| Author | Message | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 45 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's two simple ideas I can share for this discussion... (while waiting for more progress on the Toma_Hawk...) The bass on the left, show's no pickups... but they hide them behind the bass and adjustments could be done away from the viewing public, or just have one big huge cover... But there are flaws "big-time" in both! But there's always a way to solve engineering. If my memory serves me, I believe the the first of olders renditions of the Spellbinder bass (created by Stanley Clarke and Tom Lieber) had a huge Somewhat "cloaking" cover over their pickups. (similar to the bass render, on the right). Perhaps Tom could horn in, and personally explain their reasons for changing back to traditional pickup display and adjustments methods... Perhaps there are engineering hurdles or something else... I believe, if this is your quest, it is a good one. Please update me.   (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 14, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 47 Registered: 9-2009 |
Jazzyvee -- Funk only and only necessary... My desires for the Toma_Hawk Bass, are on the same scale as this duel... Boosty and the The famous "Space Bass". I am still waiting for somebody to make an action figure of him and that wonderful bass of the 70's. Marvel Comics, DC, McFarlene -- somebody... please. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1674 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here is an alternative to a sliding pickup, sliding pole pieces on the bridge pickup on this Leiber Entwhistle explorer bass http://www.lieberguitars.com/basses/entwistle-explorer/  Jazzyvee | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 48 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's the covered (Cloaked) pickup system from Lieber/Clarke from their first push of the Spellbinder the 80's...  I never seen an owner of a company (by a person who's considered the best in the world), who creates their own tool, and yet uses another tool almost 100% of the time... This has got to be the best honest endorsement of a company I ever seen. Conclusion: Alembics are the Greatest Basses in the world. | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 355 Registered: 5-2009 |
Very interesting, but not Alembic. I wonder how much of a height adjustment this Lieber sliding pole piece pickup has? (Message edited by sonicus on September 16, 2009) | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 285 Registered: 9-2008 |
The Star Bass solve PU's positioning in its own way. It got several PUs side-by-side and you simply has to choose wich one you will turn on... But I think it is better to have them in proper position to fit your desired tone, than lots of PUs causing phase cancelations to deal with. Sliding PU seems a good idea to find a sweet spot, but whenever you finaly reach it, why to keep it moving? To miss it, may be? Well, I can think in one good reason to have one single sliding PU and no eletronics at all. That way you could avoid phasing issues and could also adjust the tone just moving its place instead of filtering frequencies. This could be probably better to keep the signal flowing free and clean, but I don't know how quickier (and safe) it could be rather than using more traditional ways. Sometimes let the wires stretching and bending while moving PUs isn't the better way to keep it working fine for years. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Junior Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 49 Registered: 9-2009 |
From an engineering perspective, the slots are prone for dirt, oils, and liquids. I would also be concerned about the slots losing friction. What if you're thumping-slapping and popping a bass with this system, if the poles are not or not capable of locking down, the shock and vibration from the attacks, would eventually move the poles out of position. I truly believe this is a reasonable assumption, and I assume this problem, was probably more apparent if the sliding-pole pickups were placed on the neck, instead of the bridge. That's probably why the pickups are limited to the bridge location "only" in the first place. I think a better system dawns if this is a "must have" solution. But for me, I think the problems it positionally creates, are simply not worth the time. Therefore, after assessing the above example, I am not curious nor interested in a sliding pickups anymore. The court adjourns, check mate, game, bingo, and call the Apollo Theater Sand Man. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 15, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 51 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's another prototype of the a hidden pickup system created by Lieber and Clarke.  I suspect this earlier prototype was synthesizer capable. Notice the black box below... I suspect the pickups are inside that thing...  The back cover gives me the creeps...  So, there you have it... After all that, this bass ends up looking like this: Exposed pickups... Finally!  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 15, 2009) | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 2304 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hal, that "hidden pickup system" looks like the Lightwave system, which is an optical pickup. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 52 Registered: 9-2009 |
A Digital Bass (A droid bass) ! I'll pass. The last thing I would need is something that says: "Fragile -- Handle with care, delicate parts..." This would block my desired inflictions on a bass like this one! A bass that can't possibly handle speed bumps when I am driving it, will stay parked. I would love to hear this bass while -- "under attack" with thumping, slapping, snapping, and popping... [Of which...] -- I don't even believe it's capable of producing a rich bass attack sound. I need proof. Therefore, "if it can't funk, it's must stays in the trunk". Don't get me wrong, I do think it's a great technology for guitars, but making something like this without considering the value of a Funk Bass is crazy, -- it's pure insanity. I sentence the optical bass the electric chair! Court Adjourned! Now, where's my Toma_Hawk?  [Now, back to our regular broadcast stations...for the truth, can't be televised.] "It's just the Jester in me..." Peace, Hal- (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 16, 2009) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6390 Registered: 6-2000 |
Routed:   Still much carving to do before the sealer coats and then the looong wait while finish completes. Just trying to prepare you! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 57 Registered: 9-2009 |
Mica, Susan, Ron, Mary and the Alembic Faculty... Thank you... Thank you... Thank you... This is the most beautifulest musical instrument I ever seen, and it ain't even done yet. Mica, I am lost for words... I have to take it all in... | ||
| sonicus
Advanced Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 365 Registered: 5-2009 |
Awesome ! And only from ALEMBIC ! I am also happy for you Mr,toma hawk01 ! Such awesome creations are always worth a celebration ! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 58 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Wolf. I am still frozen in shock. | ||
| tmoney61092
Advanced Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 211 Registered: 9-2008 |
see Hal, i told you she would turn out just fine :-D ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| gregduboc
Advanced Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 218 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hal... I got so excited and anxious when I saw these pics... It actually gave me goosebumps. And this bass isn't even going to be mine! Congratulations, really. Congratulations. Runner-up for the baddest bass competition. Of course, no one can beat mine... Greg | ||
| cje
Junior Username: cje Post Number: 28 Registered: 5-2009 |
Wow - AWESOME! Truly one of a kind! Nice to see your vision coming together. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 59 Registered: 9-2009 |
Taylor, thanks for the condolences. I can't believe it man... You said be cool, and you were so right my friend. My nerves are all rattled with positive emotions of joy. It's truly unbelievable. Not even Kanye West could take this moment of happiness from me... Let him try! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 60 Registered: 9-2009 |
Greg, you still got the baddest bass I ever seen... That's real. Enjoy it while it last, because The Toma_Hawk will be coming out to play-eeeee! Also, I love your music Greg. Thanks for posting it. It was very tasty man. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 61 Registered: 9-2009 |
I just wish my Mom was alive to see this. You only get a few bright moments in a life time, and this is surly one of them. You just can't forget moments like this. No way. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 62 Registered: 9-2009 |
Toma_Hawk Spirit #3 frequency with of The Alembic Mothership, was successful. Soul transmission to the Toma_Hawk assembly had finished... Toma_Hawk01, had received 100% of the Red Ship's soul transfer, deep from outer space. The life forces of the Red ship created the pulse of life to the Toma_Hawk01. Only (2) more Toma_Hawk Spirits left, before the "Body electric" Toma_Hawk can depart the Alembic Mothership, and report for duty in spreading peace and love to the world with low frequencies...  | ||
| hydrargyrum
Senior Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 665 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hal, Congratulations. I can see that when you have a vision, you pursue it relentlessly into reality. Despite those who have acted as naysayers to your very personal design, you have maintained a determinedly positive outlook and demeanor. I applaud your ability to make your ambitions into reality. Best of health and happiness to you. Kevin | ||
| hifiguy
Intermediate Member Username: hifiguy Post Number: 191 Registered: 10-2006 |
Holy Moe. I am nearly speechless. This might take the all time cake for combined beauty, originality, and outrageousness. My only question is whether it will still balance nicely w/ the slightly smaller than normal body. But then all those S2 electronics will probably even things out | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 65 Registered: 9-2009 |
Kevin, first let me thank you for your kinds words. Secondly, The Toma_Hawk is real now. Everything that was said negatively, is water flowing under the bridge. I hold no grudges. It's a new day, I am staying positive. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 66 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Paul! I am happy we share tastes in shapes. The Toma_Hawk bass will be balanced. There are no issues of concerns for me. My current bass is a SI short scale, Short Body, and I love the balance, they are not for everybody. There are people who love Big Omega Bodies, who probably could find issues with my short scale's balance. It comes down to personal preferences. Strap pins play a big roll in balancing most basses. However, when I play, I normally control the bass with my left hand (holding the neck), and right forearm (holding the body in place). An overly weighted bottom (body) may be ideal to some, but not for me. The Toma_Hawk is an Alembic Series I with a Master volume. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 469 Registered: 6-2004 |
Very cool.... | ||
| andbassforall
Member Username: andbassforall Post Number: 69 Registered: 9-2008 |
OH yeah! | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 287 Registered: 9-2008 |
Talking about balance... Wich Neck Shape it will have? | ||
| altgrendel
Intermediate Member Username: altgrendel Post Number: 107 Registered: 5-2008 |
Love the vermillion, good choice. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 67 Registered: 9-2009 |
The Toma_Hawk Short Scale Neck Neck Measurements: Nut width = 1.60 in 1st Fret Thickness = 0.80 in (Flat neck where the thumb is positioned <--> to fingerboard) 17th Fret Thickness = 0.96 in (Flat neck where the thumb is positioned <--> to fingerboard) 24th Fret width = 2.15 in "Broomstick Quick!" |
