Ron Stackman - Majestics | 2014 Vintage Vibe Vibanet
"When I was in Bahama Mama back in the 70’s I used a Hohner Clavinet D6 exclusively. There were no synthesizers back then, people played Hammond B3’s, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzers...stuff like that. The D6 was used quite a lot in Reggae music which was my main musical interest at the time. The Vibanet was custom made for me by Chris Carroll and the wonderful crew at Vintage Vibe. It’s essentially a modern hand-made D6. Proprietary pick-ups, a much improved pre-amp, their gel string dampening system etc. The Vibanet (and the clav) are electro-mechanical stringed instruments. When you press a key it ‘hammers' a string onto an ‘anvil’ creating that distinctive sound. Think Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’. Vintage Vibe has taken very good care of me. And Stevie too!"
Who is your favorite Rochester musician?
"My favorite Rochester musician is John Beck. Besides being an incredible percussionist he is also a great human being.
I’ve been playing with the same rhythm section since 1972. Jim Schwarz (bass) and Lou LaVilla (drums) are life-long friends and incredible musicians. Our newest member Kevin Hart (guitar) is the most musical guitarist I have ever played with. I’ve been very lucky."
What is your favorite Rochester music venue?
"Majestics have played almost exclusively at 3 Heads Brewing. Geoff and the boys treat us like Kings. They are very supportive and we have a great time performing there."
Why do you love the Rochester music scene?
"The Rochester music scene is quite varied. I think a good mix of aging veterans and enthusiastic youths. I particularly enjoy Herb Smith’s Freedom Trio. Things are way different than when I was coming up thru the ranks. We used to play up to 5 sets a night, 6 nights a week. There were plenty of places to play. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything."
