| Author | Message | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 742 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hakeem, This is the same guy who told me it was "indecent" of me to have an Alembic in Iraq when I served there. I'd take anything he has to say with a grain of salt if I were you. Alan | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 743 Registered: 11-2003 |
Hakeem, Here's the link to the discussion I refer to. Form your own opinion. Alan http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/30448.html?1167897247 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8797 Registered: 5-2002 |
Alan; Hal and I, and Pierre-Yves and I, have already had email discussions on this issue. I am hopeful that this issue will not come up again, and will no longer be discussed on this board. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 92 Registered: 9-2009 |
- - - - [moderator's edit: My apologies; apparently I wasn't clear. What I meant to say is that I do not wish to see any more posts where one member casts aspersions upon another.] (Message edited by davehouck on September 27, 2009) | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 744 Registered: 11-2003 |
Dave, I agree. That's why I posted the link, and counseled Hakeem to form his own opinion. Alan | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 93 Registered: 9-2009 |
David, I had already asked Pierre to honor my request in not posting on my FTC. Hopefully, it will be honored. Other that that, its water under the bridge. I just can't wait to have my awesome bass and be happy like all of you guys if this is possible...  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 27, 2009) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4107 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hal wrote: "I had already asked Pierre to honor my request in not posting on my FTC." Gee, I thought this site belonged to Alembic. What do I know? Bill, tgo | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 94 Registered: 9-2009 |
Bill wrote: "Gee, I thought this site belonged to Alembic. What do I know?" I don't own this site, nor did I make demands as if I did. One could only ask others for the right to enjoy ones experience to enjoy the makings of their dream bass (if this is at all even possible) Only time will tell. I will not hold my breath... LOL! Bill, welcome to part 2 of Toma_Hawk Experience! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 27, 2009) | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 446 Registered: 11-2006 |
Lol.... YOUR FTC !!! Bye myx love, you will stay alone. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 95 Registered: 9-2009 |
Mother, mother There's too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There's far too many of you dying You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today - Ya Father, father We don't need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we've got to find a way To bring some lovin' here today Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality Talk to me, so you can see Oh, what's going on What's going on Ya, what's going on Ah, what's going on In the mean time Right on, baby Right on Right on Father, father, everybody thinks we're wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Simply because our hair is long Oh, you know we've got to find a way To bring some understanding here today Oh Picket lines and picket signs Don't punish me with brutality Talk to me So you can see What's going on Ya, what's going on Tell me what's going on I'll tell you what's going on - Uh Right on baby Right on baby | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 39 Registered: 11-2008 |
Man I just don't get it! Hal, your just trying to enjoy the process of watching your bass be built and, WHAM!!!!! Mean people suck!! I am fan numero uno of your bass and it's origionality, in fact i'm down right jealous of your creativity, i think the world will be a better place when the Toma Hawk is making sweet low notes in your hands. Why can't others share in this joy??? Oh i know it's cause mean people suck!!!!! But i guess what comes around goes around and all the haters, well lets just let them take care of themselves(karma can be such a bitch!!!!) peace and low notes.........Bear | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 103 Registered: 9-2009 |
Bear, you are right. The FTC portion of Alembic.com is "MONEY". Meaning, it's the most happening spot on this entire site. The FTC, is my favorite area period. From the time I got my membership, my eyes were glued to those lucky people who were having their customs made. Right before my eyes, I would be right there cheering them on, and feeling great as the magic unfolded, from a simple block of wood. Along with reading the overwhelming expressions of joy from people showing their gratefulness, and graciousness, (on both sides) they taken possession of their dreams. For me, its wonderful to see people happy -- and why not, GOD had blessed me with the capacity of this joy... I will uses it. Even before there was a Toma_Hawk FTC, for over (3) years, I was an on-looker on the Alembic workshop windows, and seeing all the magic and I don't recall ever responding on someones FTC threads in a negative way. In fact, I will go as far and say, I never was negative on a FTC. If someone could show me where I had been negative of a FTC, I will leave Alembic as my own punishment and wrongness. No worries here. What you would find is, on occasions -- I would sing from the lyrics of Sammy, Dean, and Frank of my favorite standards just as an attempt, release my joy of a job well done for the makers and the recipient of those yummy gee-tars . There was even a guy who was lucky enough to find and purchase a very "rare" vintage Alembic guitar. In honor, I offered my congratulations. It's like, if I am running a race on the track, and someone else got to the finish line before me, I am happy for the winner, because I learned, something about her/his technique which aided her/his swiftness. How can I criticize a winner if s/he didn't cheat? Hating will take you down -- all by itself. People think, by holding grudges help them get through the day... it will only consume them. Don't take my word for it... I know this for myself, and stopped. Nothing competes with good work, and charity we offer each other. I try, lord knows I try and sometime I fall flat on my face trying and I'm going to keep trying... Thanks Bear! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 29, 2009) | ||
| afrobeat_fool
Intermediate Member Username: afrobeat_fool Post Number: 114 Registered: 7-2009 |
Right on , Baby. Keep gettin it on! Love the thread, Love the Bass, Love the third spirit of Toma_hawk sending me groovy vibes in my Inner City Blues | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 104 Registered: 9-2009 |
In other words: Smoking is prohibited, Keep arms inside the ride at all times, Silent all personal hand-held devices, Parent, keep children seated during performance, Use Buckles and harnesses, Please, no flash photography, If you need to leave, used the side exit doors, Silents is golden, so please be courteous and quiet, Remove hats or objects that may get lost, Please take the farthest seat to your right, And now for Our Feature Presentation... (Enjoy the show!) (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 29, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 105 Registered: 9-2009 |
So far, Toma_Hawk01, had received 90% of the Blue Ship's soul transfer, deep from outer space. With 10% remaining of The life forces of the Blue ship, the pulse of life to the Toma_Hawk01 just started. With only your special X-Ray computer screens, we can take a peak of the Toma_Hawk01 transformation. "This bass can't wait to get Funky"!  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 30, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 426 Registered: 5-2009 |
IT'S ALIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S ALIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 106 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hey Wolf! Back to the adjustable pickups issue... I was checking out what Lewis Johnson was playing Norton Basses these days, and sure enough the pickups are on a rail system. The components looks just like we predicted... Looks like something -- right from the movie "Terminator"   | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 107 Registered: 9-2009 |
What a contrast from Alembics and something that looks like braces on teeth. Alembics are much more "Organic" Natural. The Norton basses appearance looks very esthetically mechanical in nature. Cyborg like. I am not saying its ugly, it's just an extreme and very radical looking for me. But it solves an issue for people, so in my book, that's cool. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 30, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 427 Registered: 5-2009 |
That's really interesting from a mechanical engineering angle , I agree that the wood in this Bass design is not allowed to reveal the spirit of the beautiful tree prevail for human appreciation . The projection of spirits from the earth prevail and the beauty of the wood speaks to you in the ALEMBIC product. I do indeed prefer the Alembic way. I think that there is a way that a progressive technological approach can be mastered as Alembic does already in the SERIES I & II with the addition of a new improved sliding pickup design . I completely agree with your statements regarding the aesthetic nature of the NORTON product. Thanks for showing these images . I am intrigued by the technological exchange in this thread between us, Very positive _ as it should be . Thanks . Wolf ____ | ||
| mike1762
Advanced Member Username: mike1762 Post Number: 359 Registered: 1-2008 |
The Gibson Grabber PUP was on an adjustable rail wasn't it? | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 428 Registered: 5-2009 |
You are correct .It was adjustable, however ; I will leave it at your discretion as to any critique of it's design, The picture tells the story.  (Message edited by sonicus on October 01, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 108 Registered: 9-2009 |
Wolf, I think I like the rails covered, but I never been a fan of pick guards with or without sliding pickups. I like a "naked" looking bodied guitar and bass (no pick guards please...) However at the same time, I like the Gibson design better that anything I seen so far. According to this picture, I still don't see where Gibson resolved the problem of pickup height adjustments. Maybe it can, but I can't see it... All I can see, are (2) screws holding (mounting) the pickup in place. I am sure there are (2) additional screws (not shown in the picture) serving the same function.. With the Norton, the solution is evident and very clear (Yes, you can adjust the height of the pickups...)but make sure you don't having hanging objects that might get caught in the gaps of the pickup system... (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 01, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 429 Registered: 5-2009 |
Agreed NO pick guards! Imagine a facsimile of the Norton rail system in an ALEMBIC design Bass with ALEMBIC pickups and SERIES II electronics. How about in a Standard Point or any other body shape of your dreams ? I know that you have pointed out that you do not care for the opened design of he Norton . I think that one could limit that some what . | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 109 Registered: 9-2009 |
I totally see your point. All Alembic Series electronics...on a Norton and with red lights on the neck? Now, that's a thought. The Terminator Bass! I would have to go to sleep with my room lights on, if I had a bass like that! Seriously, I think it would be great, and totally awesomely interesting. I do think its worthy of a serious thought. There's this "metropolis" sterile vibe that is cool. I think if any object could get me to look twice, it's good. This would be a looker for sure. But I think, the acoustics might pose a problem. With all that metal, you might also have problems with bad RF. These are the things that I would question and must be pursued, and answered. But I think a cyborg looking bass, is what you'll get, but be ready to answer on-lookers same questions of intrigue every time you take it out of the case. Hey, with lights in the pickup cavity flashing too -- would be a must! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 01, 2009) | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 569 Registered: 10-2006 |
A bass with movable pick-ups? What's wrong with this one?  Peter | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 110 Registered: 9-2009 |
Peter, this bass was already factored in the discussion. If you go back a few posts (on this thread) we have the same picture. However, being that this picture was shown again, it feels like, we'd come full circle. It would be nice to see this bass in a "close-up". | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 112 Registered: 9-2009 |
Wolf, check out this one... The rails are smaller and almost unnoticed. The wood pickup, is a lovey touch without all the steel. With a very flat pickup(s), this works the best. Seeing a huge hollow rectangle on a guitar, is scary. But this design is much more of my taste if I was interested. It looks like something like this would be more suitable for a more "fingering" style bassist. I am too "buck wild" for delicate basses of this form. But, it looks good for what it does. It's the best I seen so far. But I am sure, my words are short lived. There's always a better ways to skin a cat, and I can't wait to see it! However, when Mica jumps in with more pictures of the Toma_Hawk, it would be as if, sliding picks never happened, or I ever seen one... LOL This is a great discussion.  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 01, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 430 Registered: 5-2009 |
Yes ,____I agree a Bass for a finger style player with a some what light touch. Subtle harmonics , glissandos . two octave arpeggios. senior jaco perhaps ( Who loves you Jaco ) We DO !!!! Hey you are right, it's not a bad 'LOOK" check out that tail piece man ! like a Double Bass. I am just concerned about that bridge. Who makes this instrument "? | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 113 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hi Wolf, This is why I love this site so much... I got this in an email and I wanted to share it... I just had an epiphany... For me, the best sounding bass for natural fingering, and finger sliding, is a fretless bass. So, if the fingers are able to slide smoothly, why enable a sliding pickup(s)? This is truly the best tracking pickup sliding system I ever seen to date. In fact, it was built so well, you hardly noticed the rails at all. The builder used a clear plastic rail system which clearly looks better than metal rail systems. The flat plastic used, is very subtly applied not to take away the beauty of the wood. WELL DONE! The bridge, the tail piece is absolutely gorgeous, for it holds on to the spirit and legacy design of all grand upright basses. A very smooth touch in deed! The decision to use a system like this one, on a fretless bass makes so much more sense, because fretless basses are more geared toward fingering forms and styles of playing. Unfortunately, I believe a system like this for a fretted bass, would not work. Fretted basses are built, and should be built to be played HARD, and I question whether something like this would be stable enough. ***A fretless pickup system emanates a new style of playing. I can purely envision someone holding a note on the fret board, and simultaneously sliding the pickup just like a trombone player. Mark my words... Again, I could be tempted for something like this on a fretless Alembic, if Alembic engineered a flat pickup system, I would remove theirs, and slap on the Alembic pickups. But even better, I would have a full fledged Alembic fretless bass made for the system. Now, that's the ticket!  (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 02, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 114 Registered: 9-2009 |
One more thing Wolf... You could tighten the pickup on the rails while at the same time, adjust the height from within the pickup cradling system or container. This concept to me, is almost impeccable! GO WEST YOUNG MAN! RUMBLE YOUNG MAN RUMBLE! (meaning: Keep on moving forward...) (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 02, 2009) |
