| Author |
Message |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 589
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Monday, April 20, 2009 - 11:23 am: |  |
Control Change:
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 590
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Monday, April 20, 2009 - 12:52 pm: | |
It was great for Mica to have a section dedicated for people with dream basses.
I can't tell you with words, how useful the "Dreaming... for now" sections on Alembic.com (thread) was for me.
It took 2 years, and a few months, to have a palatable concept and shape I believe suited my playing style. I now put this all on the line, and I am ready for this bass to be real.
Furthermore, I understand this bass may not be pretty to everyone, or have all the bells and whistles many people would desire; and that is cool with me and may God bless you, but with beauty, that from the only eyes of the beholders, and from my perspective, the Toma_Hawk will support me from both: form and function, and it look HOT to me!
That being said, and as of today, I would like to ask Mica to officially graduate The Toma_Hawk Build No.1 to:
"Factory to Customer" section of Alembic.com
I will be watching with amazement and wonderment with every picture which develops from your fantastic and fabulous and very experiences experts.
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 591
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 12:11 pm: | |
Toma_Hawk archive...
This was a very cool shot of Mica and Ron Wickersham taken, while at Alembic HQ.
The Toma_Hawk templates you see, were from the extra templates I brought with me, and was reserved for Susan, Mica, and Ron's autographs on this momentous project kickoff. |
elwoodblue
Senior Member
Username: elwoodblue
Post Number: 655
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 12:49 pm: | |
That's a very nice picture,
thanks for sharing. |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 592
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 12:54 pm: | |
A sneak preview...
Mica "Draws" the first (Flame Maple) laminate for the Toma_Hawk...
 |
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck
Post Number: 7940
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 3:24 pm: | |
Great picture of Mica and Ron !!!! |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 593
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 3:51 pm: | |
Thanks Dave,
I was on their campus for about 4 hours and yet the time moved so fast.
The wood shop is incredible.. something from out of the warm and beautiful pages of Walt Disney's Pinocchio. |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 594
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Friday, April 24, 2009 - 1:27 pm: | |
What is "Broom Stick QUICK?"
I like a flat back neck...
Here are the measurements so far...
THE TOP:
The frontal view - Nut = 1.60 in
Side view (Back of neck-to-finger board) = 0.80 in
THE BOTTOM:
The frontal view - 24th fret width = 2.15 in
The side view (Back of neck-to-finger board) = 0.96 in |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 595
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, April 25, 2009 - 11:37 pm: | |
Latest controls update...
 |
bsee
Senior Member
Username: bsee
Post Number: 2314
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2009 - 9:04 am: | |
Hal, be careful what you draw. Alembic might give you exactly what you ask for. For example, do you really want the bridge volume pot that close to the bridge? The five pin jack is also awfully tight to the tailpiece. I have to assume that your diagram is just to give a feel for what you want and that you expect Alembic to alter it so that it fits within the scope of the electronics cavity and real estate available on the top.
All that said, why isn't this being discussed in an FTC thread now? The dreaming is over if the order has been placed, right? |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 596
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, April 26, 2009 - 12:05 pm: | |
Thanks for the input, but as for the drawings of the bridge depiction is not to scale.
In fact, the actual bridge size, is much smaller than the drawing and thus, the said control(s) will have more room than the drawings suggests.
As for the 5 pin connector, this drawing is larger too. However, as far as being too close to the bird-tail piece, it is fine. My 1976 Shorty, has the 5 pin connector in the same location.
Let's remember, real parts will be used, before determining the actual space and location. So, as far as the drawings, it serves as a perspective.
Also you must remember Ron, Susan and Mica are very strict on quality (needless to say...)
As for the Factory to customer thread, I keep checking the topics myself... I can't tell you how excited my life has become since I left Santa Rosa. Hey, let me know when you see it up 
This thread has pretty much run it's course, but for now, its better than nothing... |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 604
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 6:00 am: | |
The The Toma_Hawk final drawings on controls.
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 613
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 9:39 am: | |
WOOD Change in effect:
After a very good meeting with Mica, the Toma_Hawk top laminate, will be Dark Vermillion.
Samples:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/33135.html?1163232228
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/6788.html?1084748018
http://alembic.com/club/messages
/631/36340.html?1187235525
http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/53753.html |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 614
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 10:02 am: | |
Factory to customer thread: Project Toma_Hawk
Set for next week... (according to Mica)
"We shall watch this bass with great interest." |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 615
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 03, 2009 - 7:07 pm: | |
Well, it's a Sunday, and it's my very last post here.
I know, I know... I must had said this a million times, but this time, I am really done. I have nothing left. Susan and Mica has this concept down to a "T".
I been updated from Mica, the Factory to customer thread will be created some time this week, so T-minus 10...9...8...7...
Toma_Hawk Specifications:
The Body:
Book Matching
Dark Vermilion/Mahogany/Dark Vermilion
The Neck:
Maple/Purple Heart/White-Strip/Ebony/White-Strip/Purple Heart/Maple
Neck Measurements:
Nut width = 1.60 in
1st Neck Thickness = 0.80 in (Flat neck where the thumb is positioned <--> to fingerboard)
17th Neck Thickness = 0.96 in (Flat neck where the thumb is positioned <--> to fingerboard)
24th Fret width = 2.15 in
The controls:
Master Volume (Top-Hat)
Pickup Selector Switch (Tear Drop)
Side Light Switch (Off, Low, Bright)
Neck:
Neck Volume (Top-Hat)
Neck Tone (Top-Hat)
Neck Q Switch (3-Position Toggle)
Bridge:
Bridge Volume (Top-Hat)
Bridge Tone (Top-Hat)
Bridge Q Switch (3-Position Toggle)
Cable Connection:
5 pin XLR on body (Male)
1/4" on body
All Chrome or Nickle hardware:
Tuning Machine
Bridge
Bird
Control Back Plate
Battery Back Plate
Metal Switches
Switchcraft 5 pin front plate
Side of Neck:
Blue Side Lights
Fingerboard:
Ebony
Pickups:
Neck: Series I/II (Black, with black Alembic Emboss)
Hum Cancellation (Black)
Bridge: Series I/II (Black, with black Alembic Emboss)
Alembic Emblem:
Metal
Crown
Dark Vermilion (Top/Back)
Frets:
Thick
Strings:
Super Light Gauge
045's
Body:
The Toma_Hawk
Thickness = 1.70 inches
PHEW - That's all folks!
(Message edited by hendixclarke on May 04, 2009)
(Message edited by hendixclarke on May 04, 2009) |
bluplirst
Member
Username: bluplirst
Post Number: 56
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 06, 2009 - 9:53 pm: | |
Vermillion is a great choice! I will be watching this FTC. |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 635
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 12:33 am: | |
Right on!
Thank you Dan. |
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum
Post Number: 539
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 6:42 am: | |
I really look forward to seeing your bass realized Hal. I think unique designs like these are the most exciting of all customs. |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 636
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 10:01 am: | |
Thanks Kevin.
Over the years, I seen some very fascinating Alembics basses, and I love reading the FTC, because I know the energy is high, and people are happily excited. In my mind, (over two years and a few months) I kept telling myself, "someday my bass will be on that page..." |
hydrargyrum
Senior Member
Username: hydrargyrum
Post Number: 540
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 12:28 pm: | |
That's great Hal. Someday I hope to do the same, but its going to take a while. I guess that just gives me time to get the details straight. |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 642
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 7:56 pm: | |
Time is on your side. I advise anyone, to take there time. By all means, take risks and draw outside the dotted lines. Make it all about you and those qualities you truly value in playing music.
My next custom will be in the direction of an electric guitar. It will be something in honor of Jimi Hendrix. Maybe I will call it "Devon". |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 700
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 5:40 pm: | |
(Message edited by hendixclarke on May 13, 2009) |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 701
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 5:52 pm: | |
Vermilion Wood example of the Toma_Hawk
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 733
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 06, 2009 - 11:19 pm: | |
Just on my mind...
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 736
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 09, 2009 - 8:23 am: | |
So, with all the songs I sing for others beautiful things, I reserved a Frank tune for my wait...
It like a child; to let nature take it's course and no rush... It's like a fine wine (although I don't drink... I do understand...)
We'll here it goes... Crooning some...
"The best is yet to come, and wont that be fine
You think youve seen the sun, but you aint seen it shine
Wait till the warm-up is underway
Wait till out my finger tips have met
Wait till you see that sunshine day
You aint seen nothing yet
The best is yet to come, and wont that be fine
The best is yet to come, come the day that your mine
Come the day that your mine
I'm gonna teach you to fly
We've only tested the line
Were gonna play that jam dry
Wait till your charms are right, for the arms to surround
You think you've flown before, but you aint left the ground
Wait till you're locked in my embrace
Wait till I hold you near
Wait till you see that sunshine place
There aint nothing like it here
The best is yet to come, and wont that be fine
The best is yet to come, come the day that your mine."
Yeah, that was too cool... When it get's here, I'll play something sweet on You-Tube... |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 743
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Friday, June 19, 2009 - 4:48 pm: | |
Let me just say:
Mica nailed The Toma_Hawk's controls down!
With such a small bass, and only so-much room, BULL'S EYE!
What you see here, is the actual and final layout for the Toma_Hawk controls.... coming right from Alembic HQ. and you as members, get the first look!
Now, what I love about this control layout, is the shape, and sum of all the parts.
With the knobs, you may see an "Arrow Head" pattern, and from a Native American perspective, and the official name and theme of this bass "Toma_Hawk", the pattern of the controls, fits sublimely.
Also, notice the Pickup Selector Switch...
We made the pointed end, downward instead of having it pointing up... This format required Ron's approval prior...
However the main benefit here, is to keep the sharp point away from my actively playing hands. Although the controls "just" under the hum-canceler, (another personal requirement) will give my hands more than enough room to play without "run-ends"...
This is just a sneak look before The Factory to Customer thread is created for the Toma_Hawk.
Hal-
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 746
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 11:04 am: | |
(Message edited by hendixclarke on June 20, 2009)
(Message edited by hendixclarke on June 20, 2009) |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 747
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 11:10 am: | |
(Message edited by hendixclarke on June 20, 2009) |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 748
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 11:36 am: | |
Unofficial render created by Hal-
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 751
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 6:46 pm: | |
This would make a great album (CD) cover
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 752
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 8:58 pm: | |
This render is the the closest I can theorize on how the finished product might look.
Pictures (even real pictures) don't do objects any justice. I seen some pictures of some amazing Alembics, but not until I seen them in person and held them, one begin to really appreciate the wholeness and the power!
If you look at past pictures/renders of this concept bass, you would had seen some major design changes.
As a rule, an ideas has to stand through the test of time, and many of my ideas may had sound good in the beginning, but once a superior idea comes along, the old original was not necessarily removed, but enhanced. You find a way, to hold on to those things (designs) that puts a huge smile on your face.
Peace-
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 757
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009 - 7:57 pm: | |
Here's a more refined "Shine" and rounder edge rendition.
Man, she's beautiful to me!
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 759
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009 - 10:42 pm: | |
A brown Toma_Hawk...
 |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 770
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 12:06 pm: | |
This is a remix of the Toma_Hawk in Straight Normal Play (VS) Slap/Pop...
I tried to make the body of the bass, to scale as possible.
  |
hendixclarke
Senior Member
Username: hendixclarke
Post Number: 841
Registered: 6-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, July 12, 2009 - 7:57 pm: | |
[On the backside...] Toma_Hawk render with chrome control back-plates.
Drawn by Hal-
(Message edited by hendixclarke on July 12, 2009) |
jazzyvee
Senior Member
Username: jazzyvee
Post Number: 1580
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 10:16 am: | |
Here are a couple of photo's I found on Chuck Rainey's facebook that have a similar design on the bottom of the body to your tomahawk.
Jazzyvee |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 4
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Monday, July 20, 2009 - 4:04 pm: | |
Vintage 1960's Moon landing guitars -
 
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 20, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Monday, July 20, 2009 - 5:11 pm: | |
 |
mario_farufyno
Intermediate Member
Username: mario_farufyno
Post Number: 154
Registered: 9-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 5:20 am: | |
What is the brand Chuck Rainey uses? |
adriaan
Senior Member
Username: adriaan
Post Number: 2272
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 7:46 am: | |
Warrior? |
tmoney61092
Intermediate Member
Username: tmoney61092
Post Number: 152
Registered: 9-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 12:12 pm: | |
definetly looks like a Warrior to me
~Taylor Watterson |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 6
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 12:03 pm: | |
Hal's Backyard project...
 
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 25, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 3:15 pm: | |
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 25, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 3:53 pm: | |
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 25, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 9
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 6:11 pm: | |
One of these things... is not like the other...
(A Sesame Street Flash back...)
  |
toma_hawk01
New
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 10
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 7:07 pm: | |
 |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 10:30 pm: | |
Ideas take time...
 |
smokinbear
Junior
Username: smokinbear
Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 9:09 am: | |
Keep the train a rollin Hal that is gonna be one cool bass! Nice backyard all thats missing is the pink flamingos!! What strings are you gonna use? You say in the thread your are going for x-light strings, have you happend to try Dr Jonas Hellborg strings on your old bass ever? Just curious if any one with a series bass has tried these strings? I use em on all my old starfires and my persuader, but my 5string distillate gets Ritter swordsteels. sorry to change topic.....Bear |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 12
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 11:49 am: | |
A size perspective...
 |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 13
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 12:33 pm: | |
Thank you smokinbear.
There's no doubt I am a big fan of the Toma_Hawk Bass, and it's good to know when others out there from the far reaches of the world, like this bass too.
I am going Alembic X light 45 on the strings.
As for the backyard, I am working on a deck for the family, and for jamming too!
Once this bass is made, I may write a book on the many places it's been, and people who played it with their thoughts.
This is one of the reasons I am focusing more on this thread than on anywhere else on Alembic.com.
You can always find me here, under the shade in my garden. |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 14
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 6:36 pm: | |
Sand Box...
 |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 8:22 pm: | |
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 26, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 16
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009 - 9:09 pm: | |
Re-Mix Sand Box Model...
 |
smokinbear
Junior
Username: smokinbear
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2008
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 8:11 am: | |
Your photoshop skill are second to none i can't even cut and paste yet!!!! Have you chosen any woods at the mothership yet? Hope to see some action in the ftc section soon! I hope some day a series 1 in a small omega distillate EVH (ish) shape with a super flamey walnut top 2 ebony lams w/ a ph in the center can be realized, but thats for another day/thread. Play in good health . Smokin-bear |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 17
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 10:43 am: | |
Hi Smokinbear,
Here's the exact specs of the neck and body on the Toma_Hawk.
For the Neck, Susan worked her magic and for the Body, Mica countered... I was blown away by their suggestions on the wood, and now I am hypnotize by the beauty of the whole bass.
I feel like a kid again... and its scary at times because, I have not felt this good about something I wanted, for a very long time.
I am using a program called Photo-Impact. I had this application since the 90's and gotten use to it...
But, I believe tools like these, really can help communicate visually.
It gives the eyes, something to do too...
 |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 4:38 pm: | |
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 29, 2009) |
bluplirst
Member
Username: bluplirst
Post Number: 62
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 9:20 pm: | |
That would be a sweet lapel pin! |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 19
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - 10:07 pm: | |
"Should be sweeet when complete!"
- Thomas Lieber
Lieber Instruments
This quote was added to my profile...
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 28, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 20
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - 6:52 am: | |
This Golden pendant is for, the love of my life... (My wife)
(Message edited by Toma_Hawk-01 on July 29, 2009) |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 43
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 4:49 pm: | |
An official full body drawing from Alembic HQ.
 |
toma_hawk01
Junior
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 46
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, August 13, 2009 - 6:17 pm: | |
The Dream has now become reality...
The Toma_Hawk has a FTC thread now...
My final words...
This was great, and I will always remember this section of the Toma_Hawk experience...
Thanks to everyone who contributed here...
((((((((Peace)))))))))
-lights off-
Hal- |
toma_hawk01
Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 56
Registered: 7-2009
| | Posted on Friday, August 14, 2009 - 10:28 pm: | |
 |
toma_hawk01
Advanced Member
Username: toma_hawk01
Post Number: 354
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 - 3:27 pm: | |
 |
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