| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 672 Registered: 6-2007 |
Ok, here it goes... The Toma_Hawk project is good and underway, and it will be my ideal Alembic bass period. Since I am also a electric guitar player, I feel it may be time to put all the finest qualities to capture the shape, sound, and technologies which elevates the classic sounds, yet with qualities of its own. The name I came up for this electric guitar is: "Devon" I will not go into the details as to why I am naming this dream guitar after A famous person's main "squeeze", hopefully without my interpretations and to only ones imagination you will understand. "Don't think I am crazy doing this, I don't think I am losing my mind..." - JH - My rendition is forth coming... Peace- | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 673 Registered: 6-2007 |
Here's the body... I am working on the neck...  | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 173 Registered: 10-2006 |
Yowza! Bee-yoo-ti-full! I take that is a highly figured walnut top? | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 674 Registered: 6-2007 |
Walnut would be nice... I see it... Thanks Paul. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1455 Registered: 6-2002 |
Is that three pickups with series electronics or two and a hum cancellor. I'd love to get a three pickup series guitar as one of my strats has alembic activators and three pickups and the sound spectrum is amazing. Jazzyvee | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 675 Registered: 6-2007 |
This is a (3) pickup series, running active with an old school, "slide" pickup selector switch. There are (2) hidden hum cancelers between each pickup. As for the controls, I am still thinking on the layout and function. What you see, is just a ruff draft of the controls. However, one thing I am sure about: The slide control, the (3) pickups with hum cancellation, and of course the whammy. Thanks for your input Jazz... | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 543 Registered: 3-2004 |
Are three pickups possible in a series guitar? I thought I read that they were not because they would require 5 preamps (two for hum cancelers, and three for the pickups). I could be totally wrong though. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2201 Registered: 6-2002 |
I assume if one humcanceller is enough for two pickups, it will do for three as well. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 676 Registered: 6-2007 |
Just to make sure, I have (2) hum cancelers to fit between the (2) cavities of (3) pickups. If one is enough, then two can't be bad. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2203 Registered: 6-2002 |
If one is enough, there's no point in having two. ;-) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 677 Registered: 6-2007 |
I will keep as this question a mystery. Who dream is it anyway....  This guitar will be hugely different than anything I played, or owned. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 678 Registered: 6-2007 |
Change... Ivy colored Alembic pickups will be required. No white pickups, the show stops dead, and the dream will be over.  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 679 Registered: 6-2007 |
Alembic has White pickups... The dream continues onward... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 680 Registered: 6-2007 |
I am really feeling a very positive vibe... It feels like the same vibe I have for the Toma_Hawk. There's this zone of peace and I can hear the music echoing for a life of it's own... I hope this last... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 683 Registered: 6-2007 |
Sweet Eeee---motion!  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 684 Registered: 6-2007 |
I think a Maple natural neck look very nice.  | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 675 Registered: 6-2002 |
I recall that Alembic doesn't do maple fretboards. There has been some other woods used, some with some very nice figuring...most tend to have darker character. Browsing through the FTC archives I bet you'll find some inspiring examples. What kind of tremelo are you thinking about? I dig the wide purpleheart stringers...they go well with the walnut you might be considering. ...so many choices to consider... : ) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 685 Registered: 6-2007 |
I was not sure, if they did, but if they don't then I will look for a lighter grade of ebony or somethings else that would prove worthy of the design. As before, this guitar will evolve over time. | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 544 Registered: 3-2004 |
Count me in as a purpleheart stringer fan. I think I would probably go with a matching walnut headstock if it were my guitar, but of course, this is your dream. | ||
| blackelan
Member Username: blackelan Post Number: 98 Registered: 7-2007 |
I think that headstock shape could get Alembic in trouble with FMIC aka Fender. The Anderson strats had that same headstock shape and had to stop making them in 1990. Here is what I am talking about. http://www.digimart.net/inst_detail.do?instrument_id=DS00622929 | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 689 Registered: 6-2007 |
The do you realize how old the geometrical symbols and shapes of music? | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 690 Registered: 6-2007 |
The head stock of an instrument with the "Treble" clef look and shape is not owned by any company, and even if it was, the rights protected, would had expired by now. Head stocks are well known, and could be cut in so many ways imaginable. I don't think there's much worry at all. The musical symbol "Treble" clef symbol/shape, is not copyrightable. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2218 Registered: 10-2002 |
Why would you want to spoil an Alembic design by putting a fender style headstock on it? If you look here you'll see that alembic already have an excellent range of headstock shapes without resorting to copying another company's design. I suspect the california special would closely match your picture. However, I don't think it would go very well with the small standard style body design which lends itself more to the crown peghead or possibly the cone. Graeme | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6119 Registered: 6-2000 |
Trademark and copyright law isn't easy - that's why there are specialized lawyers. There's plenty of strange registered trademarks, and even if it's not logical (how can one trademark a color? One can!), it's not my battle to fight. But, we've got a nice selection of guitar peghead templates in our library, a few of which are pictured at the bottom of this page. Maybe one of the will suit your project? | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2219 Registered: 10-2002 |
I can't believe I beat Mica to the draw ;-) Graeme | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 691 Registered: 6-2007 |
California special it is. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 692 Registered: 6-2007 |
That was easy... It looks even better now. Lovely! Thanks Mica.  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 693 Registered: 6-2007 |
This is why I believe in conceptual discussions. It puts the ideas on the table and things get sorted out and a solution is rendered. This is the heart of a good community | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 694 Registered: 6-2007 |
Does anybody have a problem with the slide switch? | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 546 Registered: 3-2004 |
As a personal choice, I would probably choose three on/off/bright switches over the traditional five way. This would allow a couple more pickup combinations, although to be fair, it might hamper quick changes. (Message edited by hydrargyrum on May 13, 2009) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 695 Registered: 6-2007 |
I dub this: The Quick "Cold-Switch" Starting out from Far back, name moving up to the Full up position... Position 1 (Far back) - Bridge Pickup only Position 2 (One step up) - Bridge, and Center Pickups. Position 3 (another step up) - Bridge, Center and Neck Pickups. Position 4 (another step up) - Center Pickup only Position 5 (another step up) - Neck Pickup only Position 6 (Fully up) - Neck and Center Pickups | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 696 Registered: 6-2007 |
Kevin, I completely understand where you were going, but the slide switch will not mimic the typical guitar side switch. Everything about this guitar will be different and designed for my limitations. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 680 Registered: 6-2002 |
One thought I had was that if you moved the slide switch towards the outer part of the body there would be less of a tendency to accidentally hit it when strumming...just a thought. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 697 Registered: 6-2007 |
That's a very good point... I will render a new drawing. | ||
| altgrendel
Member Username: altgrendel Post Number: 80 Registered: 5-2008 |
I remember reading that they don't do maple necks, they look too dirty after lot of usage. There's a thread out there about it somewhere. John Lodge of the Moody Blues has the only maple neck Alembic that I know of. You might consider this though. Found it, the discussion starts about 5 posts down. (Message edited by AltGrendel on May 13, 2009) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 698 Registered: 6-2007 |
THAT'S HER!!!!  | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 699 Registered: 6-2007 |
Just got off the phone with Mica, she said they offer a 5 position Knife switch... Position 1 (Far back) - Bridge Pickup only Position 2 (One step up) - Bridge, and Center Pickups. Position 3 (another step up) - Bridge, Center and Neck Pickups. Position 4 (another step up) - Center Pickup only Position 5 (another step up) - Neck Pickup only | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2346 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'm not sure how phase works with the Alembic pickups. Strat tones for combined pickups are always reversed so you get that hollowish tone. You'll probably have to specify this as well, and maybe need a mini toggle to reverse the center pickup to allow you all the possibilities if you want them. I'm not sure if this is even possible with the dummy pickup circuit unless maybe you assign one dummy to the center pickup and reverse it when the pickup reverses. The other dummy can work with the bridge and neck pickups in a "standard" series configuration. Series instruments almost universally are dual pickup (I've never seen a one or three pickup model, but one may exist) and the 5-pin connector carries the pickup signals separately. Have you considered whether you will require a DS-7R and a 7-pin jack and cable to carry the three pickup signals separately or, if not, how you plan to separate them? I don't know if there is even such a thing as a 4-conductor 1/4" jack, so who knows where you're going to end up there. Your tremolo is going to have to go through Mica for approval. I know I have never seen an Alembic tailpiece turned into a tremolo, so you may have to look at some OEM parts for that purpose. Any tremolo that goes through the body in the Fender style is going to impact the value of the neck-through design since it will sever the neck at that point and the tailpiece will be less solidly anchored. Don't know if the impact will be detectable, just that it is worth considering. I believe Alembic has used Floyd Rose, Kahler, and Bigsby style tremolos in guitars in the past. There is also the Skyway that is, I think, in the process of being installed for the first time. I don't believe any of these involve cutting completely through to the back of the guitar. The extra pickup on a Series instrument is probably going to add quite a while to your lead time. You can probably get a guitar that looks like a Strat using the middle pickup as the dummy in a reasonable time, but adding the circuitry for a third live pickup is probably going to require some extra bench time for Ron. Again, not guaranteed, but something you'll want to clarify with Mica before you move forward. -bob | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2206 Registered: 6-2002 |
Bob - I have a Yamaha guitar with 3 single coils, an on/off switch for the neck pickup, and on/off/reverse switches for the middle and bridge pickups. With one pickup "on" and one in "reverse", it cuts out all the low frequencies, exactly like when you reverse the phase on one set of speaker wires on your stereo. It sounds pretty nasty, not at all like the hollowish in-between Strat tone - you can get that too, with two pickups "on". So I'm not sure about the need for phase reversal for the middle pickup on a 5-way switch. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2207 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal - just for reference, but if I'm using the N+C combo and add B, it doesn't make much of a difference in sound. (At least not on this Yamaha.) | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 702 Registered: 6-2007 |
Blade switch change... Position 0 (Far back) - Pickups off Position 1 (step up) - Bridge Pickup only Position 2 (another step up) - Bridge, Center and Neck Pickups. Position 3 (another step up) - Center Pickup only Position 4 (another step up) - Neck Pickup only Position 2, give me control over of all (3) pickups. I can shape each pickup in every possible combination. Position 2 could mimic any of the positions and more, but its not as fast. | ||
| altgrendel
Member Username: altgrendel Post Number: 81 Registered: 5-2008 |
They have a darling in the works that will have a tremelo installed. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 703 Registered: 6-2007 |
A must see build to say the least. Mica or Susan are very good with at helping me understand the options. I believe anything is possible. Rules will always be broken. Thanks Altgrendel | ||
| blackelan
Member Username: blackelan Post Number: 99 Registered: 7-2007 |
Options that dont involve routing the body are Kahler and Bigsby. Or you could develope your own with Alembic that involves a bridge and stop tailpiece but the bar would have to connect to the bridge not tailpiece. You would also need to use a locking nut with any tremolo you decide to use. | ||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 682 Registered: 6-2002 |
The tremelo on my Mosrite is an excellent design. It's a surface mount. I've never seen one on a guitar that wasn't a Mosrite though. That tangerine darling is an amazing build. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 705 Registered: 6-2007 |
Route the neck. That's the only option I will accept. I don't want Bigsby like apparatus. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 706 Registered: 6-2007 |
I can't see covering up that nice wood for a whammy bar. I love the clean look and custom feel of a nicely routed system. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 708 Registered: 6-2007 |
By the way, I have a Bigsby on my fretless and it works great. However, I think a routed area for a tremolo on this guitar screams in my head. In other words, it has to be part of the entire package. I don't think there would be a problem having a Schaller Tremolo 2000 5375 if a custom Alembic can't be made. | ||
| altgrendel
Member Username: altgrendel Post Number: 82 Registered: 5-2008 |
I have a hard time imagining someone that uses hendrix as part of his ID settling for a Bigsby on a guitar. | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 712 Registered: 6-2007 |
I agree. Bigsby NO WAY! | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 106 Registered: 9-2008 |
my dad bought a "gibson" whammy for my bro to put on his sg, it didn't fit on there because f pickup heights so he put it on his univox les paul copy and it worked perfectly, but basically all you did was take the tailpiece and the bridge off, and the holes matched up perfectly with the ones on the whammy. that's another example of a surface mounted whammy. that is just something else to think about, no cutting into the wood, and you could switch back to the standard tailpiece/bridge if you decide you want to change it(for whatever reason) ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 745 Registered: 6-2007 |
Joe's Darling is a great example of an Alembic with a tremelo. This is what I am talking about... My Devon will have (3) Series I pickups installed with two hum-cancelers in the middle in between each pickup. The very first of this kind... Anything is possible. | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 119 Registered: 9-2008 |
are you having this and the toma_hawk made at the same time??? that's got to be a load of money ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 749 Registered: 6-2007 |
It will be my next project for Alembic to handle... | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 750 Registered: 6-2007 |
After the Toma_Hawk is finished, Project Devon will start soon after... Project Devon will by my last custom for my life time. She will be the last pain of complete joy. Still much work to cover. It took me 2 years before I came up with the Toma_Hawk idea. Man, how time flys... | ||
| tmoney61092
Intermediate Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 120 Registered: 9-2008 |
how many customs have you had made? ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| hendixclarke
Senior Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 754 Registered: 6-2007 |
That's a wonderful and very profound question Taylor... I believe, a custom is not something you do for fun and games. For me, it's a accumulative process of playing Musicmans, Fender Jazz Ps, Ibanez Musicians, Gretchs, BC Riches, Rickenbockers and other fine basses including Sears catalog guitars and basses from the 60'-70's I asked myself: If I wanted a custom bass, and guitar -- what brand would I feel captures the essence and the quality... Well, in the 80's I got my first Alembic Series I. Man, I thought I was finished for it was a custom (but I didn't have a hand in it...), but, for whatever it was worth, I had achieved the best sounding bass known to earth. It was huge, fat and bold -- but heavy ass hell! I was well fit and my body was stronger (back in the day...), and it didn't matter because the music it made was so good After acquiring my second Alembic a 1976 Series i Short body, (Shorty), I still got the sound, and it was lite to hold for longer sets. Frankly, I am happy to hold off from having customs made in my 20's and 30's, because I was not able to focus enough of the required time it takes to cover the necessities, and I had to gain more knowledge about myself, and understand definitively, my likes, dislikes, loves, and hates... on music and guitars in general. So to answer your question, the "Toma_Hawk" is my first, and I hope "The Devon" to be my last. Now, as far as other custom things I made... the list is too long. (Message edited by hendixclarke on June 21, 2009) |
