Greetings everyone, allow myself to introduce...myself.

I'm William A. Ferguson from Yuba City, CA. If you're looking for the brightest spot in the universe, Yuba City would be the place that it's furthest from.

I am 40 years old.

As most of you are aware, I'm the proud owner of a Indonesian Rosewood Stick Bass tuned to 4ths because, after 21 years of playing 4th-tuned instruments, I just can't see picking up a different tuning and learning to play all over again.

Not that I bag on anyone who can - I have the utmost respect for anyone who can just jump in and learn it, it's just not my thing.

I have a varied and interesting life that comprises of three things: I work in a hospital, I'm a second class Petty Officer in the United States Navy Reserve with a unit called Commander Naval Forces Korea and I run an online audio mastering company called Nova Sound Laboratories.

I was turned on to The Stick at the age of 14 when I saw that infamous King Crimson video of "Elephant Talk" (yes, I actually saw that broadcast when it first aired) and was further jazzed by it when I heard it played by Tony Levin on Peter Gabriel's albums (the "Melting Face" and "Security").

Six years later I had the opportunity to play one that was hanging on the rack at Guitar Showcase in San Jose (yeah, they actually had one. Where they got it, I have no idea).

Having strapped it on I thought, "How hard could this be?". Turned out it was a lot harder than it looks. I think it was tuned in the classic tuning (I'm pretty sure it was) but it left me thinking "Too weird" and "It would be cool if Emmett made this in a bass".

So I put it back on the rack and didn't really give it a second thought but still had a itch to play one.

Fast forward 18 years....

One evening at work (being stuck behind a desk on the night shift) I was surfing the web when I landed on the Stick Enterprises website.

The instrument under the "Click here to see how it works" link? A Stick Bass!

Holy crap! Did he really make one?

He did, and the rest is history. I just had to get it. Some decisions are the best ones you ever make in your life.



P.S. I put up a bunch of photos in the photo gallery. What makes these photos interesting is that this is recorded evidence of the first gig I ever played with the Stick.

It's a pleasure to meet you, William, thanks for the background and story! Will check out those pics right now!

Cheers,

EG/Justin

Well....

Give y'all three guesses who just got hit with a mobilization order.

Hi,

well...that sounds like Tatooine )

Welcome to the Stick-World.

Cheers

It's been verified: I am being recalled to active duty.

Afghanistan - 15 months.

May God's protection be upon you as you serve.

Take care!

Daniel

PS: Stupid wars! All of them

Stay safe and aware,and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you ALWAYS.

FIFTEEN MONTHS!


Can you bring your Stick?

William,

I hope you have a way to keep in touch with music and with us while away. If you deal with things with the same spirit you've shown here, I think people will leave you alone! You're not leaving until August, are you going to finish your recording before you go (I was checking out your tweets) ?