| Author | Message | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 432 Registered: 5-2009 |
I think that is a cool concept and design, Thanks for sharing that Hal. It is definitely a more Earthly design then the Norton. This thread is becoming intensely creative with this showcase of progressive concepts. At this time I would also like to thank ALEMBIC for giving us this platform of creative communications between minds . I am enjoying this quite a bit. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 116 Registered: 9-2009 |
Well said Wolf! I couldn't agree with you more. Alembics (all Alembics) are the ultimate basses. Alembic basses are the best in the world. Simply World Class [period]. Wolf, I had learned so much from your initial questions (challenge) of concern, and together we plowed through to see where it would take us. And what a ride! Not too long ago, the Toma_Hawk was only a concept too. I drawn this bass in my sleep and while wide awake. (You heard me say this a million times in a million ways...) I believe designing something for yourself, can be torching, and extremely daunting. Heck, (I am laughing while I write this...) I could had just made my life easier, and simply walked and whistles happily to our friendly neighborhood Alembic dealer, pay the toll, be done with it... Well, honestly I did this before, now it's time to take this life up a notch...  Alembic was there for me, and I am so proud of them for helping me reach closer to this goal. Thank you Alembic!!! | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 120 Registered: 9-2009 |
I wonder what the Toma_Hawk been up to these days? I can only imagine from the last picture, it looks great! I can't wait to see the progress. But, I will probably have to wait anyway... Have a good weekend everyone, and may GOD bless. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 02, 2009) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6403 Registered: 6-2000 |
Got a sealer coat in place and we're working on the drilling template for the controls.   Nothing is drilled yet, and these are just set in place by eye. These match your custom control layout, but you still get a chance to see how everything lands in 3D and let us know if you need any adjustments before we drill. Email me with either your approval or request(s) for a change from the photo. Enjoy! (note the chalk line on the control side is a reference for the edges of the hollow core, it's a temporary, but necessary marking) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 121 Registered: 9-2009 |
Oh My Lord! My eyes are having a stroke! I can't stop looking at this thing!!!! Its a site to truly behold... I'll email you, but for right now, I got to smell that fresh new bass sealer coat smell | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 40 Registered: 11-2008 |
Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Me like , Me like Lots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The pieces just fall into place in total harmony. Words were never a strong point of mine.... Beautiful man. I can't wait to see it after it gets a buff job. The symetry of the grains in the top bookmatch or whhatever you wanna call it just stand out and say someting to me(order your own custom???), not quite sure what this "spirit of the toma hawk" is trying to say but I like it , lots.... Lucky guy you are, Bear :-) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 122 Registered: 9-2009 |
The Five Spirits of The Toma_Hawk was 100% captured and transferred to The Toma_Hawk bass. The Spirit #5 (Blue Ship) had successfully left Earth's obit, heading home. However, just before leaving onward, The Blue Ship made a special detour-correction of a moral nature, his karma was damaged, and required repairing before 5th spirit could return home. After this was resolved, Spirit #5 (Blue Ship) happily left with the integrity it required to move through the harsh and dangerous environments of deep space. With all the Spirits inside the Toma_Hawk, Alembic HQ uses it forces to calibrate, fine tune and permanently-irreversibility installs the elements of Alembic Legacy, and Integrity! "The Awesome Power of a Fully Operational Funk Bass"!  | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 123 Registered: 9-2009 |
What a difference a few days make! The true colors of this bass is really showing with better clarity than ever. The wood, and color combination/coordinations are clearly depicted with no room for doubt: "This bass is gorgeous" and the proper knobs for controlling the Toma_Hawk...had to be big, bold and rendezvous and a salute to the classic Alembic Series basses. Keeping true to the classic Series Knobs, also esthetically gives this bass a very bold contrasts, and complements the colors in a very classical way. Thank you Mica for adding the knobs, and allowing me "one more chance" to make slight adjustments before drilling. In all honesty, having this last chance to make adjustments, never really occurred in my mind. It just goes to show, how very considerate you are to make this bass with the greatest satisfaction possible. You are absolutely GOLDEN! I followed up with an email, along with my very minor changes. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 124 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here are my edits... The black spot, represents where the knobs were originally positioned. The white arrows, represents the new locations where knobs ("A" and "B") to be suggestively placed. There's a black arrow which is denoted as "C", where the 3-position Q-Switch would suggestively be placed... Easy as ABC... (Slight slides of the hands, makes it just right...) It looks great!  | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 127 Registered: 9-2009 |
I was just too tempted... The Tail, Bridge, Strings, Pickups, Fingerboard, Frets, and (3) controls are simulated.  | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 42 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey Hal I love the slight change to the knobs, it totally matches the symetry of the rest of the bass now that you moved stuff around. It almost looked like the layout(minus the star inlays) of the mission control bass. I am so stoked for you, this has basically become my homepage of late, usually the first thing i look at on the web when I sign on! Right on, right on!!!! Peace& Low notes Bear | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 128 Registered: 9-2009 |
Smokeinbear, Yea, I think things are really coming along, and I was really happy to had been given a heads up from Mica. That was great. Moving the knobs, gives appearance of a wider arrow shape and bringing the Q switch aligned, and centered with the adjacent controls makes a great difference. This bass is Magical. The wood colors of this bass, along with shape orientation, really moves the eyes to (5) magical locations: 1. The Top Horn 2. The Bottom Horn 3. The Top Wing (the area above the bridge pickup) 4. The Bottom Wing (the area below the controls) 5. The Pointed Tail-end and you can see all five wood types, and colors in one camera angle. Woods: 1. Vermillion 2. Maple 3. Mahogany 4. Purple Heart 5. Ebony I always believed "less" is "a lot". If you remember, I was going to have some chic pattern on the fingerboard, but I had felt the ebony wood "itself" was the chic pattern. With the black pickups, control knobs and darker finger board is more natural, and also totally essential to the bare-bone statement this bass makes. On the other hand, if the bass was larger and a different theme, I probably would add inlays on the fretboard to complement the bass. Maybe next time... As for the ebony without inlays, it's more beautiful, and it contrast smoothly and seamlessly to the head, and down the body. Bear, that was one of the best complement I heard about this bass. It was not to long ago, I had Stanley Clarke's Dragon Breath on my Windows computer; as a Desktop Background. Once this bass is released for production, not only will I create an archive of pictures, I will be on a personal journey to allow artist to play it and learn their reactions of the magic! Thanks Bear! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 04, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 129 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's a recreation of the Toma_Hawk based upon the body.... I feel like an archeologist  | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 435 Registered: 5-2009 |
Very cool and amazing! | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 43 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hey Hal I know it's your baby so i am just asking not suggsting, have you thought about the possibility of side mounting the 1/4 jack(if possible Mica?) and just having the 5-pin on the top?Also have you photo shopped a black 5-pin jack, might look cool with the pick-ups and q-switches etc. Either way you do it I love this instrument, truely a work of art!!! Bear | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 130 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Wolf, its getting there... Bear, In the beginning, we kicked around the idea of having the 1/4" jack on the side, and I didn't like it. It looked hidden and took away from the nostalgia of the Short Body pedigree. I also didn't like the idea of drilling through the core where a cord could rest up against the basses and possibly and potentially fracture the area around the hole. I will personally never own a Alembic with a hollowed core from the perimeter walls. I hope this makes sense... So, as far a a primitive hammer/axe goes, The Toma_Hawk must keep things basic and respect the past. Therefore, it was decided to keep the 1/4" on the front just like my 76 Shorty. As far as black 5-pin back plates goes, I think most of the new series basses have them installed. Again, I am old school with this bass. Don't get me wrong, I like the black plates, but I love the reflective virtues of a chrome metal shine my friend. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 05, 2009) | ||
| mario_farufyno
Advanced Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 305 Registered: 9-2008 |
Just 2 cents... And what about moving the PU selector to the traditional place (on lower horn)? I'm guessing you are a "slapper guy" and thats why you choosed to move it first time, but seems a bit crowded there between bridge PU and Pots... Don't you think it could visualy balances better changing? | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 131 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hi Mario, You raise a very good question on the selector switch... In the very beginning, like traditional series basses, the Toma_Hawk's selector switch was going to be on the bottom horn. However, because the potential risk in a person who styles of playing which includes slapping, thumbing, and strumming cords, Alembic proactively moved the selector switch away from areas where people would most likely collide with them. So, being that this bass was designed as my ultimate Funk bass, I would do anything to make sure when the bass was under attack, the bass didn't attack back... As far as visually and balance, I like the arrow pattern far better than having the selector switch on the horn. You have to remember, the arrow pattern also brings balance to the eyes; also if you include all the controls (Q-switches), you will see the pattern of a star. Also, this bass has the magical triangle. Just like when you are in the kitchen... The sink, stove and the refrigerator are within a few steps from each other... in complete harmony. The first switch I come into contact, and the last, is the selector switch. This said switch is the "top switch" literally and figuratively speaking. Having the switch at the top and turning my bass on - off/on stand by, means "let the show begin" or "Thank you, Good night". But when it comes to personal decision as this issues, was not as easy, as I originally thought. Heck, this goes for the whole bass in general... Like I said, it's easier to pay the toll, and not be bothered by details. But I am a fool for details... But the bottom line is: even if this was a larger body, I would still keep the same control layout. ... and with a larger body, it wouldn't be a Toma_Hawk. Therefore, it's like a perfect dog, chasing his own perfect tail. There's more magic in the pattern than meets the eyes my friend. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 05, 2009) | ||
| altgrendel
Intermediate Member Username: altgrendel Post Number: 108 Registered: 5-2008 |
Every time I read this thread, I have to smile. Looking good, Hal. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 135 Registered: 9-2009 |
That's great to know Altgrendel. I will remember everybody's message from the Toma_Hawk threads. I remember you saying; you looked forward to see this bass in the FTC. That was back in February, on the second day of the announcement. I had no idea how this bass would eventually evolve, but looking back, I love the transformation. Everything looks wonderful. Everything. The raw essentials are intact. | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2008 |
Makes sensimilla to me.... By the way did i say how much I like the neck recipe on your bass? Gee I sure do like that neck on Hal's bass;-) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 136 Registered: 9-2009 |
Here's something I will probably save for memory sake... This is a very close to scaled Toma_Hawk mock bass I made from Styrofoam. The neck is real, from an older basses I scraped 25 years ago. (Being a pack-rat pays off...) The Toma_Hawk prop is good for (2) things: 1. Building a custom case, and 2. getting barrings on size and proportion and physical ranges of arms, limbs and fingers, while playing. This mock Toma_Hawk has strap pins, and it's own strap. If you are wondering if I tried it on for size... You better believe it! Obviously, the neck's heaver than the Styrofoam body, but once the prop is around the shoulders, you really get a clear physical perspective in relationship to size and physical reach while mock playing. Based upon my analysis with this mock bass: "I predict, the Toma_Hawk will differ from any bass I ever played and better than anything I ever played." Just from the proportion, and the freedom the design provides, are very important clues toward understanding the greatness of this bass. Enjoy the pictures...   (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 05, 2009) | ||
| mikeyv
New Username: mikeyv Post Number: 2 Registered: 5-2009 |
the Toma_Mock | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 539 Registered: 12-2004 |
Toma_Hawk you sound like a child on Xmas eve,Happy as Hell.....when was the last time you slept??? | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 454 Registered: 11-2006 |
I'm not alone now to say what I think... sorry it's YOUR thread. Serialnumbertwelve, toma_hawk is sleeping at this time, I hope, because there is no answer here ;o) LOL | ||
| garethnh
Member Username: garethnh Post Number: 64 Registered: 5-2008 |
I think that Toma_Hawk is exceptionally excited about his bass - and very rightly so. It is all from his head and imagination and he is seeing his dream brought to reality... what could be exciting than that? People with negative opinions needn't post their thoughts - it really is as simple as that; and I for one do not see the need to be negative about someone else's ambitions and dreams - it is just an attempt to 'energy sap' and thankfully T_H seems to have his positive energy carefully guarded - others may have had their dream sullied somewhat and that would just be a shame. T_H I think your bass looks great and I'm sure it will play great too; I also love your 'Jester Bass' concept too. Good health to you and I am really enjoying YOUR FTC thread. Kindest regards. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 541 Registered: 12-2004 |
There's Nothing negative about my post, He's happy & it shows.......i would be just as excited & unable to sleep too if it were me! | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 459 Registered: 11-2006 |
ok sorry, Dave delete my post please. I wrote a "lol"... | ||
| garethnh
Member Username: garethnh Post Number: 65 Registered: 5-2008 |
'There's Nothing negative about my post, He's happy & it shows.......i would be just as excited & unable to sleep too if it were me!' Absolutely! And I wasn't referring to your post Sir - your comment exudes positivity! Regards..... | ||
| smokinbear
Junior Username: smokinbear Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2008 |
Mean People Suck!!!!! Need I say more?? Why is this still going on here? I just don't get why anyone that see's and appreciates what goes on here with the Alembic family and all their magic could be in any way negative, it just boggles my mind. I think the excuse of language and culture differences has long been used up and that a certain individual (who I will refrain from naming) should "chill out" and PLEASE IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY.. STFU!!!!! IT'S THAT SIMPLE FOLKS. (Dave, I apologize if this is out of line, I'm just sick of the bad juju this person is bringing here. This is Hal's dream, how can anyone knock him for pursuing his right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness") |
