Special Event in SoCal [Archive] - Lansing Heritage Forums

Titanium Dome

06-27-2012, 11:09 PM

After a very pleasant conversation with Greg Timbers today, I'm happy to announce that I'll be organizing a special event on a Saturday in August to honor him for his body of work, to commemorate his 40 years of service at JBL, and especially to pay tribute to the magical ways in which his brilliance over the years has enriched our artistic, musical, and social experiences and improved the quality of our lives.

The first order of business is to get a roll call of folks who can commit to attend. Right now I'd like to focus on Saturday, August 4. My plan is to run the event in San Pedro, CA (LA Harbor) at a waterfront location starting around 5:30 or 6 PM and lasting about 60-75 minutes. The cost would be about $25 (+ or - $5) and would include a plated dinner or buffet dinner, a program, and a cash bar. Dress will be casual but respectful of the event and the honoree. This is predicated on at least 20 people showing up. I would hope we could get 30-40. Spouses and friends are welcome as long as they pay and can appreciate the purpose of the event: to honor Greg Timbers.

Afterward, I can host a small number of people at my home where Greg will be reunited with many of his JBL "children" and comment on the speakers, their design, a bit of their history, etc., and we'll all get a listen. Hopefully, I'll have everything set up to show them at their best. Otherwise... :eek: Maybe we'll raffle off these spots for $5 a ticket during the event.

For anyone who buys a raffle ticket and misses the demo at my place, I'll be happy to offer a make-up session, of course without Greg. :(

Any leftover proceeds will go to Lansing Heritage.

(If fewer than 20 people can make it, then I'll recalibrate accordingly, probably hosting everything at my house or trying another date.)

Those who come a long distance can get hotel/motel info from me or ask in this thread. Those who come early have the chance to tour the USS Iowa, the Ports of LA and Long Beach, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Korean Friendship Bell, Historic Fort MacArthur, and many other local sites. If you need travel info, we can post that in the thread from among all those who know the SoCal area.

I hope many will take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to thank Greg Timbers in person. Getting industry awards and corporate recognition is very gratifying, but to receive praise from the people who actually use and admire your work is the highest form of recognition. Please make an effort to participate and make this a special night for one of the greats.

If you want to attend on the 4th, please PM me your email address, and I'll get you on the information list. (Please DO NOT post your email in the thread.) Please also include any other Saturdays in August that might also work for you in case the 4th tanks.

Hope to hear from you!

4313B

06-28-2012, 06:14 AM

Getting industry awards and corporate recognition is very gratifying, but to receive praise from the people who actually use and admire your work is the highest form of recognition.So true.

I'm thrilled that you are doing this. I wish everyone could attend.

1audiohack

06-28-2012, 06:22 AM

I'm in. PM in a bit.

Barry.

Valentin

06-28-2012, 05:28 PM

wish i could make it happen :(

if it moves up in agust please let me know maybe i could take a fast trip from mexico to LA but not on the 4th

Titanium Dome

06-28-2012, 10:48 PM

wish i could make it happen :(

if it moves up in agust please let me know maybe i could take a fast trip from mexico to LA but not on the 4th

We'll keep you in mind. I'd love to meet you.

What's your preferred Saturday in August?

Ian Mackenzie

06-29-2012, 04:42 AM

If I get sacked on Monday I am in (I am working on it!)

Titanium Dome

06-29-2012, 07:47 AM

If I get sacked on Monday I am in (I am working on it!)

Umm, good luck? (Not sure what to wish for in this case.)

Titanium Dome

07-01-2012, 09:09 PM

In response to a couple of inquiries, yes, spouses, significant others, and friends are welcome. I realize it's not a big "date night" event, but I'm pretty sure I'll have a date. ;)

Titanium Dome

07-05-2012, 05:45 PM

It looks like the date will change due to an event rescheduling at Northridge, so... stand by. :)

cosmos

07-05-2012, 06:19 PM

I am very seriously tempted..

HCSGuy

07-08-2012, 01:54 PM

I look forward to hearing the new date - my wife wouldn't let me leave vacation early to make it on the 4th, maybe the new day will work out better. I'll start begging her in advance:)

Titanium Dome

07-14-2012, 10:41 AM

Okay, JBL and Greg Timbers fans, here's the skinny.

Saturday, September 15 at 6 PM in San Pedro, CA. The cost will be $30 per person, with any remaining proceeds going to Lansing Heritage. The cost includes dinner, a souvenir program, a gift for Greg during a recognition ceremony, and a high probability that you'll get to come to the Dome's domain with Mr. Timbers to view and listen to several of his contributions to the arts and science of loudspeaker development.

S/2600 stereo pair
K2 S9900 stereo pair
XPL200A stereo pair with Timbers-built active crossover
Performance Series 5.1 surround music system
SAM1HF units as part of a Synthesis® One Array 7.1 home theater

plus

PT250 active quad-amped stereo pair based on the L250, 250Ti, and PT800/PS1400 stack (full disclosure, grumpy and I took what we believe are the best of each of these, then created a Frankensteinian monster. Greg Timbers is not responsible for the result.)

Guests are welcome as long as they pay and don't have a history of theft or home invasion.

PM me with your email to get on the email list, and as we get closer the exact locations will be sent to you. If the number is manageable, everyone can come to my place afterward; otherwise, by popular request, those who come the farthest will get first dibs. (Those who are closer can always come by at another time, as several have already.)

Hope to hear from more of you!

1audiohack

07-14-2012, 11:20 AM

Okay, JBL and Greg Timbers fans, here's the skinny.

Saturday, September 15 at 6 PM in San Pedro, CA.

DAMNIT! Oh well it can't work for everyone. :(

stony22

07-17-2012, 12:10 PM

I would be willing to bring my original L250's also if anyone is interested in hearing those also, Let me know TONY

Doc Mark

07-24-2012, 09:32 PM

Evening, TD,

I have sent you a PM about this, but if invited, my wife and I would love to attend, and will happily pay our share of whatever it the cost turns out to be. I look forward to hearing from you when you know, for sure, what's going to happen!! Hope to meet a few more forum members there, as well. Thanks for putting this great event together, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc Mark

JuniorJBL

07-31-2012, 11:27 AM

Dome this would be really fun. all I can say is WOW!!:D

mech986

08-01-2012, 03:28 AM

PM sent, sounds like a great time. I was only able to make the last half hour of John Eargle's memorial gathering and collected a few of the programs. Do you think anyone would be interested in them as part of the JBL heritage discussed and I think he was one of Greg's mentors.

Bart

JuniorJBL

08-01-2012, 05:57 AM

What accommodations are in and around the area for those that would be traveling? I might even want to go on Friday for some sight seeing, It's been 35 years since I lived in LA. I could possibly rent a bigger car/van if others need transportation.:)

Titanium Dome

08-01-2012, 06:53 AM

I'll be sending everyone whose given me their "reservation" and email address an update later today or early tomorrow with a lot of info. I'll also be asking a couple of questions in the email, so please read and answer it as soon as you can. The email will come from the mac.com email domain so if you've got a SPAM blocker, be sure to either allow mac.com emails or look in your SPAM folder for it.

Titanium Dome

08-02-2012, 11:45 AM

I've sent BCC emails to everyone whose email I have on my list of committed attendees. If you thought you were on the list and did not get an email, first check your spam folder, and if it's not there, then PM me. Your email addresses are safe with me, and I will not share them with others, including other potential attendees.

Titanium Dome

08-02-2012, 11:54 AM

Here's the current event schedule:

6:00–6:30 Reception
6:30–7:15 Dinner and Program
7:15–9:00 Listening Sessions with Greg Timbers and His JBL Creations:

S/2600 Stereo Pair
Performance Series 5.1 Music Surround System
XPL200A /DX-1 Actively Bi-amped Stereo Pair
"PT250" Stereo Pair (Modified Timbers L250 with 250Ti and Performance Series Drivers, Actively Quad-amped)
Synthesis® One Array 7.1 "Two Jims" Theatre with SAM1HF and SAM2LF Units
K2 S9900 Stereo Pair

If any of you are on the fence about this, I'm going to close off the event next Friday at Midnight Pacific Daylight Time and not accept any more attendees. Members from all over the Western US are coming, as are a few international members.

I hope a few more of you can make it. :)

brutal

08-08-2012, 01:49 PM

I just heard about this from JuniorJBL and think it is tremendous that you are putting this together to honor Greg.

Have fun!

Titanium Dome

08-11-2012, 11:29 AM

Thanks to all who have committed to attend this event. I am no longer taking registrations. The only way to get in is to be the guest, spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend of one of the registered attendees.

This is shaping up to be a wonderful event with a surprise or two included, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in five weeks. For those on the list, look for another email update about midweek, after I return from taking my mom on a trip up the Central California Coast.

Mr. Widget

08-11-2012, 05:19 PM

Thanks to all who have committed to attend this event. I am no longer taking registrations. The only way to get in is to be the guest, spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend of one of the registered attendees.Damn!

I hope my boyfriend will invite me!Have a great time! ;)

I am sure it will be well documented. Like everyone else, I eagerly await the reports.

Widget

brutal

08-11-2012, 09:09 PM

JuniorJBL,

If I give you a kiss this coming Wednesday, will you bring me as your date? ;)

:blink:

j/k

mech986

08-12-2012, 10:47 AM

JuniorJBL,

If I give you a kiss this coming Wednesday, will you bring me as your date? ;)

:blink:

j/k

Brutal, you could come as my long lost, twice removed, uncle's nephew, half-step brother from another family. Or something like that as long as you're 1/4 Chinese or similarly distantly related. My wife is unable to come to the party so I could "escort" you if you want to make the flight out to LA. Assuming its ok with Ti.

Bart

brutal

08-12-2012, 12:42 PM

Brutal, you could come as my long lost, twice removed, uncle's nephew, half-step brother from another family. Or something like that as long as you're 1/4 Chinese or similarly distantly related. My wife is unable to come to the party so I could "escort" you if you want to make the flight out to LA. Assuming its ok with Ti. Bart

Awww, I'd rather get a kiss from Junior, but I suppose anyone would do in a pinch. :D

Half Irish, 1/4 German, 1/4 Belgian and rather on the large side (more so thick than wide :D ,) so I don't think I could pass for anything remotely resembling Asian.

Seriously though, I have to work the 15th, and as much as I'd love to be a part of this wonderful event - even though I don't participate much in LHF these days - I'll just have to be satisfied living vicariously through Junior and his companion. I'll be seeing both of them for a local GTG the following weekend so they can show me all their pics and tell of glorious stories.

BTW, Is anyone video taping any of this for future posterity?

mech986

08-14-2012, 01:30 PM

Good question about the video taping, would be nice to have something there. I do have access to a tripod and Video camera but don't have much in the way of lighting, and am not sure everyone would like to have lights on during dinner. Ti, any thoughts? I do have wireless mics and such for commentary or could set up a small speaker setup if needed (like doing more than just dinner around the table) for Q&A.

Titanium Dome

08-16-2012, 10:52 AM

I'm back in LA, so I'll send a big update via email late tonight or tomorrow. :)

Titanium Dome

08-18-2012, 10:27 AM

Brutal, you could come as my long lost, twice removed, uncle's nephew, half-step brother from another family. Or something like that as long as you're 1/4 Chinese or similarly distantly related. My wife is unable to come to the party so I could "escort" you if you want to make the flight out to LA. Assuming its ok with Ti.

Bart

From the sound of Brutal's reply, I think we'd prefer your wife! ;)

Of course we'd love it if both could come, but since Brutal is working, are you sure you can't get your wife to make it? Maybe when she sees the update I'm sending via email today she'll think twice. We'll see.

As for the video taping, I'm not sure. I was thinking of having someone be an "official" photographer. I'll ask everyone's opinion about taping. Maybe there's someone out there who has that talent. (I don't. :no: )

Titanium Dome

08-18-2012, 12:13 PM

I sent an update to all registered attendees. If you do not see it, check your spam folder, and if it is not there, email me and I'll send it to you again. :)

Titanium Dome

08-21-2012, 09:03 AM

Some folks who cannot make the event are sending me a letter or card for Greg Timbers, which I'll assemble into something coherent and present to him on September 15th. This was such a great idea from Barry (1audiohack) that I'm encouraging all Lansing Heritage members to do the same.

If you'd like to contribute something personal to this special evening, just PM me and I'll give you either my email address, mailing address, or both, so you can get your submission in. I'll gladly print out your letters if you want to send them via email. You can use Word, Pages, or send me a PDF.

Keep those cards and letters coming!

Titanium Dome

09-04-2012, 10:39 AM

Another email blast went out to all attendees this morning. Check your in boxes, and if you didn't get it, let me know.

Less than two weeks!:bouncy:

boputnam

09-05-2012, 06:13 PM

Saturday, September 15 at 6 PM in San Pedro, CA. Very possible. Festival season is drawing to a close - there are actually free weekends appearing on my calendar! It will have to be a quick I/O for me - "got gig" on the 16th...

Damn!I hope my boyfriend will invite me! Have a great time! ;) I am sure it will be well documented. Like everyone else, I eagerly await the reports.WidgetLikely that was me? I guess we'll have to hope for a Skype... :p

bo

Valentin

09-09-2012, 06:40 PM

Few more days

I envy you guys. Hope to see some picks

Valentin

Titanium Dome

09-10-2012, 10:14 PM

The last full email went out to all the registered attendees today. If you didn't get yours, let me know. Otherwise, I'll see many of you on Friday and all of you on Saturday. :bouncy:

hjames

09-11-2012, 02:23 AM

The last full email went out to all the registered attendees today.
If you didn't get yours, let me know. Otherwise, I'll see many of you on Friday and all of you on Saturday. :bouncy:

Good luck folks!
We look forward to a great report of the activities!

And TiDome - so sorry to hear of your hearing losses ...
hopefully it will turn out to be just short term!

Titanium Dome

09-11-2012, 09:16 AM

Good luck folks!
We look forward to a great report of the activities!

And TiDome - so sorry to hear of your hearing losses ...
hopefully it will turn out to be just short term!

I'm going for another treatment at the hospital today and hoping for the best! :)

Titanium Dome

09-11-2012, 09:18 AM

We've just had one of Saturday's participants drop out, so I have one slot open for a Lansing Heritage member who can make the event and can bring $25 cash. PM me.

4313B

09-11-2012, 12:11 PM

I've got the cash :rotfl: but I'll be in Stratford, ON, otherwise I'd be there.

What kind of treatment?

Titanium Dome

09-11-2012, 02:19 PM

I've got the cash :rotfl: but I'll be in Stratford, ON, otherwise I'd be there.

What kind of treatment?

Some kind of tube thing that goes in the ear that pulses, buzzes, or something like that for "tactile interference stimulation" of the "primary somatosensory cortex"; otherwise known as "WAKE UP!" :eek: It feels like my ear canal was ravaged afterward.

I was hoping it was earwax. :dont-know:

You can always fly to the Ontario, CA airport by mistake and claim the travel agency messed up the airpot code. (Yep, I know you can drive to Stratford from Toledo... it's just an idea.)

4313B

09-11-2012, 05:00 PM

Some kind of tube thing that goes in the ear that pulses, buzzes, or something like that for "tactile interference stimulation" of the "primary somatosensory cortex"; otherwise known as "WAKE UP!" :eek: It feels like my ear canal was ravaged afterward.Well I hope it works out. We all do.

Titanium Dome

09-11-2012, 10:41 PM

Well I hope it works out. We all do.

Me too, although it won't make me any smarter, make me more attractive, or grow hair on my head. :(

Right now it kinda sounds like I have an Alka-Seltzer in my ear, so I think that's a good sign, er, sound.

-------------------

All you old school rockers, I got the 5.1 surround DVD-A new releases of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, including the hi-res stereo versions from Steve Wilson for our little event, the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Immersion Set with the 5.1 mixes and the Alan Parsons 4.0 Quad mix, and a couple of new Blu-ray surround discs from AIX Records, Blurays from Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree), oh, and did I mention the Jethro Tull Aqualung 5.1? Plus the demo disc from Roger Dressler of Dolby Labs (retired).

Dave (grumpy) got the PT250s tuned up as good as we could--except for those da#$ed red lights--and I must say they sound pretty good to Lefty.

I picked up Greg's hardware tonight. It looks awesome! The LH logo came out great (thanks Don and Glen!)

I'm taking Thursday off to clean the whole house, all three floors (well eight levels, but three floors) and to put fresh batteries in all the frickin' remotes, so I want some respect for that.

It's gonna be a sweet night. :yes: Greg will be very happy. :)

:banana:

JuniorJBL

09-12-2012, 04:21 AM

All I can say Dome is YOU ROCK!!:applaud:

DavidF

09-12-2012, 01:01 PM

Me too, although it won't make me any smarter, make me more attractive, or grow hair on my head. :(

Right now it kinda sounds like I have an Alka-Seltzer in my ear, so I think that's a good sign, er, sound.

-------------------

All you old school rockers, I got the 5.1 surround DVD-A new releases of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, including the hi-res stereo versions from Steve Wilson for our little event, the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Immersion Set with the 5.1 mixes and the Alan Parsons 4.0 Quad mix, and a couple of new Blu-ray surround discs from AIX Records, Blurays from Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree), oh, and did I mention the Jethro Tull Aqualung 5.1? Plus the demo disc from Roger Dressler of Dolby Labs (retired).

Dave (grumpy) got the PT250s tuned up as good as we could--except for those da#$ed red lights--and I must say they sound pretty good to Lefty.

I picked up Greg's hardware tonight. It looks awesome! The LH logo came out great (thanks Don and Glen!)

I'm taking Thursday off to clean the whole house, all three floors (well eight levels, but three floors) and to put fresh batteries in all the frickin' remotes, so I want some respect for that.

It's gonna be a sweet night. :yes: Greg will be very happy. :)

:banana:

You are certainly due all respect. Unless, of course, you are not using either silver-tipped or cryogenic treated batteries.

boputnam

09-12-2012, 02:54 PM

It's gonna be a sweet night. :yes: Greg will be very happy. :)

:banana:Save space for Patricia Barber - her recording engineer does an impeccable job. If you happen to play Cafe Blue - I'd love a full report...

Sadly, I don't think I can get there. Up to my knobs in gigs... :rotfl:

JuniorJBL

09-14-2012, 02:44 PM

How is the ear Dome? Are you having any hearing returnig at all?

Valentin

09-14-2012, 03:41 PM

Good luck too you all speacialy TD and GT :)

Titanium Dome

09-14-2012, 03:49 PM

How is the ear Dome? Are you having any hearing returnig at all?

It's a miracle! Well, the human ear is a miracle, anyway. ;)

The last treatment seemed to go quite well, so I'll be able to pull the cotton out of my ear, literally, this evening and hope that all is well. The doctor extracted some scar tissue and other grunge this last go 'round. It's the kind of thing where you see it and you think, That disgusting mess was inside my ear all these years?

I'm guessing the scarring is from my brother's and his idiot friend's cherry bomb in the outhouse prank from my youth. Heck, I might even be able to hear better than I have since I was about 10. Fingers crossed... :yes:

Titanium Dome

09-14-2012, 03:52 PM

Good luck too you all speacialy TD and GT :)

I'm picking up Rolf in a few hours, then a couple more guys tomorrow morning and we're off to the races! Lots to do, little time to do it, but it will all come together.

Thankfully, I've got some local LH brothers who are going to help out tomorrow, and that should put us over the top.

The weather is TOO HOT!!!

JuniorJBL

09-14-2012, 08:46 PM

It's a miracle! Well, the human ear is a miracle, anyway. ;)

The last treatment seemed to go quite well, so I'll be able to pull the cotton out of my ear, literally, this evening and hope that all is well. The doctor extracted some scar tissue and other grunge this last go 'round. It's the kind of thing where you see it and you think, That disgusting mess was inside my ear all these years?

I'm guessing the scarring is from my brother's and his idiot friend's cherry bomb in the outhouse prank from my youth. Heck, I might even be able to hear better than I have since I was about 10. Fingers crossed... :yes:

That's good news for sure!!:applaud:

BMWCCA

09-14-2012, 09:14 PM

I hope you guys have a fantastic time. The East Coast can only send best wishes to the honoree to whom we owe so much for our years of enjoyment. Wish we could all be there to show Greg how much we enjoy his accomplishments, talent, and creativity. It's all about the music!

1audiohack

09-14-2012, 09:17 PM

Wish I was there!!!

All the best.

4313B

09-15-2012, 03:02 AM

Great news Titanium Dome! :)

richluvsound

09-15-2012, 04:27 AM

TD...

congratulations on putting this together . Please forward my deepest thanks to Greg for the joy his work has bought me over the past 30 years .

Much love and best wishes from LDN , Richard

Mr. Widget

09-15-2012, 11:29 AM

Great news Titanium Dome! :)

Ditto... Have fun!

Widget

hjames

09-15-2012, 04:48 PM

Guess its going on now - great stuff -
wish I could have been there ... enjoy!

Doc Mark

09-16-2012, 12:00 AM

Greetings, All,

Just back at our hotel after a fantastic event at Doug and Annie's!! It was a wonderful experience, with the food, fun, friendship, and JBL's being fantastic!! Greg Timbers was a great and enthusiastic guest, and Howard Durbin, who worked with Greg at JBL (in the "old days"), was also in attendance. The music ruled the night and the myriad JBL systems, hither,thither, and yon, acquitted themselves in fine style!

Many thanks to Doug and Annie, for sharing their lovely home with us; to George, the outstanding chef, who flew from Denver with the special meat, and all his knives on the plane; Howard, who shared some fun stories about the early days at JBL, and Electrovoice, before that; and most of all Greg Timbers, who very kindly shared his time, talents, and stories about his time at JBL with us!! It was also neat to meet so many Heritage JBL members! Great time, and Sweet Bride and I loved being a part of it! Thanks, Doug, Annie, Howard, Greg, George, and all!! Grumpy, outstanding job setting up that great system downstairs! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc and Sweet Bride

P.S. Special thanks to one and all who brought the great stuff exhibited in the "JBL Museum" in Doug's garage, too!

Titanium Dome

09-16-2012, 12:39 AM

Okay, it's over and what a time it was! A little while ago Glen (Glen) and Bart (mech986) finished loading up their traveling museums, then I checked around and shut everything down, washed the ramekins from George's creme brule, took out the trash, and finally sat down.

The night moved so fast, it's hard for me to even organize the experience, but I'm sure others will chime in and hopefully post some pictures as well. They'll probably remember it better than I will. I do know for a fact that Greg Timbers was pleased, and especially glad to see Howard Durbin there.

I remember it was hot, really hot, and everyone was patient and courteous and great companions for the evening. I'll have a better report later, but I'd better get to bed since I've got some guys to get to the airport tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for coming!! :applaud: You made it a great night.

Earl K

09-16-2012, 03:19 AM

Nice !

You're a class act Doug !

:)

JBLAddict

09-16-2012, 09:50 AM

my only thought on the way home last night was "Did that really just happen"?

Was great meeting so many familiar online friends, in that setting, and with Greg Timbers at the center, wow, just wow....

A HUGE thanks to Doug for conceiving the idea, generating the interest, planning, preparing and hosting, an A++ in every single regard, and of course to Annie for patiently opening her home to us audio nutz :blink:

Thanks George for in all sincerity, the best meal I've had in months, and for the tremendous lengths he (and Shane of course) went through to transport the raw ingredients across multiple state lines and time zones......baked the bread @5am in CO, and I'm eating it in SoCal by 7:30pm, are you kidding me! :applaud:

Thanks also to those who took the time to setup the active and passive ;) gear tables. I really appreciated getting to see the front and back of drivers I've only viewed online, especially the 1500AL, she's much prettier in person than on the screen :p

And finally, a note on Mr Timbers. When I pulled up to the curb, a car had just pulled up before me. Out walked Greg. Having never met him, wasn't sure what to expect from such an accomplished legend, but boy he sure was the nicest, gentle, humble gent you could imagine from the very first second. It was so amazing that he not only took the time to come to our little gathering of locals, but showed so much enthusiasm, appreciation, and took time to passionately tell us about his beginnings at JBL via UCLA, what a cool story.

Although there's a legion of appreciative fanboys (and gals) our there, last night provided for me the first real connection to the JBL inner circle and made me feel like a part of a small family. For this I'll always be grateful to all involved, but of course mostly, to Greg, whose speech on being "just a guy doing a job, who still marvels at the pleasure his work has brought to peoples lives" was the highlight of my evening.

DavidF

09-16-2012, 06:26 PM

I had the pleasure of being one of Ti Dome’s guests at the honorary for Greg Timbers Saturday. My thanks and gratitude to Ti Dome and Annie for hosting and inviting me into their home. Thanks also goes to the Forum members who assisted in making this a fun and interesting event.

The mood was casual and free flowing. As soon as you walked into the house you sensed a familiarity with the attendees despite the fact that upon arriving you had never before met anyone face-to-face.

Highlights:

*Ti Dome’s home and hospitality.
* Delicious food that combined simplicity with flavor and quality ingredients (always the sign of a great cooking).
*A house that wasn’t built around JBL sound but certainly has evolved that way.
*The Two Jims Room which is more of a reclusive grotto fitted with JBL sound sufficient to make your pant legs wag. No lie. The demonstration disk of Master and Commander put you into the scene of hell on a wooden ship with cannon shot and shell ripping through the air. I was impressed.
*Pulling snippets out of Greg on JBL history, design challenges and insights on his speaker design knowledge and preferences.
*Everyone acknowledging, and then ignoring, the unusually hot weather to make the heat a non-issue.

About Greg.

Greg Timbers is so approachable, congenial and unpretentious that he could hardly stand out in the room full of hifi tweakers. Well, except maybe being a bit taller than average, that is. He is eager to talk about his profession which of course is akin to him talking about his hobby. He was genuinely gratified- though a bit bemused at the same time- at our holding such reverence in his designs and his work in the field over the years.

Our interaction with Greg in the evening was spontaneous and covered general conversation topics as well as speaker system topics. TiDome set up various systems throughout the house. So there was not a formal talk per se but more of random bits that came out of questions or conversation as we toured or gathered in the different rooms. Here are some snippets I recall for which I have to paraphrase and go by memory. So the usual caveats as to interpretation and context.

*Greg went to work at JBL without intending to pursue a career path with such an established firm. He was encouraged, or maybe prodded, to seek a position by Howard Durbin (edit: referred by JBL rep Tom Frisina, not Howard, per Greg) who knew of him when Greg was working part time at a local hifi retailer. Seems, according to Greg, they hired him for reasons less about his knowledge and experience and more about getting some younger people on the engineering staff willing to learn.

*Greg is a native of the LA area with family well established in the area a couple of generations back. He lives in the San Fernando Valley (Dude!....the ”Valley”). JBL Northridge is also up that way.

*Greg has worked at JBL 30 (edit: thanks Grumpy. 1972, so 40 years) years and perhaps, from a casual quip he made, he is likely to stay a while longer there.

*Greg mentioned Ed May as one of his key mentors in the company. Greg was appreciative of Ed's willingness to share his experience and knowledge.

*Greg mentioned that regular use of drivers with foam surrounds will allow the the foam to last longer.

*From my sense of comments and expressions Greg holds the 250 series of speakers very high among his favorites. He would have liked it to stay in the catalog a year or so longer.

*The Array horns sound better in a vertical position. Not everyone at JBL agreed that they should remain vertical despite the better performance and it took some persuasion and persistence to move the model to market.

*Sales of the Array line fell off which caused some of the models to be dropped. By the time 1400 model sales picked it was pretty much alone in the model lineup only to have some re-introduced.

*Greg had not heard the model S2600 in maybe twenty years. He seemed to favor the smaller 12 inch model over the 15 inch woofer. He did have one caveat with the need of the horn to share the cavity space that introduced some noise to the horn.

*There was a hint from Greg that the S2600 style horn may make a reappearance in later anniversary model.

*The new 1501 woofer in the Everest 67000 uses a paper/cell sandwich structure that out performs the older model in the critical midrange roll off band (600-700hz). They have done extensive testing and they are not sure why this is as they measure the same but sound better up top. Greg seemed pleased indicating to me that he had wanted some improvement in the woofer-to-mid transition. The greater low end extension is apparent as discussed in prior postings. Asked if this cell technology could be carried through other models Greg thought the cone technology would be too pricey.

*Asked about the company retaining a “Noah’s Ark” of a pair of every model Greg lamented that this was his practice but it was not supported. Storage priorities prevailed moving many models to trailers and such which invited theft.

*Greg enjoyed talking about the L300 model which to me indicated he favored the model. He believed it was a strong performer in its day. The rounded corners were a bit difficult to manage at first in terms of veneer application.

*Again on cabinets the L250 and variants also created some headaches for the manufacturing crew in days before CNC routers and precision tooling.

*Conversations on design techniques and priorities. The roof top and back lot half space test beds and the aroused neighbors taking issue with the pro group launching sonic rockets into the nearby homes.

*The battery and access devices for charge-coupled xovers added inordinate costs for such a simple need. A cheaper solution is used replacing the 2-4M ohm resistors with a diode/resistor combination with the circuit charged by the speaker input. I don’t recall the values and Greg did not have the diode number in mind at the time.

*The 2214H woofer (in attendance with TI Dome’s XPL200) did not like inductors. Hence the notable improvement with bi-amp alternative. I meant to follow with Greg on this comment but forgot in the end.

*Also on the XPL Greg would have liked to rework the xover transition between the upper-mid and the tweeter to mitigate some lower tweeter sound aberrations.

*Without much elaboration or debate, speakers wires can lead to an improvement. Not so internal wiring. Greg hedged a bit on that one.

There were many more snippets. Some reinforced themes we know from past postings. Some I did not hear. Some I may remember later to be added in. But the end of the evening came much too soon for me for there was still so much to talk about with Greg, with Howard and the Forum members.

Great evening and again my thanks to TiDome and other all the other attendees for sharing a hot summer night near the shores of the Pacific.

stony22

09-16-2012, 09:49 PM

I've been trying to wrap my head around the event last evening, and still can't begin to put it down in words. After reading everyone's posts on it, says' most of all of it. It was an evening to remember, just as most everyone remembers the first time they had a set of JBL's take there hearts. It was a wonderfull evening with everything I could of ever asked for and much much more. THANK YOU Doug and Annie for the gracious hosts that took the time out of your busy schedule to make such a tremendous event just that much better, Well the food and great people were a hugh part of it:applaud: so I can't begin to thank everyone for one exceptional evening that I will never forget. Thank you all, and look forward to getting to know everyone even better over the days weeks and years to come.
GREG, GREG, GREG- Thank you, I could type all day on how much you've changed my life(along with many others) and I feel honored to have met such a spectacular Gentleman that you are.
I look forward to many more great adventures with everyone I met last night and hopefully meet in the future. Thank you all for my JBL family that I never knew I had.
Once again my hat is off to you Doug:D THANK YOU

grumpy

09-17-2012, 08:19 AM

I think it's now -40- years... Quite an achievement, or a case of severe stubbornness :)

I still need to seriously listen to the 9900's with the newly added P7 pre in the chain... too much was going on.

I feel fortunate to have attended such a fine event... Thank you Doug and Annie!

Untitled/untagged photo preview is on flickr (search for "Lansing Heritage" ... use the quotes)

Titanium Dome

09-17-2012, 09:04 AM

Starting with “Thank you” is always a good thing, so I’ll put that before any other comments. The Le Dîner de Soirée pour Honorer Greg Timbers was a huge success and a lot more work than I envisioned. In fact without a number of people stepping forward to help, it could have been impossible at the level of implementation we achieved.

First, thanks to Chef George Carlberg (gcarlberg) who came from Denver bearing beef, bread, ramekins, plates, knives, butane, and ambition to put on a special dinner for us. It was George’s devotion to his craft and willingness to share it for our event that put the first special touch on the day. He proposed the meal, selected the menu, prepared everything from scratch, cooked and cleaned in our small kitchen, labored over stove and oven in intense heat, and never groused once the entire time. He was a complete professional and did his work with aplomb. Well, actually, he was a true amateur this time in the original sense of the Latin term: one who performs a skill at a high level for love (not for money). You’ll read many raves about the evening, and it started with the bon repast at the beginning and the creme brule at the end.

Second, thanks to Shane Firestack (JuniorJBL), who came with George from Denver and was a willing accomplice to both George and myself in getting the final details taken care of for the day. Whether it was slicing the fresh-from-Denver rolls for the beef tenderloin sandwiches or running my leaf blower to clean the lower patio and stairs, he was our go-to guy. In addition, I promoted Shane to Curator of the JBL Transducer Museum (my garage), and he handled setting up, receiving, placing, and labeling the scores of drivers, horns, crossovers, amps, pamphlets, and misc. that were on display for all to see and enjoy. Always positive, thoughtful, and willing, he was the perfect companion. Even though I’d taken a whole day off from work and worked several nights beforehand to get things ready, there was still more than one person could finish, and without Shane, I could not have been ready.

Third, thanks to Dave Stowers (grumpy) for taking the role of docent downstairs with the PT250s, XPL200As, and the Two Jims Theatre. I was literally trying to be in three (or four) places at once, and it’s a blessing to have someone you can trust to monitor and demonstrate your stuff when you cannot be everywhere. Dave was also the "official" photographer. :)

Fourth, thanks to Dave (again), Glen Claybrook (glen), Tony Natale (stony22), and Bart Yee (mech986) for loading their vehicles with their JBL and Lansing museum pieces and bringing them for the show. I had a number of things on display there as well, and I only had to move them from one part of my garage to the tables, and that was tough enough. Bringing a vehicle stuffed with all kinds of precious goods is no easy task, and displaying all that goodness to share is a real act of generosity.

Fifth, I must thank Mark Rutledge (Doc Mark) for making the connection (through wife Cynthia Rutledge’s far-reaching network) with Howard Durbin. Having Howard there was not only a treat for all of us, but it was a genuine and thrilling surprise for Greg. When Greg and I walked into the display in my garage and I commented, “I think you might know this guy,” I’ve rarely seen such a surprised and delighted look on anyone’s face like I saw on Greg Timbers at that moment.

Sixth, thanks to my wonderful friend and companion, Huikyong “Annie” Song for being such a good sport about this whole thing. Without her my life is not complete, and when she participates with me in this way, it makes the whole thing so much better. Trusting me when I say I want to have a bunch of people she's never met (and many of whom I've never met) in our home to do something that she's not too interested in and then giving me her support as well is just one of many reasons why she's my best friend.

Finally, thanks to all who took the time to attend, from Rolf Aas (rolf) who flew from Oslo to Frankfurt to LA to attend to those who flew or drove from points in the US to those who were in the SoCal area. Without all of their contributions throughout the evening, We could not have conveyed to Greg our appreciation for his contributions to our hobby and to our quality of life. Special mention goes to Michelle Smith (who came with her hubby, Walter Silva [wsilva]) and Cynthia Rutledge for coming and enjoying the evening with us. It was a pleasure to meet them.

glen

09-17-2012, 09:10 AM

Greg Timbers was wonderful to meet and talk to. I was impressed with his pride in contributions he made to more affordable speakers in the JBL line-up when he has so much of the high end speaker design innovation to his credit.
Greg was very pleased to find Howard Durbin at the event, a little surprise that Dome had arranged for him.
Howard was a delight to talk with too, recounting his experiences at the birth of stereo records and working for Westrex, Ampex, Elecrovoice and JBL.
It was a true delight!
Thanks Greg and Howard!
Thanks Doug and Annie!
Thanks George and Shane!
Thanks everyone who attended!

4313B

09-17-2012, 09:39 AM

That is so awesome that Howard was able to attend! :applaud:

It sounds like you all had a great time.

Thank you all. :)

Well done Doug!

Titanium Dome

09-17-2012, 09:56 AM

My plan was simple: 6-9 PM, dinner, tribute, music, done.

Of course, as things developed, lots of folks came earlier than that to bring things to exhibit, or because timing arrivals in LA is guesswork at best, especially if you’re driving in from a distance, so everyone was welcome when they got here. Virtually everyone was there by starting time, which reminded me of my roots in the Midwest--a good thing!

We started with George’s fabulous food, with me making the opening comment to call Greg to be first in line, “Greg, I forgot to ask; I hope you’re not a vegetarian,” to which he replied, “Oh, I forgot to tell you...” then laughed.

So we devoured the buffet while the Performance Series played in the background. When everyone was stuffed, I started the program with a few prizes. Rolf got the award for coming the longest distance, an “I Love LA “ hat. Shane and George each got a DVD-A demo disc for their hefty contributions and for being the couple that came the farthest. (Okay, I just made that part up.)

Then I told the story of Greg’s life--oh, not really--but provided a few highlights of his career at JBL/Harman, and commented on why it was important for me to host this event. I talked specifically about how the K2s had moved Annie and I to just be comfortable and spend time really listening to music, and generally how it’s good to hear from people who appreciate your work in person, rather than second hand (if at all). We then opened it up for folks to say a few words about Greg’s work and his influence on their quality of experience and life. You had to be there, but it was very cool to hear the comments.

Then I invited Greg up front and presented him with a mahogany, aluminum, and brass plaque from all of us and gave him the opportunity to say a few words, and his speech was fun, insightful, and enlightening. Others have commented on it or will comment on it, so I’ll let their comments stand.

After that, we divided the attendees into two groups so I could send some to the lower level, some stayed on the main floor, and eventually we also went upstairs. Then we rotated.

Lower level:
bi-amped XPL200A with DX-1
quad-amped PT250 with BSS 366T Omnidrive compact plus
Two Jim Theatre with Synthesis® One Array (where my pj underperformed!! Drat!)

Main Floor:
Performance Series 5.1 music system
K2 S9900 stereo pair

Upper level:
S/2600 stereo pair

(We skipped the three other JBL systems on the upper level as they were not Timbers related.)

Of course, the host never gets to really attend his own party, so I missed at least 50% of the conversations that went on, and I’m relying on others to recall things I missed. I do know that Greg (and Howard) had some useful insights to share, and I think all who had the chance to hear them got some great advice.

The listening sessions could have gone on all night, so 9 PM was an unrealistic ending time. Eventually I got everyone;s attention, and we feasted on George’s made-from-scratch creme brule. It was exquisite!

Then there was a general rush to get autographs from our rock star, Greg, who graciously signed books, manuals, L250 tweeter housing back plates, maybe even napkins! I circulated a facsimile of the plaque for everyone to sign, so Greg got to take home everyone else’s name and signature, too. I missed out on the signature getting myself, but I suppose if I asked nicely I could get one in the future. (grin)

The final guests left right around 11 PM, except for George and Shane who stayed overnight. Shane was in the L5 guest room, and George got the L100 guest room.

JuniorJBL

09-17-2012, 10:24 AM

Yes Thank you Doug and Annie for allowing us to come into your home and have this wonderful "Once in a lifetime" event!!:D

Doug I am still trying to find the word that describes the evening but yet to locate it!! (Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious):p
It was a very fine evening that provided countless opportunities for people to talk with the many fine ladies and gentlemen in attendance at such a wonderful event.

A very special thanks to Doug and Annie for putting George and I up in exchange for helping with this great event. I was so very happy that I could be of help and glad it made a difference.

Greg was a true gentleman in every sense of the word!!
He appeared very willing to discuss every and all aspects of his work and our audience was more than willing to listen and learn from this very talented and down to earth man who so graciously gave his time to be there with us!

Once again George has “Outdone” himself and went to “The ends of Denver” to provide an extremely delightful dinner that will be remembered by all for a long time to come.

Dave, you my friend are a very kind and thoughtful person and thanks for all the help and pictures you took that will allow us to remember this very fine evening. Your contributions to the PT250’s are wonderful and were a pleasure to listen to!

It was so gratifying to meet all of you, Thank you so very much!:applaud:

gtimbers

09-17-2012, 10:50 AM

Dear All,

The dinner event at the home of Titanium Dome will surely be one of the highlights of my career at JBL. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of good wishes and thanks for years of design work. It is most humbling for me to be held in such high regard by so many folks. Obviously I had a great time and I was very sorry to see the evening end although I was having trouble keeping my eyes open for the drive home. My special thanks to Doug for organizing and hosting this event and also to George and Shane for the unbelievable food somehow smuggled out of Denver on public airways. The dinner and dessert was simply fantastic.

It is fitting that Titanium Dome has chosen that moniker as I have never seen more Domes assembled in one location at one time. Granted they were all not titanium, but they were domes all the same and there were herds of them all over the house.

I need to make one correction to Frank's post regarding Howard Durbin. I was pushed by Tom Frisina, a local JBL rep to apply for the JBL opening. When I started working for JBL, Jim Barthell was VP of Engineering. Howard took over that position about 3 years later.

I did notice the constant flashing of camera's during the event. I hope the holders of some of these pictures post them on the forum. I had planned to take some pictures myself but I was so busy talking to people I never did get to it. Thanks again to all involved. The evening, food, conversations and the beautiful plaque are things I will cherish forever.

My very best regards to all,

Greg

Titanium Dome

09-17-2012, 11:21 AM

Everyone got a copy of the commemorative program, and Greg got a copy of this with the signatures of all who actually showed up. This is the front:

Doc Mark

09-17-2012, 11:24 AM

Greetings, Doug, and All,

I have very much enjoyed reading the comments made by those who attended the very special soiree that you planned and executed, all the others who joined in to help and attend, and also Huikyong Song ("Annie") for her gracious forbearance, and her own enjoyment of this special night!! HUZZAH, and well done to one and all!! Dave, as Doug mentioned, I, too, very much appreciated the way you took over handling the downstairs listening, and did so with a fun wit, and the skill that I've came to expect from you doing such things. Thank you, my Friend!

Doug mentioned that we all got to make a statement to Greg about how he changed our lives with his dedication to audio and his creations, and I would like to share my own comments. I told Greg about our beloved L300 system, and he did seem to have a fondness and respect for that design. I believe he said it was his first commercial design, and he still thought it sounded pretty darned good, despite it's "wart". Of course, I couldn't agree more! In any case, I told Greg about the day that two Gentlemen from Sears were working downstairs in our basement, having come in through a direct door to the outside, to install and setup a new washer and dryer. Whist they were working, I had been playing a CD of Diana Krall, playing solo piano, upstairs on our L300 speakers. When they finished their work, they both stood and listened for a bit, the one of them commented, "Sir, your wife is a VERY good piano player"!! I told them, "Actually, we don't own a piano", to which he incredulously asked, "Well, then who is playing the piano that we hear? It sounds like they are right upstairs and in the same house"? I told him that I was formerly a professional musician, and that they were listening to our stereo and old JBL speakers! Both guys were totally shocked that the music was coming from a pair of speakers and stereo system, and not from a live person playing an actual piano in our home!!! Before they walked out the door, he said, "Sir, you have a VERY nice stereo"!!! Greg smiled, and said, "That's about the best compliment that anyone could give any speaker system, and shows how the L300's have stood the test of time"!! Again, I could not agree more!!

As to how we came to meet and talk to Howard Durbin, some of you may remember that one of my Friends, who is actually the husband of one of my wife's students, and I were talking one day, at a work event, and I mentioned my love of JBL speaker systems. He then told me that he used to work at ElectroVoice, and that he was very good friends with another fellow who worked there at the same time, and then later at JBL. His friend was Howard Durbin! So, through Bob Walker, I contacted Howard, and asked if he would be up for a nice lunch, my treat, for himself, Bob, and me, during which I would ask him a few questions about his early days at JBL. Howard actually seemed a bit nervous about the whole idea, and told me that his contributions to the audio industry really did not amount to much. I disagreed with his opinion, and told him that many folks here at Lansing Heritage would REALLY be interested in any and all information, or stories, he would be willing to share with us. Well, in the end, Howard thanked me for my offer and interest, but told me that he wouldn't feel comfortable doing such a thing. Of course, I was disappointed, but was most certainly not going try to change his mind. Fast forward to the early mention of Doug's plan to honor Greg Timbers, and I decided to contact Bob Walker, and see if he and Howard might like to join us at that soiree. Luckily, both Bob and Howard were definitely up for it, as Howard definitely remembered when he and Greg both worked for JBL!!! That was wonderful news, and indeed, once Howard warmed up a bit, he happily told us all stories about his old days in the audio industry, which including some of his more interesting early days adventures, and also some fun stuff about working with some of the great musicians of those early days!!! Howard gave us all MUCH valuable information, and his time in the industry produced some fantastic goodies which still benefit musicians and music lovers today!! Howard to me that he was part of the group that developed the ElectroVoice Patrician, a system with which I was totally enthralled as a young man!!! He told Cynthia some really interesting stories about some of the crazy things he did back then, which he would probably prefer that we not share here! Great stuff from both Greg, and Howard, which really created a magical night for all who attended this lovely and wonderful event!!!!

Doug, we had a fun time with Rolf the day after our adventure at your place, though Rolf had injured his back, which put a bit of a damper on his own enjoyment of that day. Still and all, Rolf was a fun and enjoyable companion for Sweet Bride and I, and even though he was a bit limited in what he could do, we had some fun showing him around that day, and enjoying a few meals together!!

Great seeing so many of our LH members, too, and I already look forward to seeing all of them again in the future, at another fun JBL event!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc and Sweet Bride

Titanium Dome

09-17-2012, 11:27 AM

On the back was some info about each of the systems featured that night.

Titanium Dome

09-17-2012, 12:05 PM

This was also the coming out party for a recently-acquired Parasound Halo P7 analog pre. Even though I've been driving the K2s with an Oppo BDP83-SE source to a balanced pre to the ATI amps, I actually preferred using the digital out from the Oppo with the pre I was using. This made me think that the upgraded analog stereo from the Oppo was highly overrated.

After installing the P7 (and getting my ear fixed), there was an obvious and immediately pleasing reconsideration on my part regarding the Oppo's upgraded analog output. It was heavenly!

Since the P7 is analog only--no digital inputs, no DACs, etc--it was a big gamble considering there was no recourse to switch to digital if I still did not like the analog. I could put the old pre back in but didn't relish the idea, but, no worries, I'm so happy with the P7 that there's no chance that it will leave the chain anytime soon.

It has analog bass management, so the K2s cross over to the S2S subs around 50 Hz, which is perfect. It also has balanced outputs, which allows balanced connections to the amps, and it's got two triggers so I can get remote turn on of the amps which are on opposite sides of the room. It's also got two balanced inputs, which allows me to dream about the upcoming Oppo BDP1050 with its balanced outs and improved analog stage.

With the P7 and the Oppo being relatively small and the big ATI amps hidden in the corners, the K2 system has a very minimalist look to it. Yet the soundstage is bigger, deeper, and more precise than before--by a long shot--and the bass is even more refined yet convincing at the same time.

Glen, Tony L., and Dave have heard the K2s before with the old set up, so they can comment on their own. You don't have to take my word for it. I'm pretty sure Glen had some reactions to it.

I honestly don't know if Greg listened to them at all, since I was here, there, and everywhere. So I can't say if he thought the Oppo/P7/ATI combo did them justice or not.

Doc Mark

09-17-2012, 12:41 PM

Hey, TiDome,

First of all, we are SO glad that your hearing situation had improved by the night of the event we all shared! I was so enjoying meeting so many LH members for the first time, that I totally forgot to comment on it that might. Outstanding results, in any case!

Though both Cynthia and I loved hearing every single JBL system that you so kindly setup that might, the overall favorite of them all, both for me, and surprisingly for Cynthia, was the K2 system! Listening to that wonderful system, we can both immediately hear the improvements made since our L300's were top of the line offerings!! I was definitely surprised with Sweet Bride told me the K2's were her more favorites of the night, INCLUDING the two large subwoofers behind them!!! That was a nice happenstance! We may have to experiment with our L300's and the JBL subwoof we have in the corner, but have not used with them too much. It's got a 2242HPL in it, and should make a difference, once it's setup properly.

Knowing how much improved the K2's are, we still love our L300's, and can see that an upgrade "might" be in our future, someday! Fun, and as I say, very surprising. Thanks, again, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc and Sweet Bride

Doc Mark

09-17-2012, 02:48 PM

Greetings, All,

I forgot to add the complete story I mentioned to Greg T, about my love of the L300's. Many years ago, when I was a young musician trying to earn his living playing music and move down the road of honing my skills, I got a call from the Father of my girlfriend at the time, who was a surgeon up in Palm Desert. He asked me if I could please pick up his 12 cylinder Jaguar and deliver it to him in Palm Desert, then pick up another car, and return it to the family home. Of course, I was jazzed to be able to drive such a wonderfully famous vehicle, and was especially tickled when the Doc told me not to worry about putting my foot in it, if I needed to pass someone. He said lunch would be provided, and he had a small surprise for me, too.

I picked up the Jag, had the drive of my life going up to Palm Desert, during which I could cruise at 90 MPH, then come up behind someone, and press down the gas pedal, zipping up to 120 MPH in less then a heartbeat, to pass!! DANG that was fun!! When I got there, he thanked me for bringing it up, and we shared a nice lunch that he had had delivered for us. He also said he wanted to show me his new stereo system and speakers, which were none other than the JBL Summits!!! Doc G. played some Dave Grusin, Blood Sweat and Tears, Fanfare For The Common Man, by Copeland, some female vocalists, along with a few other neat goodies. I sat there with my mouth open, totally gobsmacked to hear such a stunning sound stage and detail from those huge speakers!!! He was really happy that I was so very impressed, and from then on, I lusted for a pair of L300's for myself.

Fast forward all those years, and after I'd joined LH, one of our forum members contacted me to offer his own L300's, and so Sweet Bride and I drove up to hear them, taking money out of the bank once we got there. They were in outstanding condition, with only a few small flaws, and I was excited, scared, and at the same time, so happy to have this chance to own some L300's of our own! The seller cranked them up too loud, of course, God Bless him, and was using techno-pop, which has no attraction to either Cynthia, or I. We asked if we could turn the speakers down, and use our own music, to which he agreed. After listening to them for a while, we decided to give them a chance, and negotiated a price that both the seller and we were happy to do. Once in our home, we cranked the horns down quite a bit, put the Real Time Analyzer and calibrated mike, to see what they were doing, and moved them around to get the sound stage we thought was best in our listening room. The rest is history, as we fell in love with the L300's, and that enjoyment lasts to the very day, even after hearing the stunning K2 system!! And, as the late, and very great, Paul Harvey used to say, "And now, you know the REST of the story"!! Thanks for putting up with all my gushing, Folks, and I look forward to seeing photos from our recent JBL event!! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

grumpy

09-17-2012, 09:28 PM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/87335611@N06/sets/72157631558080836/

BMWCCA

09-17-2012, 09:44 PM

Pictures

Thank-you! :applaud:

Mr. Widget

09-17-2012, 11:50 PM

Thanks Grumpy!

Looks like a tremendous geekfest... sorry I missed it.:banghead:

Even though I did miss it, I'd like to thank Doug. I am really glad he and all of you were able to honor "the man". He really has brought so many of us so much pleasure. (Listening to his E2s as I type... some rather civilized Vivaldi is playing- just glorious!)

Mr. Dome, I know about your amazing JBL collection, but are all those raw drivers yours too or were they trucked in for the event? That is quite the trip down driver memory lane!

Widget

JuniorJBL

09-18-2012, 05:43 AM

Fantastic Grumpy!!

Very good pics. I will get to mine up this evening.:applaud:

Titanium Dome

09-18-2012, 07:32 AM

Looks like a tremendous geekfest... sorry I missed it.:banghead:

Mr. Dome, I know about your amazing JBL collection, but are all those raw drivers yours too or were they trucked in for the event? That is quite the trip down driver memory lane!

Widget

About 30% were mine. The rest:

Fourth, thanks to Dave (again), Glen Claybrook (glen), Tony Natale (stony22), and Bart Yee (mech986) for loading their vehicles with their JBL and Lansing museum pieces and bringing them for the show. I had a number of things on display there as well, and I only had to move them from one part of my garage to the tables, and that was tough enough. Bringing a vehicle stuffed with all kinds of precious goods is no easy task, and displaying all that goodness to share is a real act of generosity.

4313B

09-18-2012, 07:34 AM

He really has brought so many of us so much pleasure.That really is the long and short of it isn't it?

The components he selects, the filters he designs, the voicing that results. A real positive influence in the lives of many. Every single time that power switch goes On. People genuinely enjoy and appreciate his endeavors.

BMWCCA

09-18-2012, 07:45 AM

That really is the long and short of it isn't it?

The components he selects, the filters he designs, the voicing that results. A real positive influence in the lives of many. Every single time that power switch goes On. People genuinely enjoy and appreciate his endeavors.

I thought there was once a list of all the JBL models Greg had a hand in. Can't find it now but I didn't spend much time on it. I know many of the best-known were present at this event but it would seem this thread would be an appropriate place for a complete listing, if there is one. Just a suggestion. I don't have the answer.

Thanks.

Titanium Dome

09-18-2012, 08:33 AM

I thought there was once a list of all the JBL models Greg had a hand in. Can't find it now but I didn't spend much time on it. I know many of the best-known were present at this event but it would seem this thread would be an appropriate place for a complete listing, if there is one. Just a suggestion. I don't have the answer.

Thanks.

Well, I know one was the Northridge E Series, including a personal favorite of mine, the E50, the last 8" three-way bookshelf JBL did. I mentioned it in my little speech before giving Greg the plaque and he was happy to call it his own. It was and still is a really good bookshelf speaker.

You remember it, right? A couple of folks here objected to me even posting about it. (Yes, my memory is long.)

Down memory lane:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?10696-Anatomy-Of-A-Northridge&highlight=Anatomy+of+a+northridge

:rotfl: Ah, good times!

I think getting a list together of Timbers-involved loudspeakers would be a neat idea.

glen

09-18-2012, 11:52 AM

Wow!

I had forgotten how much heat you took for that one.
Your critics should have realized that stress and heat only makes Titanium STRONGER!
I salute the undaunted Dome!

Well, I know one was the Northridge E Series, including a personal favorite of mine, the E50, the last 8" three-way bookshelf JBL did. I mentioned it in my little speech before giving Greg the plaque and he was happy to call it his own. It was and still is a really good bookshelf speaker.

You remember it, right? A couple of folks here objected to me even posting about it. (Yes, my memory is long.)

Down memory lane:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?10696-Anatomy-Of-A-Northridge&highlight=Anatomy+of+a+northridge

:rotfl: Ah, good times!

I think getting a list together of Timbers-involved loudspeakers would be a neat idea.

Robh3606

09-18-2012, 05:11 PM

Glad to see you all had a good time!

Rob:)

Titanium Dome

09-19-2012, 06:10 PM

Special Shout Out!! to WDJ who had to cancel attending the event but did not cancel his support. In fact he doubled down--or up--or twice...:dont-know:

Thanks Wayne! Your souvenir program is on the way. Anytime you're in SoCal, the JBL systems and dinner are waiting for you.

Titanium Dome

09-20-2012, 10:23 PM

No, I'm not talking about the US Marines. I'm referring to Rolf, who was the first to arrive for the Timbers event, and the last to leave. I delivered him to LAX today and sent him on his way back to Norway.

Thanks to all who took the time to show him some of SoCal and to those who helped in other ways to make his stay possible. I appreciate it, and I know he does, too.

Safe journey, Rolf!

Rolf

09-22-2012, 08:16 AM

Hi everybody! Dough and Annie, Mark and Cynthia, Tony and of course Greg and Howard + the rest of the "bunch", witch names I don't remember the names on at this time. Thank you all for making this one of the greatest things ever happened to me. I don't know if I ever will visit the US again. All of you who was there was so kind and friendly.

I told some of you that if you ever take a trip to Norway, my house is open. This goes for every member on the forum. Hope it can be done some time.

I took a lot of pictures witch I will post at a later time. Right now I have to get my head and body to adjust to the time here. I sleep when I am tired and are awake in between.

There has been written so many things in previous posts, so I don't know what to add.

It tuck me 17 hours from LAX to home and park my car at my property. So as you can understand I am still tired. A couple of more days, then it Will be better (I believe).

Ones again, thank you all.

Rolf

Doc Mark

09-22-2012, 10:07 AM

Good Morning, Rolf,

It was great meeting you at the Greg Timbers event, and spending a bit of time with you, too! Both Cynthia and I were really sorry when your back began to act up, as we know you were in a lot of pain, though you tried not to show it. We had a huge day planned, with a bit of Hollywood, some CA coastline, and our local mountains all on the list of places we wanted to take you, in addition to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. But, in Long Beach, it was clearly evident that you were not up for such a day as we had planned for you, so we kept it simple and easy, and hey, we had a grand time, didn't we!! You are a good man, Rolf, and a good friend, and we do hope to see you in Norway one of these days. But even if that never takes place, we were so very happy to spend a day with you after the event, and get to know you a bit more. Cynthia and I enjoyed it very much, and from your goodbyes in the Hotel Parking lot, we know that you did, too, which was very nice, indeed!

We hope your back is better, now, and that all the beer we drank that one day helped it, just a little bit!! I have to say, that you can easily drink me under the table, without even trying, Rolf!! As you probably saw that day, I cannot keep up with you and soon fell behind! Fun to know that "dark beer rules" for both of us!! In any case, it was fun, and we are so very glad you had a good time, and made it back home again, safe and sound!! Take care, my Friend, and as always, God Bless you in all things!

Every Good Wish,
Mark and Cynthia (Doc and Sweet Bride)

Rolf

09-23-2012, 05:47 AM

You have a PM.

Rolf

Good Morning, Rolf,

It was great meeting you at the Greg Timbers event, and spending a bit of time with you, too! Both Cynthia and I were really sorry when your back began to act up, as we know you were in a lot of pain, though you tried not to show it. We had a huge day planned, with a bit of Hollywood, some CA coastline, and our local mountains all on the list of places we wanted to take you, in addition to the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. But, in Long Beach, it was clearly evident that you were not up for such a day as we had planned for you, so we kept it simple and easy, and hey, we had a grand time, didn't we!! You are a good man, Rolf, and a good friend, and we do hope to see you in Norway one of these days. But even if that never takes place, we were so very happy to spend a day with you after the event, and get to know you a bit more. Cynthia and I enjoyed it very much, and from your goodbyes in the Hotel Parking lot, we know that you did, too, which was very nice, indeed!

We hope your back is better, now, and that all the beer we drank that one day helped it, just a little bit!! I have to say, that you can easily drink me under the table, without even trying, Rolf!! As you probably saw that day, I cannot keep up with you and soon fell behind! Fun to know that "dark beer rules" for both of us!! In any case, it was fun, and we are so very glad you had a good time, and made it back home again, safe and sound!! Take care, my Friend, and as always, God Bless you in all things!

Every Good Wish,
Mark and Cynthia (Doc and Sweet Bride)

Rolf

09-26-2012, 11:49 AM

Here are some pictures from the GT Event ++.

Rolf

09-26-2012, 12:02 PM

Some more:

Rolf

09-26-2012, 12:13 PM

Rolf

09-26-2012, 12:21 PM

Even more:

Rolf

09-26-2012, 12:31 PM

More and more. Hope you are not getting tired to look:

Rolf

09-26-2012, 12:47 PM

That's it ... I think. I should taken more pictures at evening. BUT I could not (impossible) be at all places at the same time.

What I can tell is when Doug put on "Master and Commander in his cinema room, Told ships fired the guns, you just could not hear it. It was like somebody pounced me in my chest. Never heard (or felt) that kind of power. I have heard some pretty good cinema systems, but they are nothing compared to this. I wish I could have a room in my house for this. I forgot to take pictures of that, but of course you can't feel it on a picture.

JBL is the best! All the setup Dough have is ....... WOW.

Hope you enjoyed this. I also have pictures of my fantastic trips with some members around the area. If you want to see them, let me know.

With love to all of you.

Rolf

stony22

09-26-2012, 04:25 PM

Glad to see the pics and that you had a good trip. Yeah I would love to see the other pics of the rest of your trip also. I have some good pics that I will try to post up on here of the event that I got also. Thanks again Doug and all the rest of the members for a wonderfull evening. Pleasure meeting each and everyone of you, A class act group of people.

Rolf

09-27-2012, 06:01 AM

I will send it to your prv mail asap.

Rolf

Glad to see the pics and that you had a good trip. Yeah I would love to see the other pics of the rest of your trip also. I have some good pics that I will try to post up on here of the event that I got also. Thanks again Doug and all the rest of the members for a wonderfull evening. Pleasure meeting each and everyone of you, A class act group of people.

Titanium Dome

09-27-2012, 09:59 PM

Nice Pictures, Rolf.

Thanks!

Rolf

09-28-2012, 04:02 AM

Hi TD. I was hoping for that reply.

Rolf

Doc Mark

09-29-2012, 07:40 AM

Good Morning, Rolf,

It was very nice talking to you on the phone yesterday! Sorry I had to keep the call brief, but since we are self-employed, and that number also serves as our business line, and as usual, we're really up against the clock for inventory manufacturing, we don't enjoy the luxury of being able to talk to friends and family for much more than few minutes. All such calls, by necessity, must be kept quite short, unfortunately.

Your great photos really brought back the event at Doug's house and we really enjoyed seeing them, Rolf! Well done, and many thanks for sharing them all here with everyone! We had met Dave and Bart before, and it was really enjoyable to see them both again. And it was good seeing our friend, Bob, who helped make the connection with Howard Durbin, too. But, everyone else was knew to us, as to meeting in person, as were you, even though we have corresponded in the past. So, that was really a good bit of fun, too. Seeing everyone again, through your photos, is very nice, indeed! Thanks, again, for sharing them, and for spending a day with Cynthia and me, the day after the event! We're both hoping we get to Norway, one of these years, and when that happens, you can be sure we'll make a plan to meet up with you! Take care, and God Bless, as always!

Every Good Wish,
Mark and Cynthia (your Brother and Sister from CA)