Hello friends,

It’s been a long time since I was on the forum... over 2 years.

I hope everyone is well and surviving these COVID times.

Since I was last here I’ve changed jobs, gone into Eurorack, lost weight, and had back surgery.

The surgeon made it possible for me to live normally again so I’m very grateful to him. Doing well.

I used the recuperation time to learn some piano. Getting both hands moving is a new experience and I hope it will transfer to the Stick.

The Stick has been idle for some time, but I'm keen to re-awaken this genius instrument. The weight of the instrument is problematic now, so a Stick-stand is in order.

I have a few Stick projects to tackle in the months ahead:

Get playing again
I’m very much a beginner: seek out some Stick company and support for my learning.

Try to adopt DBM
I’m very interested to move to Deep Baritone Melody from regular BM10.

Stick stand for playing
Make a Stick stand from drum parts.

Tidy up the neck (remove stickers)
Remove the stickers somehow, and fit some white detail lines at frets 2,7,12,19.

Amp
Fix the Trace bass combo, I’ve got a 12” Fane dual driver to install and there’s a mod on the circuit to make.

Rane pre-amp/EQ
Find someone locally in Aus who can convert a Rane AP13 into the SP13 version. I picked up the AP13 for a good price and I’d like to use it for EQing the ACTV2 Block.

Pedals
I’d like to try the Moog MF Drive and a small valve boost pedal in front of the amp.

DIY pickup
I want to make an experimental ACTV4 pickup. I’ve collected some old EMGs to make an active 18v PU which can mix neck and bridge levels, and switch out of phase.

That should keep me occupied for the next year or so...

Good to be back.

Good to hear you're on the "mend". I had "minimally invasive" back surgery in December and I'm considerably "better" although saying "great" would be pushing it. Still need a "tune-up" with ablation but with the COVID thing waiting for insurance and hospital clear but at least can play - sitting. Even my surgeon is on board...he wants to hear me play! I was inspiration for him to dust off his acoustic guitar and do Youtube lessons! Funny how music - and the Stick - can be an inspiration in ways you can't imagine. He's just so bowled over by my enthusiasm - maybe he'll buy one (he can afford it...)

Scronk, so good to see you back!

Having a list of things to do must feel exciting (and grounding). You're another survivor amongst this community of great souls, creative and indomitable.

Lots o Love.

Good to see you back, Scronk. And feeling better, it sounds like.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, guys - it's nice to be welcomed home.

I've got lots of catching up to do - there's a whole new Grand Railboard, and a podcast too! Really great stuff. What else have I missed?