[HAM] Resurrection Project

[Brad Baker]

Here's something you might find amusing.

I've been involved lately doing repairs on a B3 and two 122s.  I would
say "restoration" but that's not what this is - it's a resurrection.

The B3 and 122s belonged to Stephen Miller (not the space cowboy guy).
A southern rocker, he was in Grinderswitch, played with Elvin Bishop,
Earl Hooker, etc., lots of others.  These three pieces were played
throughout the 70s and 80s and into the 90s (and they look it).  All
pieces were completely non-functional.

Steve died from a liver disease in 2003.  There is an annual charity
event in his name and it's coming up this weekend.  The goal is to
resurrect Steve's B3 and 122s and to have them on stage at this year's
event in all their road weary glory.  The "Stephen Miller Memorial
Blues Bash 2006" is being held this weekend at the Space Coast Harley
Davidson - Buell, in Palm Bay, Florida.  Here's a link, for anyone
interested in stopping by: http://stephenmillerblues.com/ I think it
runs 11am to 11pm, two stages, lots of bands, etc..

At any rate, I thought you might find it interesting to see how
high-powered leslies were made back in the 70s.  I snapped a few shots
here... http://bellsouthpwp.net/n/4/n4ocb/road_leslies/

All standard Leslie trim has been removed, metal reinforcing applied
to many of the joints.  Those 1/2x1/2 inch stips bolted on top, - I'm
guessing so they can be stacked such that the upper won't roll off the
lower. Big drivers, big power amp (the Mackie is a recent addition),
active crossover (interesting in itself).  When steve last used it he
powered it with a Macintosh.

The B3 is a '65, and it also has some tales to tell and it sounds
remarkably good. Maybe in another posting.

-- 
Bradley