| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 443 Registered: 6-2007 |
You will see the concept drawings here first... Stay tuned. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 444 Registered: 6-2007 |
The Mother-ship (Alembic) will build it for me... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 445 Registered: 6-2007 |
Allow me to be the first to present, to you: "The Toma_Hawk" by Hal- (Halembic). Inspired by the Native American Obsidian Arrow Heads. This bass is my concept Alembic Series I/II bass. The wood is of Mahogany, Ebany and Maple combination with a traditional Alembic tuning crown. To put things mildly, this is my signature bass  This bass is smaller, and lighter than a Stanley Clarke Signature. It was designed for long "ass" jam sessions and holding it down on the one... Designing this bass, was a labor of love, and soon these blue prints, along with my green prints (money) are headed to Santa Rosa. "Hey, anything without my exact measurements, is frankly, just a knockoff of pure flattery " It's a free world... I welcome all comments (good and bad...)  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7630 Registered: 5-2002 |
Congrats on placing the order! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5906 Registered: 6-2000 |
If you're going for lighter weight, then Ebony would be on the list of woods to avoid. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 446 Registered: 6-2007 |
As you can see... The Small body 1976 is no-so-small compared to the Toma_Hawk. Small yes, but it gonna pack a punch and bite like a small Pit-Bull. DOWN BOY, HEAL!  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 447 Registered: 6-2007 |
Hi Mica, Thanks for the information. I will be calling you on the details. Also, I would love to get a perspective of a very light "eco" friendly woods for this bass. Thanks for your input, your knowledge is always welcome. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1359 Registered: 6-2002 |
Interesting bass style, have you considered the neck heavy properties of the SC shape basses due to the small body style. Your design looks a tad smaller so you may end up with more neck dive unless you have some way of countering it in the body. maybe a HUGE sustain block under the bridge and tailpiece... :-) That should give it the bite of a Pit-Bull on steroids. This would be a good one to watch being built. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 448 Registered: 6-2007 |
Of the smallest basses I played, was a Steinberger. Although I never liked them personally, but in terms of their lightness and balance, there are great but I never been a big fan of the sound. The Toma_Hawk lightness will not be counter intuitive of its shape with the neck. I think your comments are very well taken, and will be part of my talks at the planning phases. This is why I love this forum so much, because of people like you Jazzyvee... Thanks man, from the heart. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 449 Registered: 6-2007 |
The exact same measurements of two blocks of wood may be the same (in terms of length, width and height), but density and weight, might differ from significant, to slightly... but rarely the exact same everything. Wood have their own specific gravity. Even a smaller block of wood could be heavier than a some larger sizes. Therefore, the "object size" alone is not necessarily a factor of balance. However, their specific gravity is much more of a factor. The Toma_Hawk Bass will be a challenge (no doubt) but it will be balanced and fully functional as we would expect from Alembic to craft... ;) Therefore, it will be a perfect, fully versatile bass with its own character and pure Alembic. What good is life, if everything was easy anyway? | ||
| pacificshine
Junior Username: pacificshine Post Number: 23 Registered: 7-2008 |
Notice that the Steinberger bass uses a metal hook (in lieu of an upper horn) to create that good balance. Without it, it would be extremely neck heavy and it looks like you will experience the same challenge with your design so you might want to experiment with hooking your strap closer to the 12th fret. A very wide (4") strap will also help. Let us know how this project goes. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 450 Registered: 6-2007 |
Mica, can you build this bass? | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 451 Registered: 6-2007 |
The 12th fret? No way...LOL!! This post will be a joy to review, when this bass design hits the project Manager's desk. If it requires the strap-lock to be on the 12th neck, this bass will never see the light of day. A full no-go in effect, if balance is an issue. We will see... so stay tuned. This get's good. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 452 Registered: 6-2007 |
I left my phone number on your main service line answering machine... I await your call Mica. Have a wonderful day! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5908 Registered: 6-2000 |
If the balance of the Small Standard body is not an issue for you, the modest modification you're suggesting is not going to impact it dramatically. Counterweights are really not an option - the balance is mostly about the upper strap attachment point. One way to "move" the upper strap attachment point is to imagine "sliding" the body toward the peghead. This will reduce upper fret access (may or may not be an issue for you). Making the body slightly longer will give more room for the electronics (gotta keep them farther from the edge than you think). Other design details that occur to me: inverting the bird tailpiece would look cool on this one. If the edge of the body is more squared, carving little scallops along the edge to echo the conchoidal fracturing that obsidian naturally exhibits. I'll be moving this thread to the dreaming section later today. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5909 Registered: 6-2000 |
I'll be able to call you back in the afternoon. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 453 Registered: 6-2007 |
Hi Mica, I am not really fond of inverting the bird tail piece (although I see why this would conform to the shape and match or blend with the shapes flow...). I like the bird "just the way you guys did it"... It stands out bold and strong, in contrast of my design, it symbolize tradition and heritage. Naa... the bird will have to stay in uniform to the concept... The controls can be moved slightly to make room but still generally in the same basic area. I love smooth basses, and never been a big fan of sharp objects. I would very much like to keep the smoothness and clean lines like my 1976 Small Body bass, but without lengthening the tail. As for the Strap pen, it should be placed mid center, under 4th fret. Just for the record, the length of my 1976 (at the 4th fret) is exactly the same length of the concept bass. Also, the widest area from my 1976 Small Body, is also the widest length on the concept. The only area that is different, is the wedge cut at the base. I look forward to speaking with you for details... | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1579 Registered: 12-2002 |
will this baby be solid or chambered?.......any LEDS/Lasers etc.... | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 990 Registered: 11-2004 |
Normal crown headstock? | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 454 Registered: 6-2007 |
This is the full concept Toma_Hawk with Alembic Original Crown. The neck will be thin and lighting fast. "It's the Stealth of Small Body."  | ||
| oujeebass
Intermediate Member Username: oujeebass Post Number: 144 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think it would be nice with the cone headstock | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 269 Registered: 1-2008 |
Maybe a headstock based on arrow fletching (the feather part). | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 455 Registered: 6-2007 |
Just got off the phone with Mica, and the bass balance will be comparable to the Small Body. (There will no problems with the neck and body balance). According to Mica, this bass will be the absolute first of any such a design from Alembic Headquarters, and will carry my name once the first one is built. "HAL"embic AKA Toma_Hawk! WHAT AN HONOR! Here's a comparison of the "Toma_Hawk" whole body, next to the Small Body Cousin. The hardware will be Chrome/Nickle only (No Brass or Bronze anywhere). The neck will be very thin (Less round -- more flat in thinness) for fast actions playing. Not my Fathers bass... The bass body thickness will be very thin -- or much thinner than my 1976, and powered by ether Series I or a Series II electronics. (I am still undecided...) The color might be a Stealth Black (with visible wood) or a Crimson/Burgundy Mahogany/Maple. I am still undecided... The finger board, will have my design... Still in the works... This will be a major upgrade for me, after playing Alembics since 1983 (26 years). The bass almost looks retro boomerang-ish with a simple and no-nonsense look and feel. Anyway, I been working on this design (shape) for almost two years. I can't wait to see it built. It's to LIVE FOR! (not to die for...)  | ||
| gregduboc
New Username: gregduboc Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2008 |
I can't wait to see it on the Factory to Costumer thread. It's a really unique design Hal, congratulations! I'm really looking forward to watching it getting into shape. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 456 Registered: 6-2007 |
Thanks Gregory. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 457 Registered: 6-2007 |
I am fixed on the color... The Toma_Hawk bass will be a Dark Maroon... I will continue showing a virtual imagery, (as seen here) as the design refines...  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 458 Registered: 6-2007 |
Virtual Toma_Hawk Front is getting there...  | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 991 Registered: 11-2004 |
How about some custom colored pickups? Depends on how stealth you want it to look, but some burgundy (or even contrasting colored) PU's might look nice. (Message edited by tbrannon on February 25, 2009) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 459 Registered: 6-2007 |
The Toma_Hawk's Virtual "Mug Shots"... More Refinements to come...   | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 460 Registered: 6-2007 |
Hi Toby, In my meeting with Mica, we talked about the Soap Bar pick ups... and the color options. Stay tuned... I am looking into some colors now... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 461 Registered: 6-2007 |
EDIT time... An integrated tone/volume (on 1 knob system) provides more real estate, and removes the need for two drilled holes.  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7649 Registered: 5-2002 |
I think it is the case that Alembic doesn't do stacked pots. I think it was an issue related to the quality of the pots. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 462 Registered: 6-2007 |
I don't see why not... They are not sharing any circuits. This will be a check point... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 7651 Registered: 5-2002 |
I don't know much about pots. I do know that Alembic uses sealed self-cleaning mil-spec pots, and that Alembic does not compromise on quality. I think there are some earlier threads on the subject that may have more detail. | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 1026 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal, See Haddimudd's double neck bass I believe it was quite a task and was unlikely to be repeated. Mike | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 463 Registered: 6-2007 |
Maybe there are better quality ones now... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 464 Registered: 6-2007 |
I remember we were discussing a volume/tonal locking system... Although it seemed a little far fetch, but from the perspective of minimizing knobs, an integrated tone/volume (on 1 knob system) would make the bass more sublime and give a minimal look and feel.  | ||
| crobbins
Advanced Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 228 Registered: 6-2004 |
I like it...Congrats.... | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2188 Registered: 3-2004 |
I wanted stacked pots back when I was having mine done in 2004 and the answer was absolutely not. I have to say I'm no fan of this body shape from a practical perspective. You seem to be forfeiting some real estate for the electronics cavity and moving the controls closer to the strings where they might be in the way for some playing styles. If it suits you, though, then more power to you! You also seemed to mock up the bass with a partial BTC. Was that intentional, or just how you slapped things together? | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5914 Registered: 6-2000 |
Bob's right, no on the stacked pots - for a Series I or II, the bass would have to be much thicker to gang three sections of those huge pots. Take the backplate off your Series I. See how the filter pots are two sections each? Now add a third one and you'll see what I mean about how much more insanely thick the bass would have to grow. Then you have the ugly knob issue. Stacked pots need long knobs that are easier to break, or wide ones that cover up too much wood. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 465 Registered: 6-2007 |
Thanks Craig. Bob, different strokes for different folks. After owning both types of Alembic Series Basses: The Omega Body (1979), and the Small Body (1976) there were always people liking one style over the other... and you know what? That's cool because I still owned and loved both of them. You want to to know something else... I never seen an Alembic I didn't like. Also, if the bass has to have 4 knobs, so be it... (It will still look great to me anyway). However until Mica tell me any different, 2 knobs will be the rule on this bass. Frankly speaking, this bass was created to break rules - "I done my time, with others designs..." | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 466 Registered: 6-2007 |
Hi Mica, I am glade you commented on the knobs... As you can see from the concept, I added the 4 knobs back. The knobs are over 1" 1/4 from the edge; and switches are "end to end" very well positioned for my taste. The top crown, should match the uniformity of the body. I am working on a detailed design on the finger board. Thanks  | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2189 Registered: 3-2004 |
By the way, there' a "Dreaming for now" board for threads like this. Maybe this can be relocated to where it belongs? | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2190 Registered: 3-2004 |
I don't know what you're planning for neck woods, but you may be looking at a bass with poor natural balance. If the body is smaller and lighter than an SC, then you're going to need a lighter neck to get balance. Unfortunately, a thin neck made of lighter woods isn't going to be super stable. You might want to use some dense wood in the neck to get better stability and tone in a smaller dimension. Those woods, by definition, are heavy and may result in a bass with some neck dive. You might want to consider lengthening the upper horn, or both horns if you want symmetry, so that your strap attachment point is closer to the headstock. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 467 Registered: 6-2007 |
I am already aware of these things you mentioned... This bass will be balance, and it will be of quality in every way. The design is special and I will not go any bigger or smaller... If I have to lighten up on the crown, so be it, no problem. If the neck have to be lighter, no problem. A thinner neck was already discussed with Mica, so life is still be good. To be completely honest, being in a position to build you own instrument (especially if it's an Alembic) is great problem to have my "anyway". I am a blessed person with or without the bass Bill. I am not defined, I define. Human have this great parameters if they believe... So, I am not going to run away from one of my most cherished dreams in making myself the best bass in the world. It will get done, and done correctly. Lastly, no strap pins would ever touch my horns. Nuff-Said there... Thanks for your honesty, it is most appreciated. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1581 Registered: 12-2002 |
there has been many of "bass of my dreams" built here that ended up for sale for what ever reason the seller sold/wanted, just be sure you are TOTALLY satisfied with your decisions its like getting married once you love a woman stick with her!...i cant wait to see her! | ||
| dwmark
Advanced Member Username: dwmark Post Number: 229 Registered: 1-2005 |
Keavin You and I can start another thread on the "woman stick with her" point (I might take the contrary view), but I TOTALLY agree on the bass design point. And, I STRONGLY recommend that dreamers listen to Mica. That's what I did and I am REALLY happy with how mine ended up. So, Moder Dave, where would we start the "woman" discussion? dw | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 468 Registered: 6-2007 |
Keavin, you are so right. I agree with you 100%. People dreams are always inflated with infatuations and nightmares (which are just inflated fears). But dreams bad, or good are very important. Without them, its like eating food without taste, or music without sound. The more aware you are in every way, the better you can gauge understanding, and reasoning. Music is emotional and it's easy to fall into a rat hole discussion and people take things to heart. I find this stuff very entertaining and it cracks me up big-time reading this stuff. It's hilarious. People are so quick to destroy before it even develops... "Hal you can't do this", "oh Hal, you can't do that..." Man, its funny as hell to read this because my mind works toward ways things "CAN" work... That's how I earn my livelihood... Yeah, I agree some of this stuff is helpful and it a good advisory (and this is cool) but how much of this is on the boarder line. One thing I know is the names who leave their messages are very consistent (either on the positive side, or the negative) and that's cool too. Keavin, the one thing I know about the shape of this bass, it look "more" appealing for me, than my Small Body, but compared to the desire factor of your #12, GIVE ME Alembic #12! You got the Shizzel-Fazzizzel, and all that Shizzzit?!!! The Toma_Hawk story continues, for I am the biggest fan, the show continues. "Everybody have their own great pyramid to build..." | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2114 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal, I trust you will be setting it on fire soon after completion? Gesundheit! | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 5915 Registered: 6-2000 |
I had a nice long conversation with Hal on Tuesday night. Since he's happy with the balance of the short scale bass he has, this one really won't be all that different. For some, the short scale/Small Standard combo is neck heavy, so this design wouldn't be suitable for them. Remember, this bass is a hollow core Series I. There's really not much material coming off the hollow body - it's like scooping out air. To counter this, it's best to make adjustments up at the peghead, like a nice narrow neck, lighter weight tuners, smaller peghead. The impact on the "teeter-toter" is much greater at the peghead end of the bass, which is farther away from the fulcrum. Hal, I think the comments you are receiving here are in a helpful spirit - even good-natured kidding is helpful to raise a smile. Sorry - I meant to move this Tuesday night to the "Dreaming For Now" section... The move will be happening in moments. |
