| Author | Message | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 159 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hey, I don't mean to be antagonistic but initially I thought it was a great idea for Alembic management to move the selector switch around the bridge pickup, but frankly I wish they'd never made this a standard configuration. It was my understanding, Stanley Clarke kept ramming his fingers against the selector switch, and therefore a design discussion lead to a new selector switch location (as we see today). I wished Alembic never changed the original location of their selector switches, and I hope they bring it back without an extra charge. If an artist want the selector switch to accommodate them, let them pay for it. However, for me to want a standard, and pay extra to have a standard is confusing. I plead for Alembic to keep the selector switch back on the horn. Pretty PLEASE! Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 445 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hal, i'm guessing you're selector switch is getting in the way now? i don't see how the selector switch being on the horn could have got in Stanley's way unless when he plays chords he strums at the bottom of the neck ~Taylor | ||
| darkstar01
Advanced Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 242 Registered: 6-2005 |
I hit the selector on my distillate all the time, and my hand has the cuts to prove it. Mines on the horn. Anyone know if there's a different cap other than the arrow one that will fit it? | ||
| charles_holmes
Member Username: charles_holmes Post Number: 63 Registered: 3-2009 |
I took my cap off and just turned it around and it really helped to stop hitting the point of the cap. | ||
| crgaston
Senior Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 607 Registered: 11-2005 |
I had mine built on the horn. No extra charge, as far as I remember. But if there was one, I didn't care. And still don't.   | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 160 Registered: 9-2009 |
The Toma_Hawk's selector switch is perfect and ideal. However, I am interested in a bass that Stanley would frankly, never play... A fretless electric bass. Therefore, without any precedents of his injuries with such basses, I seek a traditional selector placement without an extra charge. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1320 Registered: 11-2004 |
Mark King had the selectors moved when he had his three S2's built, he was using a borrowed one and to quote "I had the selector moved to the bottom of the bass because I was beating the s**t out of my hand when I strummed the strings, blood everywhere" This may have contributed to the position change, that was way back in 1988 | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 161 Registered: 9-2009 |
Terry, that's because of the body design... With more wood, you're forced to move your forearm closer toward the neck and potentially near the danger zone of the selector switch (on the horn) while slapping. With my Toma_Hawk design, my striking hand is between the neck and bridge pickup... (center-is where I like to be) and away from any danger. Therefore, the selector switch is fine for me at either places, because of the way my bass body was designed. Esthetically, I like the switch on the horn, and for my next bass, I want the traditional, and original placement. I want another Toma_Hawk, but fretless. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| darkstar01
Advanced Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 245 Registered: 6-2005 |
I don't know, Hal. I don't have any regular "strike zone", I play as free as I can. I don't hit my selector every time I play, but it does get in the way, and I honestly don't notice it until the tune is over and my fingers are bloody. Here's where we probably disagree- I don't think body shape dictates technique. That is to say, I don't approach playing a Fender jazz any differently than I do an alembic of any kind. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 802 Registered: 12-2004 |
While playing various alembics at last years chicago gathering ive knoticed i kept hitting the selecter switch (unintentionally)turning the bass off during playing & switching between pickups as well as banging my fingers/Diamond Ring against that switch so im all for the movement of that darn selector! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2679 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hal..."With more wood, you're forced to move your forearm closer toward the neck and potentially near the danger zone of the selector switch (on the horn) while slapping." Everyone I've ever seen slapping has their hand in roughly the same position so that their thumb is over the last fret on the fingerboard. Are you saying you're playing slap with your thumb not hitting the fingerboard? Interesting technique. Graeme | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 803 Registered: 12-2004 |
those two knobs under my neck p/u are vols & are always in the way, the 3rd knob is the master vol & Nor does my bass have a selector switch.  (Message edited by serialnumber12 on August 20, 2010) | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 804 Registered: 12-2004 |
And i believe thats why alembic (after#12) moved all the guts to the rear of their bassses for playing comfort. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 162 Registered: 9-2009 |
Exactly. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 163 Registered: 9-2009 |
As a crescendo and climactic or dramatic affect, Stanley strums his bass. "That's a Stanley Clarke signature bass riff..." besides his repetitive, and cyclical fingering patterns. However, his strumming style of playing the bass, pose the greatest risk of injury for those basses with the traditional selector switch on the lower horn. However, I think if Stanley or whoever want to change the standards, let them pay for it. Why should Alembic adopt Stanley's standard when most people don't play their bass like Stanley Clarke? I don't think, under normal finger playing the bass, anyone would find the original position of the selector switch a problem. However, even if this is the case, Alembic should address the issue(s) on a case by case issue. Nevertheless, why charge extra for an original standard location. Why should anyone be judged by Stanley's standards (or anyone for that matter)? If people want a true Stanley Clark bass, on the crown it wouldn't read Alembic, it would read "Spellbinder" ...and we know the great success of those basses, even with the selector switch removed off the horn. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 18, 2010) | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 662 Registered: 11-2006 |
I inversed the position of this selector for not touch when I play. http://www.batraciens-reptiles.com/sckoa16.jpg | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 165 Registered: 9-2009 |
Cool Pierre, that's the original "right place..." That's where I want my next bass selector switch. Bring the original back in effect. Peace and love, Hal- | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 449 Registered: 9-2008 |
well maybe when Stanley and Mark King started complaining a lot of other bassist started realizing it and also thought it'd be a good idea at the time to change where it was located, now that neither of them use Alembics i don't think what they want(ed) really matters now, i like it in the original place the most, but then again i've never played a series and am just speaking on appearance ~Taylor | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6888 Registered: 6-2000 |
There is an extra charge for the switch placement because there is a brass plate holding the switch on the lower horn. When the switch is with the rest of the electronics, there is no additional plate. We changed the pickup selector's default location based on the feedback from many customers, including Stanley Clarke. When every order coming through the shop says "move pickup selector to main electronics cluster" we eventually get the point that the standard has to be changed. Standards are standards and customs are customs - we make both flavors. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 167 Registered: 9-2009 |
Well, the customers just shot themselves in the pocket book, on something that was originally included. I am holding on to my 1976 for sure now... That round brass is beautiful there. Hey Mica, will y'all make an exception for my next build? Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 18, 2010) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2680 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hal, as I recall, when you had the tomahawk built you spent a long time going over the control positions to get them exactly where you wanted them to suit your laying style. Presumably you specified the layout the way you did because you found some shortcomings with the layout on your old series 1 which has the pup selector on the lower horn. Are you now saying your playing style has changed so much that the original layout suits you better? Graeme | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 168 Registered: 9-2009 |
No. The next bass would be a fretless bass. I have no intentions on slapping and popping it, and even if I did, it wouldn't pose any danger for me. As for the Toma_Hawk bass, (my beloved "Thoroughbred FUNK Horse") the selector switch, is at the best location to support the art of Slapping, Popping, Thumping, and yes Strumming too, without any threats what-so-ever. Again, the next bass is to be a "Fretless" so technically, I wouldn't be using my aggression of exercising my entire limbs. With a fretless bass, I am working only classic fingering techniques, and since I love the body, shape and the freedom the Toma_Hawk provides, I am in complete agreement for another one to support my fretless style of playing. So, just for the anesthetics, I wanted this bass to dawn "boldly" a selector switch "THEE selector switch" at the most primitive, classic, and original location supporting the series bass legacy. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 169 Registered: 9-2009 |
This is what I want next. A Fretless Toma_Hawk.  Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 19, 2010) | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1325 Registered: 11-2004 |
I always wondered why they were not placed on the upper horn ala Gibson Les Paul, it would be easy enough to route a narrow channel to the electronics cavity when the skeleton of the bass is being built | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 466 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hal, are you planning a huge ebony neck laminate on your future fretless bass?? I'm guessing that it will weight a ton... Greg | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 452 Registered: 9-2008 |
Terry, they did do that once http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_knobfest2010.html ;-) ~Taylor | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 1328 Registered: 11-2004 |
Is that a joke!!!.. One control is 'Coolness factor' Way overboard there but novel | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1215 Registered: 5-2009 |
Just think. how cool it would to have quad pickups with discrete low pass, band pass and high pass filters per each string per pickup _____ as well with a discrete volume per string per pickup ___and of course a master volume . No pickup selector__ LOL __!!!! ! | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 453 Registered: 9-2008 |
haha yes Terry it was, they posted it on April Fool's day as the featured custom. but in my opinion i like the look of the pickup selector on the upper horn ~Taylor | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 171 Registered: 9-2009 |
These are the colors I am headed... Selector Switch on the horn. This bass will not need a dreaming for now section... The design was tested and proven... "It's tight, and lockin in the pocket!  Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 172 Registered: 9-2009 |
This is the final rap on the Toma_Hawk Fretless! I want a Vermillion core.  Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 455 Registered: 9-2008 |
so vermillion core with a maple top that doesn't cover all of it, correct? ~Taylor | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 173 Registered: 9-2009 |
That's true Taylor. The natural maple is the top lam. I think for a fretless bass, the selector switch on the horn, is perfect. Being that this is not a fretted bass (and not a slapper), the risks of ramming fingers is completely out of the equation. There for I plea with reason, for a design variance supporting the original selector switch without charge for my new bass. Clearly (IHMO), neither Stanley Clarke, nor Mark King addressed this issue from a "fretless" bass perspective and I don't think I would be to far off the mark; for believing "anybody else established any formal complaints..." Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 19, 2010) | ||
| nnek
Junior Username: nnek Post Number: 38 Registered: 8-2009 |
Pardon my ignorance, but if these are "custom" instruments. Why would there be any "extra charge" for placement of a switch? I could see and extra fee for a switch or no switch, or a more elaborate switch. If it takes more routing for the upper horn...OK, but the lower body is largely hollow. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 467 Registered: 11-2008 |
Kenn, this is what Mica said a couple of posts above: "There is an extra charge for the switch placement because there is a brass plate holding the switch on the lower horn. When the switch is with the rest of the electronics, there is no additional plate." Hal, are you going to have a massive ebony neck laminate on your next bass?? Greg | ||
| nnek
Junior Username: nnek Post Number: 39 Registered: 8-2009 |
I was wondering about the extra plate but as you see my series one evidently has no need for that plate...  Yes I know it's the wrong knob.... | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 468 Registered: 11-2008 |
I believe she was referring to the round brass plate that goes right under the switch (in between the switch and the top wood). As you see, in the "new" position, the switch lays on the top wood, without the brass plate (as seen on Hal's toma_hawk):  Greg | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 175 Registered: 9-2009 |
Greg, The ebony is only 17mm thick or roughly 2/3 more. But remember there will be no purple heart, and no other woods, this time around. I personally don't think it would weigh more than my fretted Tommy, and when you consider this new bass will be without the frets; and the core change from mahogany, to maple vermillion maple the weight will balance out. No worries. Toma_Hawk #2 (Sloppy Seconds) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptSt9SAG8Bw Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 19, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 176 Registered: 9-2009 |
Alembic basses are... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-spefU16lNc Ho Ho Ho Ho... Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| crgaston
Senior Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 609 Registered: 11-2005 |
Sweet bass, Kenn! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1471 Registered: 9-2002 |
The extra charge comes from the price of the brass surround, plus it's countersunk into the face of the instrument, not just stuck on the top like the surround on a Les Paul selector, for instance. The now-standard location entails one more hole into the existing electronics pocket. As always, there's custom with a 'little c' (a mix of existing features/templates/shapes) and custom with a 'big c' ('well, sure, we've never done a bass shaped like a rhinoceros, but why not?'). J o e y | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 177 Registered: 9-2009 |
I might just pickup another used Series 1 with the switch on the horn, and convert it to a fretless, and call it a day. Hey, that might even be fun searching for the right bass anyway. OK, I beat that horse too many time now, so I am done. Nice bass Charles. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 19, 2010) | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 706 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hal- Have you ever listened to Jim Cammack? He plays a fretless Series I and just smokes on it, I think of him whenever I think of fretless Series bass. When I first heard him, it was late at night coming home from a gig and he came on the radio. It was a cut (Caravan, maybe?) from Ahmad Jamal, Live In Paris '92. At first I thought, boy, that guy sounds like Jaco, but that bass tone is amazing and it's swinging much deeper! Since then, I've gotten to see him a couple times, but he's played mostly upright. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q--WcKYyWoQ http://www.myspace.com/jimcammack The trio with Idris Muhammed is spectacular. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 178 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks for the music clip. I am a big fan of Ahmed Jamal, and had been -- day one. My Father was musically acquainted with Ahmed back in the 60's and tuned my hears in Ahmed's direction. Jim Cammack has been around, and what a lucky guy to have been playing with Ahmed, and such a beautiful Alembic series bass. By the way, Jim's bass is the same body model Kenn has (above), but in a "fretless configuration"... What a cool bass those guys both have to enjoy. Kenn, I love that Roster/Chicken head knob you're using as a selector switch. They have them in red too... I can dig it man! Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 19, 2010) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9528 Registered: 5-2002 |
Edwin; I'm watching the Ahmad Jamal video; very nice! And a cool top on the Alembic! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 179 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Mica for chiming in. Can this new Toma_Hawk fretless be made? If so, will I have to pay the injury tax? Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| darkstar01
Advanced Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 248 Registered: 6-2005 |
Completely unrelated (sorry Hal), but if you want a serious bass lesson check out Chuck Israels playing on Ahmad Jamal's stuff from the Pershing Lounge in '58. Pretty ahead of it's time as far as note choice and voice leading goes. | ||
| nnek
Junior Username: nnek Post Number: 40 Registered: 8-2009 |
Great links! From Hal's Prince link with the snaping funk tone to James's almost upright tone. James' bass is the first one I've seen, besides mine, with that particular omega cut. His seems to be a bit newer with the solid brass string anchor, multi piece bridge and brass truss rod cover plate. Suprise to see an SVT with the full refrigerator speaker cab for a jazz trio! | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 707 Registered: 5-2002 |
Jim's bass is a '77, afaik. He does have an older fretted Series as well. It's possible that the SVT might have been backline. When I saw him he had a much smaller rig. I don't remember exactly what, but it might have been a Walter Woods or something of that nature. Or now that I think about, he might have been using an F2B. There is a Bass Player feature from a few years ago that outlines all his gear. One of my heroes, for sure! |
