . .
Dean Mentjes was next to arrive with his step daughter Krista from Springfield, IL. Dean brought three basses including a stunning (but not bleeding) Midnight Blue, and a pretty 660/12 Turquoise. Later in the day, brothers Randy and Dennis Malone from the west suburbs came by to ogle the Ricks. Welcome, fellas. Ted Williams (no, not the frozen one) came from Middleton, WI, with a pair of guitars, a 360WT and a 660/12 (I think?).
The last arrival was a Milwaukee lurker, Doug Carpiaux, with yet another 660/12, this time Mapleglo.
We had around 55 instruments all told, with about 18 enthusiasts. Bill Henshell was kind enough to bring a couple of small amps so all could try out their favorite instruments "live."
The Four Points Sheraton was a breeze to work with, and pretty much didn't notice the bin full of Sam Adams (thanks to Bill -- again) and the super sloppy Chicago-style pizza, the leftovers of which are now overfilling some local landfill.
Thanks to all who came by to see the show, and thanks to all who contributed with cash to help cover the room rental. And of course, we couldn't have done it without the collectors and players who make all of these confluences work!
Paul Boyer