| Author | Message | ||
| the_jester
Junior Username: the_jester Post Number: 50 Registered: 12-2009 |
The Toma_Hawk "Cyclops-Slider" single pickup. Maybe in 2012   (Message edited by the_jester on December 23, 2009) | ||
| the_jester
Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 54 Registered: 12-2009 |
 "What's next?" | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 404 Registered: 9-2008 |
Great idea this sliding PU... This is something very inovative I'd love to see. Don't know if this can cause noises or how you could made it firm enough to hold position on Slap, but you unleashed my curiosity. I like the sound of a single PU, but seems potentialy frustrating not being able to change wich Harmonics PU will be under. This concept is something to develop. If world not ends in 2012, I would like to see that TomaCyclop (well, if it ends I will try to meet you first!). | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 405 Registered: 9-2008 |
Oh, and Austin's Classico too... | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 523 Registered: 6-2004 |
Surely, you jest. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 410 Registered: 9-2008 |
Jesting for sure, I have the wish (to meet tomahawk) not the fear... I was kiding beacause got shoked that Austin's bass is taking so long to be finished. | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 136 Registered: 12-2009 |
The sliding pickup system design is now complete. This bass will have 2 pickups with each having (2) sets of knobs. I designed the mechanics where the knobs could be placed anywhere on the bass, and still maneuver the picks up/down and from left to right. The pickup system will still enable me to make adjustments with the (4) Alembic pickup screws. I believe this is a breakthrough for the Jester bass. Upon picking up my Toma_hawk, I will disclose my design of the Jester, and sliding pickup system to Alembic Inc., for their through review with regards to building my fretless bass called the Jester. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 25, 2010) | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 137 Registered: 12-2009 |
Here's a preview how this pickup system would work. The top, is and opened view/cut away view -- showing the basic controls using pulleys and belts, which enables mechanism to move the pickups left/right and up/down, sliding along a pole.  The bottom bass, is the general closed appearance. Based upon the design, pickup access is only allowed from the back side of the bass. The front appearance shall be fully encapsulating the pickups. The slit in the middle, is for viewing for pickup locations, and is viewable buy a clear plexiglas view. Also, this window should illuminate in aiding my view when making adjustments. I wouldn't expect the there would be a need for each individual pickup having a plastic shell, or at least the top portion should be exposed and without a cover, for full magnification performance. The bass already protects the exposed pickups from debris, and moister. Cables and pulleys, can do wonders in small spaces, and I thought I would share the concept to spark more ideas, and imagination. So as you can see, the theory of having a adjustable pickup system with a clean sublime look supporting the beauty and elegance of Alembic basses is very possible for this custom bass. This is a journey all over again... Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 26, 2010) | ||
| tmoney61092
Advanced Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 335 Registered: 9-2008 |
would it really matter if you could see where the pickups were as long as you got the sound you wanted? ~Taylor | ||
| the_jester
Intermediate Member Username: the_jester Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2009 |
Taylor, point blank... You're correct. However, if I felt the mechanism was not moving as it should, I could simply check the pickup movement (via the window) without firing up the amp. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by the_jester on January 31, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 181 Registered: 9-2009 |
The project for the hidden adjustable pickup system are going through final testing... Maybe there will be a Jester bass after all! Blinded me with Science! Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 184 Registered: 9-2009 |
Feast your eyes... The ideas I had on adjustable is becoming into a reality. From the perspective of looking into the cavity of the bass, is where this entire component would rest, so ignore the background as it suggest, it would be on top of the surface, which is not true. The test model worked successfully, and I made farther refinements after transferring the system to actual wood. I made it where the system is completely self contained and acts as one modular unit with my choice of pickups.   I have not decided if this bass will be an Alembic... we will see how things go. Clearly, I want the Jester to be the best Fretless bass I ever played, and be the most complete fretless ever. What I like about the solution the most, its makes the bass for easy cleaning, and you could admire the beauty of that beautiful wood. I'll keep posting the progress... Peace and love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 21, 2010) | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 458 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hal, if i were you, i'd sell the idea to a company to get some good ol' money, or patent it or do something with that great idea, just my 2 cents ~Taylor | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2567 Registered: 6-2002 |
Well, you've already shown your design to the general public, not sure you can apply for a patent any longer. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 186 Registered: 9-2009 |
Correct Adriaan. That is why I made it public. (I blocked this idea from being patented also...) I hate the philosophy of patents. I believe it sniffles imagination... (That's my engineering mind...) Polio was cured by one man who never patent his treatment. If anyone wants to copy my concept and methods, I'll be happy to help. The key to my happiness is giving, and to cleanse myself from greed. You guys know the concept, before the Government. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 21, 2010) | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 459 Registered: 9-2008 |
well also the guy who created the treatment for polio, was doing it to save peoples lives. oh well ~Taylor | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 187 Registered: 9-2009 |
Taylor, People are way too hard to please. I just design things I know I'll love and cherish. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2009 |
By the way Taylor, the best way to sell something to industry is to attach your signature. A patent only protects you for 20 years, but a signature is authenticity that last forever. Thus when it comes to art, authenticity is the ticket. One more thing, patent are confined to only the "one" physical design, when all it takes is one slight change, you are no longer protected. Stanley Clarke patented his Spellbinder basses, without realizing these cold harden facts, but figured industry would buy those basses in bulk... In the end, its a lesson. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 22, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 192 Registered: 9-2009 |
Design change... I changed the crown to point upward, in honor of Jimi Hendrix.  Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 193 Registered: 9-2009 |
Perfected! The first knob controls the pickup plate (used for holding the pickup) moves the plate, from left to right, and back to left again successfully. The second knob moves the pickup height, from base platform -- to up or higher position, and back down again. The potential height adjustments, doubles the total base height with any pickup I used. There it is: 8 months, and two days ago, I discussed this new concept on Alembic.com as a theoretical mind tease for my new fretless bass called the Jester. As it stands now, there's absolutely no doubt, or any reasons in my mind, why my solution could not be applied to my new custom basses. For the sake of saving space with knobs, I am working out a method to integrate everything (pickup move left/right and up/down) from "only" one knob. I see no major feat here... T -10 Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 22, 2010) | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 463 Registered: 9-2008 |
if you could make a push/pull knob that could control, like the pushed in control the left and right, and the pulled be the height adjustment ~Taylor | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 194 Registered: 9-2009 |
Correct Taylor. There's a three way control on one knob I would like to consider: 1. Base floor- no control (neutral). 2. First Floor (pull up, first click), adjusts and controls pickups from left to right, and back... (Height adjustment are in neutral(inactive).) 3. Third Floor (pull up, second click), adjusts and controls the pickup heights from down to up, and back... (Sliding adjustment, are in neutral (inactive) .) Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 22, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 195 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thank GOD for Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones! Bill invented and played the first electric fretless bass guitar. The year was 1961. Something as simple as removing frets, was strange to people, but not to Bill, and this simple feat would lead to a very important step for electric fretless bass guitars around the world. I dedicate this build, to Bill Wyman, and Jaco Pastorius for both of these men physically removed their frets, from what -- everything there were! Oh my goodness, those guy should be awarded their PhD too! Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 22, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 197 Registered: 9-2009 |
All steel parts. (Proof of concept...)  Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 23, 2010) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1224 Registered: 5-2009 |
That's cool Hal . Just Like an old radio dial linkage for the variable capacitor frequency indicator . (Message edited by sonicus on August 23, 2010) | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 483 Registered: 9-2008 |
2 cents... There is no way to maintain it free moving Hal? I mean, keep it in place just when you hit desired spot with some kind of clutch, but permit it to slip in rails freely until that. It would be quicker to set up its position this way. Although using screws would be more precise and firm, finding its right place using screws seems will be as hard as adjusting a truss rod, don't you think? | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 198 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Wolf, I was hoping you chime in for we talked about sliding picks last year on the Toma_Hawk build. I remember us reviewing other sliding pickups, and personally for me, I never stopped thinking about how one could be made, in tighter and smaller areas, and use knobs for making adjustments. Mario, the tension from the tightly fastened wired cables does not move in any direction until you either do two things: physically move the pickup plates, or turn the knobs. I even placed heaver objects (heavier than alembic pickups) on the plates, and everything worked fine, and without any unwarranted movements. Also, when you look at this from the perspective of playing a bass, the rails are in the most neutral, and favorable position -- following the direction of the neck... With this earlier proof of concept version, I was able to make more iterations that improved the system, which enhanced my experiences, to sharpen the knob turns to a more granular as a professional tool should be. I am also working with a third party, to customize my sprockets and belt systems, including a choice of knobs which "click locks" and a one knob, control both or all system. So, it really comes down to the knob system now. The height system works really great too. That was the most challenging piece, and very useful. The Great Bill Cosby said: "... in order to fulfill a dream, you must first wake up..." All comments are welcome Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 23, 2010) | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 485 Registered: 9-2008 |
Oh wow, I'll follow that topic closer from now on... Hope you fulfill this new dream soon, Hal. (Message edited by mario farufyno on August 23, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 200 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Mario, I know there are all kinds of ways to make something work. I also understand, why people are very comfortable with fixed pickups system. I can honestly say, I love fixed pickup ideas too, however, I am looking forward to a newer satisfaction, which fixed pickups didn't solve. I totally understand the facts behind fixed pickup systems. I am also emotionally attached to our beloved heritage, their world-wide appeal and the unparalleled esteem to a legacy of proven musical accolades, dawning an unthinkable number of awards for over 50 years. However, for me, it's time for a change. I believe floating pickups, will be the future. It's just that simple. I understand, Human emotions are greater than logic and reasoning. Most people act greatly and righteously for mainly emotional reasons. This is a good thing, and it's what makes us human. But I believe it becomes a bad thing, when we prevent ourselves from learning new ways, and new things. Some of the greatest ideas, will never breath the light of day, because of the powers of suggestions of commercial media, along with peoples cultural normality. In the 80's, Apple Computer commercial suggested people are hurled like cattle or programmed to only trust the familiar, and/or nothing new. However today, Apple users are so loyal some would compare them as a cult -- and to ever think of Apple consumers using anything else, is almost a sacrilege of the creed. However, what keeps Apple a float in maintaining their loyalty, is their abilities to upgrade their devices with new innovations. Without this, Apple wouldn't be Apple. Also, if you examine the concepts on their devices, you'd probably already realized the concept(s)years ago. In other-words, Apple didn't innovate anything new, they only validated your old concepts into reality. However the real question is: Why do we allow or provide a more favorable business environment for new innovations, as if these innovations would leads us into a brighter future full of hopes and dreams, and condemn other innovations in the opposite light as something to be feared, because it challenges our cultural values and norms. Should only ideas survive, if it supports only a limited cultural perspective? For example: When entering a Costco store, the first thing you see, are those wonderful flat screen TVs. Man those sets are crystal clear, and beautifully displayed with such exquisite color and shapes that spells "Modern" all over the chassis. The speakers hit you from every direction too. In a spit second, you'll might imagine yourself looking into the bright future of owning that modern TV you'd set your eyes on, or maybe you might not feel the need to buy a current model at the present time, but found word, there was something else (more advanced, and more futuristic) of worthy, replacing your older unit and, at a more affordable price. Why do we subconsciously approve and welcome TV innovations, and not approve or welcome change or innovations in the same light on guitars? Are there technological bias for guitars? I understand what a series I and II is about, with Alembic basses being already still so far ahead of the game, is there still a need to support a series III? Tough questions here... Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1228 Registered: 5-2009 |
In all honesty sliding pick ups have been around for a few decades. I have an old friend who has a 2 Basses that have sliding pick ups. One of them has Alembic pick ups and electronics. I can not post the image with out permission but I will ask . Their are others out there as well that have sucessfully mounted sliding pick ups. I believe Hal posted one or more him self. Here is another example that has Alembic Pick ups & electroincs that is on the web ; 72-01 has sliding pick ups as you all know. And there are a few others ; http://www.prairiesun.com/Guitars/Dragon.html  | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2688 Registered: 10-2002 |
As Wolf has said, sliding pickups have been around since the early 70's. Dan Armstrong had them, the gibson grabber had them and I seem to remember westone produced some horrendous thing where the rails were the main part of the body. However, none of these really caught on and I can't help but wonder if anyone who ever bought one bothered to change the pickup position once they found their 'sweet spot'. It's a documented fact that jack cassidy's Alembic no 1 in the pic above had sliding pickups so that Jack could experiment with where the best position for them would be, not as a tone shaping feature. edit : Hal - your device is going to add several pounds to the weight of what is already a pretty heavy instrument. You may want to hire a chiropractor if it ever gets built ;-) Graeme (Message edited by jacko on August 24, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 201 Registered: 9-2009 |
Sliding pickups are over 45 years old... Framus guitars were probably the first guitars to have siding pickups. Well what do you know... Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stone, played a Framus bass with sliding pickup in 1960's. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 202 Registered: 9-2009 |
Jack, that was funny. I don't even like heavy basses. This bass will be very light say under 10-lbs is fair. Fretless basses don't uses frets bro. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1229 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hal , if there will be a Series III is a good question. Perhaps the answer depends on multiple reasons of R&D to develop such an instrument based on the metamorphosis of design and application that is driven by a customer request basis . Perhaps this concept might only make sense to me but then this is only my own rationale for such an endeavour . _____ I just be thinkin man ! | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 464 Registered: 9-2008 |
Hal, i don't think that not having frets makes a difference in weight, i've played 2 Fender American Jazzes, one fretted other fretless, didn't make a difference, both weighed the same. as Graeme said, this is going to be a really heavy instrument when built, another thing that would be a big factor would be balance since the added weight would make the body sink more, just some thoughts ~Taylor | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 204 Registered: 9-2009 |
A Series III would definitely mean it would cost more, or perhaps offering things that would be considered an optional on SI or SII basses. However, with a higher price, what are the benefits? For example with cars, and how fast will it accelerated from 0-60 compared to the older models, and what are the amenities and what are the real innovations with the product? I have ideas, but nobody asked. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 205 Registered: 9-2009 |
I think I am in a better position to know the actual weight of my device, and requirements than anyone don't you think? Frankly, the weight of my device is very light... How light? About 4 times lighter than a typical bridge and could be made "even lighter". However, I think I know where this is going... So if people are interested in the development of the Jester Bass, please send me a private email, and I will gladly discuss the challenges and successes of the making of this bass. I been through this before with nay-say'er, and there is noway I am headed down that path again. The Toma_Hawk proved me correct in every conceivable way, along with people's rush to judgments and inaccuracies. I look forward to updating people who support a more kindred spirited discussion on this topic. Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 206 Registered: 9-2009 |
Wolf, and Mario I always welcomed your ideas, and many blessings Ived received from our discussions. Thank you, Hal- | ||
| tmoney61092
Senior Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 466 Registered: 9-2008 |
just trying to help you realize potential issues, oh well, your money, good luck either way ~Taylor | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1233 Registered: 5-2009 |
Hal, Thanks . I enjoy sharing my ideas with you . It seems that we both share an enthusiasm of musical instrument innovation that encompasses both technological and aesthetic refinements. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 207 Registered: 9-2009 |
Come on Taylor... For something as fundamental as weight, was considered before my execution phases. Weight as a topic was deemed history -- 8 months ago. But thanks for the early notice... Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 208 Registered: 9-2009 |
Wolf, I love to see fat pickups on basses. But I also love the idea discreteness, and having them "under the hood" to show off all that beautiful wood, and "too busy lookin good!" (As Jim Kelly would say...) Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 492 Registered: 9-2008 |
Innovation isn't a simple matter of being the first to have an idea, but is to be bold enough to propose yourself to go further or even make real ideas that didn't succeed... yet, IMHO. Go for it, Hal! That is a stimulant proposition and Jester Bass will be, at least, an astounding tool to predict how any Alembic could sound with another PU's positioning. In fact, most of the Tone of this Bass will be setup by changing its PU location and you could even discard much of its eletronics (and weight) that way... Imagine a Bass without visible PUs or even Knobs! Well, I'm day-dreaming now, ha ha ha. Thanks for sharing your dreams with us, Hal. Hope being able to see/hear Jester any time in near future. Best wishes... | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 213 Registered: 9-2009 |
Check this out Mario! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbjg0YJp2iA&feature=player_embedded#! Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 494 Registered: 9-2008 |
Ouch, disturbing... ha ha ha | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 214 Registered: 9-2009 |
I know.... This one's interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2eiP12hQQY&feature=related Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 215 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's another clip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3Zad5_eWVA&NR=1 Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| oddmetersam
Member Username: oddmetersam Post Number: 88 Registered: 7-2008 |
Hal, Thanks for posting those last two clips! Maybe this hints at the direction of a hypothetical Series III with otherworldly electronics hybridized with the current Alembic sonic concepts and unmatched Old World wood craftsmanship. If anyone can do this tastefully and keep the organic vibe, Alembic can. An added bonus? No more broken strings (see concurrent thread). Hal, your mind is like rust...it never sleeps. I look forward to your magical Jester. Between you and Alembic it should be totally killer! Please keep me posted on its gestation. Sam legionkondor@hotmail.com | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 218 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thank you Sam. Info stored, and valued. Peace and Love, Hal- | ||
| toma_hawk01
Advanced Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 221 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here it comes... This is an the actual template hand-drawn. No computers here, this time.  Peace and Love, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 26, 2010) |
