| Author | Message | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 459 Registered: 9-2004 |
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oil-Painting-Alembic-Toma-Hawk-2010-FUNK-Bass-and-Short-body-1976-Bass-/320889135039?pt=Guitar&hash=item4ab67b9fbf | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 242 Registered: 5-2005 |
Perhaps someone will bid on this potential April Fool's day runner up to the awesome trick perpetrated on us by Chateau Alembic this year (and last year; smoke em if you got 'em). Or perhaps the "artist" smoked last year's offering. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder tho!! | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 782 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hal(Toma_Hawk01), the owner of both of the real basses actually painted them himself. Now I don't know about anyone else but I'm not going to pay $1200 for 2 paintings of 2 bass bodies that aren't even mine but maybe someone will ~Taylor | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 1052 Registered: 11-2006 |
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| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 243 Registered: 5-2005 |
What Buckeye Burl!!! Awesome. Let's see a painting of that, then the finished bass made from that wood. Quilted Coco Bolo and Buckeye Burl, what else do you need to live? (Message edited by Tubeperson on April 17, 2012) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2619 Registered: 3-2004 |
The person featured in these pictures has been a divisive force on these boards. This is almost as bad as raising issues of religion or politics. Particularly, when it's done when he's offering a couple artworks at a fairly high price. Taylor said $1200, but they are now listed at $1250. It looks like, as with some of his previous bass auctions, he raised the price after getting no action at the start of the auction. To answer Steve's rhetorical question, I also need integrity and honor. -bob | ||
| sjhoffma
Advanced Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 208 Registered: 5-2008 |
I suppose i've learned to keep my mouth shut, but I do wonder what the reserve price is | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 245 Registered: 5-2005 |
Bob, I am glad you understood part of my entering this "fray". I also sensed the divisiveness, and did not appreciate it and the arrogance with it it since the site is owned by Alembic but we all have a vested interest in a civil and positive place to grow. So much for "Why can't we all get along?" By the same token, Ron W. master guru at the mothership (he still reports to Susan, let's not forget that) is posing in a picture with Hal dated April 12th of this year. So although the divisiveness was apparently noticed by others as well as myself, and the "perp' is not going to fess up, I must trust the owners of the site, and their comfort level with the situation. We have the current featured instrument owner, who pontificated about the most "miniscule "flaws" in the bass during construction, and his "rantings" sounded as if he expected, then demanded perfection form the mighty craftspeople at Alembic and this carried through during the results show afterwards. Perfection is a goal and ideal, but even G-d had a flood and got a do over. Still I also kept reminding myself that with Pierre Yves, my perception of his "issues" with the "flaws" may have been due to his communicating in English. I am really impressed with his command of English, please keep this in mind, but perhaps we Americans may have not initially understood what he really meant. In this case, the result is a great Feature of the month, and a better understanding of a member who has good intent. With respect to Hal, he is blessed and cursed not only with bass guitar design, but painting. I say blessed and cursed because this talent is wonderful, but let's face it, many creative types think and behave outside the box, if not downright outrageous and self-centered in extremis, as a result of their sheer talent and drive. Did he agrevate me with some of the "nonsense and bloviating"? Yes as I read it, but there was an educational piece of the interchanges that was part of that process. I wish I could have a drink of his choosing to better appreciate what I like and dislike about his approaoh and even more . so appreciate his talent, but I am an East Coaster. So Hal, since it is better to be "pissed off rather than pissed on" if you find yourself in the Northeast, I invite you to have a drink and give me the up close and personal version of your talent and rage. Sorry to come off as a priest or in my case a rabbi, but my close encounter with death recently does that to you. Besides it gives me license to to raise funds for charity, mainly my next Alembic project 9and Moderators please have a sense of humor about this post, the Oxycodones relieve pain and them some, but don't take too many!! So sayeth the TubEperson, never more!!!! | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 460 Registered: 9-2004 |
Well, Hal does mention lower in this other post that the money made from this painting auction "will go to medical charities", so maybe we should keep an open mind. http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/76637.html?1324321882 | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5130 Registered: 7-2004 |
Steve: Just curious, how can you determine the date of the picture? Bill, tgo | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 246 Registered: 5-2005 |
Good Point "TGO". My tax client have me bleary eyed this time of year, the date I mentioned was was merely a posting of the picture. If the picture was further back in the past, my nice side will have to go the way of the angel on Pinto's shoulder (Animal House). Still peace love and understanding can work, as long as it is 2 way. However, I know if I was treated that way after all that occurred between the craftsmanship and the person hiring such talent (if only to pull a Warwick and swipe someone's work and call it their own), I would not be smiling. Is this your way of tweaking me to have more hostility toward the self proclaimed King of Hostility (and no I do not mean Ron for you newbies etc.). And I really was trying to be fair and understanding. Guess I can have more bass rage, excellent!!! Many of us have medical issues, some of us do not gloat about it or use it as a negotiating tactic, as was sent to me by a moderator in a previous thread. Remember in The Last Samurai, the line was roughly, "To know thine enemy is to be near him". Which I would then follow up with "It is better to be feared than loved", from A Bronx Tail. Perhaps if DeNiro played Katsimoto, the Last Samurai would have done better in the theaters. We may have to called you TNO (as in naughty one)for stirring the pot!! Now I am well stirred but not shaken. I guess I need to hug my Buckeye Burl Series to keep me even keeled blah blah blah!!!! Good Job mate! | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1372 Registered: 6-2002 |
Yay for even keels !! I remember the pic posted when Hal was visiting with his mockup. | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 247 Registered: 5-2005 |
And also for the uneven ones. When did "The Mockup Visit" (mysterious music please) take place? | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 1356 Registered: 5-2006 |
The Mockup  Visit | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1373 Registered: 6-2002 |
Sometime mid 2009, the other pics are more recent. | ||
| eligilam
Advanced Member Username: eligilam Post Number: 363 Registered: 2-2006 |
Memories...written on the pages of my heart... | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 5131 Registered: 7-2004 |
Steve: No intention to stir this particular pot (most any other "pot" is fine by me - lol). I just thought there might be a link or some other method on the site to figure out when pics were taken. I'm always interested in learning new things about the site. For example, though I've been here for about eight years, I only recently discovered how to insert emoticons.  Bill, tgo | ||
| tubeperson
Advanced Member Username: tubeperson Post Number: 248 Registered: 5-2005 |
Hey TGO aka TNO: I know you were "joshin" me your naughtiness. I also have a sense of humor and believe me I do not take myself too seriously. Some others should heed that advice they would be happier and more productive people. I felt I had some valid constructive thoughts, both positive and negative to state, and more importantly, we have all become quick to be judgemental. First impressions are often wrong because they rely more on an immediate emotional reaction. Ultimately, this site is run as a tool to share information and experiences, perhaps be lucky enough to make friends, and no one individual "owns" the moral high ground on it. That is ultimately what I was concerned about, which is why I admitted my own initial reaction. I learned long ago that quality work takes time, whether craftsmanship, communication, developing a solo, good sex (don't sue me for harrassment) etc. Insertion is a very good word for many reasons (heh heh heh)and yes my thoughts are dirty but the deeds are not. And of course concerning "particular pot", my favorite was the 2011 April Fools variety perpetrated by that awesome trickster, Ms. Mica. In second place, is the pot plant smoking the teenager in Scary Movie 2. G-d bless all of us and find peace (and piece). Now where should we stick those emoticons? And of whatever floats your boat why can't we just call them smiley faces? | ||
| peoplechipper
Advanced Member Username: peoplechipper Post Number: 274 Registered: 2-2009 |
I saw his e-bay listing yesterday and knew it'd be a thread here...but this thread has gone seriously wobbly...many of his posts indicated that he was wobbly himself, but his e-bay listing really nails it. Basically he's going "here's paintings of my ex-wives, I left off their faces, enjoy..." why he made the paintings in the first place is weird enough, and why he'd try to sell them...I dunno, I'm just glad he's not my neighbour...Tony. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10657 Registered: 5-2002 |
It is snowing here this morning, April 23. Not too extraordinary of an event here in the mountains for this time of year, but notable after such an unusually warm winter. The wind is gusting, and the trees in all their green spring finery are dancing back and forth; all while these little white snowflakes continue to fall. It makes for an unusual morning. _________________ Moderator's note. Understandably, we each react to people and events in our own unique ways. The path that each of us has traveled through life has been unique, informed by the particular sequence of events that only we have experienced. Thus over the span of our lives we will have developed response patterns to the various types of events that we experience. This is common to all of us. And through our lives it has caused us no small amount of problems; with our parents, our teachers, our friends, our employers, our customers, customer service reps on the phone, other drivers on the road, etc. All of us get upset, frustrated, angered, disappointed, etc. And not only do we react to other people and events based on our own unique life path, but we also react to ourselves; we react to our reactions. We get upset, frustrated, angered, disappointed, etc with our ourselves as well as with or at others. Recognizing this, we can see that all of us share this in common. And when we see this, we see that others are not so different from ourselves. We each wish to be happy; we each search for that which will make us happy. Often we go after things that we think will make us happy, but ultimately find such experiences to be temporary pleasures at best. We are all human beings. Despite our apparent differences, at our core we share a common humanity. We all suffer. We all desire happiness. We are all worthy of compassion. It is understandable that we react to people and events in the ways that we do. But it is, in my view, important to remember that they are us. It has been, and continues to be, the practice of this club that all members here should be treated with understanding, respect, and compassion. However we may see the actions of others, it is important to the health of this club that we each try to keep this in mind. And, in my view, it is important to our own well being that we remember this as well. Please try to keep this discussion respectful. | ||
| wookie
Member Username: wookie Post Number: 96 Registered: 8-2010 |
I'm with Dave on this. I don't know the guy with the paintings. I'd guess he doesn't post on here anymore. We can go back and read his threads and comments, So just like when you get a bad patient/customer etcetera have a moment and let this guy do his thing and keep our opinions to ourselves of him good or bad and move on. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2620 Registered: 3-2004 |
Wookie, I don't believe that it is fair to demand that people keep their opinions to themselves on any issue, and I don't believe that is what Dave was asking. When people are told that they have to just shut up and accept it if they don't like something, then bad things often happen. My opinion in this case is that it would have been better if this thread never started. Since it was started, though, it became an advertisement for the eBay auction. At that point, you can't ask the people who might object to sit around and let it slide. You can ask them to be respectful in their comments, and I totally agree with that, but don't tell them they can't answer when someone else raised the question. -bob | ||
| sjhoffma
Advanced Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 213 Registered: 5-2008 |
Some wise words David | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 1125 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hal has proved that he can move on, so let's do the same. He and I had our share of disagreements in the past, but we came to peace with each other outside of this forum. I'm personally ashamed for having ever said anything questionable about any of our brothers or sisters. Bob and Dave have the right of things, and I respect them both the more for it (although they have both long held my respect). This place is unique for being a positive haven among the general acrimony of the web. Let's stick to the old maxim of not saying anything if we can't say something nice. Let's limit our disagreements to the nature of pickups, wood, and wire. Let us find the humility and grace to accept the foibles of our comrades as they accept the same from us. I have a four year old son, which means I watch the occasional Disney movie. There is a quote that comes to mind that I think applies from "Ratatouille:" "In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so." Over, and out . . . | ||
| sjhoffma
Advanced Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 214 Registered: 5-2008 |
Although I agree with Bsee as well. You can voice your opinion, while still conveying a certain level of respect, even if your opinion is not positive. | ||
| gtrguy
Senior Member Username: gtrguy Post Number: 461 Registered: 9-2004 |
When I first started this post I knew it would be somewhat controversial, which is why I added no comments of my own at the time. It is interesting how Hal is like a lightning rod for interesting comments. I have been thinking about it, and I read a lot of his older posts, especially during the time his Tomahawk bass was being built. All in all, he just seems kinda like a more artistic type personality to me than some, with a unique vision of the world and his place in it. Oddly enough, if he went on to be wildly successful with his line of instruments, we would probably call him a visionary and may have wished we bought the paintings. He often says nice things in his old posts to people here in the forum too. I was also curious how long the thread would go on until we all got tired of rehashing it. And I also am wondering what happens when my own posts reach the magic 500 mark. Do I get a prize? Do I become as wise as DaveHouck, which would be a step in the right direction for me? I also think of Paul and Bonnie and what happened to him. I had sent him an email just the week before he quit posting and never got a reply, and many here know why that is. Life can be short and we should try to be kind. Bye, Dave | ||
| sjhoffma
Advanced Member Username: sjhoffma Post Number: 216 Registered: 5-2008 |
One thing is for sure, Hal has great taste in basses! He is certainly a visionary as well. Only time will tell whether or not his vision succeeds, but despite any of our varying opinions I'm sure we all can agree on one thing, which is that we wish him luck on whatever his endeavors might be | ||
| wookie
Member Username: wookie Post Number: 97 Registered: 8-2010 |
Bob! Brilliant! My mind is changed! Wise sir, very wise. The force, strong within you, it is! | ||
| billostech
Advanced Member Username: billostech Post Number: 301 Registered: 1-2011 |
And I quote: "General: Mankind takes everything available in the universe and in an infinite search for wisdom, focuses energy into the alembic resulting in the purest goal. Specific: Alembic utilizes all available materials and in their quest to learn, focuses their efforts in their factory and produces the purest of electric guitars and basses available." | ||
| klinkepeter
Member Username: klinkepeter Post Number: 59 Registered: 2-2008 |
Amen | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 350 Registered: 5-2002 |
Perhaps I can hijack this thread for a moment. Forgive my selfishness in doing so, but I don't want to talk about Hal or the effect that Hal his renewed presence (in the form of an eBay listing) might have upon us. Instead, I would like to talk about Dave Houck's beautiful and important words of April 23 (posted above). Dave wrote, in part: "All of us get upset, frustrated, angered, disappointed, etc. And not only do we react to other people and events based on our own unique life path, but we also react to ourselves; we react to our reactions. We get upset, frustrated, angered, disappointed, etc with our ourselves as well as with or at others. Recognizing this, we can see that all of us share this in common. And when we see this, we see that others are not so different from ourselves." When I read - and re-read - those words I was awed with the same sense of truth and beauty that I get from a killer sunset, a rose garden or a thrilling piece of music....simple stuff that is the bedrock of life, but so easy to overlook during the course of our hectic lives. I am in the conflict business, and it's too easy for me to think of conflict as inevitable. As Dave so eloquently reminds us, it isn't. Dave's words harken us to our better angels. Tonight, I want to think about what binds me together with Hal, and with all of you, instead of that which might divide us. Thanks, Dave. | ||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1718 Registered: 7-2007 |
Steve, Your analogy is wonderful! Thank you. Art |
