Wiardgroup

When I first talked to Grant in the late 90s (I live in Madison, 
down the road from Milwaukee) to inquire about this weird 
instrument (I had no previous experience with modulars) it was 
very interesting and a bit ridiculous. He knew I had no idea what 
these devices did and reluctantly told me he would build one for 
me. What he was really doing was talking me out of getting it. He 
said that all his customers were already experienced owners of 
other modulars and the learning curve was steep. But what I 
really liked was his patience. I was embarrassed because I had 
no idea what he was talking about . . . and instead of seeing me 
as another dumb flop and blowing me off, he wouldn't let me get 
off the phone until I had regained my integrity and he had pointed 
me in some directions that I would find useful in establishing an 
understanding of what I wanted to get into. It was satisfying 
talking to a kind of mad scientist who was providing me a kind of 
public service. Anyways, I have to say, or I can't really say how 
much I appreciate both him as a person and his creations. They 
are ALIVE. I slowly collected a few of the 300 series and the 
1200 stuff and some Blacet and Metalbox. I have a family so it's 
hard to get time to diddle and patch but GOOD LORD how much 
I'm glad I called him and how much I love this stuff. I am lucky. I 
visit him to get modules and talk about my kids and his kids (the 
Vespas) and then he tries to explain some electronics shit. I 
shrug, tell him in a restrained way how much I adore him and 
get back on the freeway. It's cool to have a little contact with the 
man behind the faceplate. I wish him happiness. God knows 
he's made alot of us giddy.