| Author | Message | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 145 Registered: 9-2009 |
#12, it feels like... Disneyland in the 60's (when I was a kid)!!!! It was hard going to sleep on those nights leading to having fun in a world of imagination. Having this Toma_Hawk built does pull great moments in ones life. Music and musical instruments are universal tools, and I believe it's another channel to enter the souls of people. Music is a great power and it heals the heart from earthy plights of wicket concepts, and evil intentions. My father and late mother was responsible for implanting my musical spirit, and look to the past, and improve it (if possible). So, over time, Alembics basses was that improvement from any bass I ever played. The Toma_Hawk is yet taking it higher, but with the same support base. The Toma_Hawk is my Disneyland! PS... My father finally figured out how to work his new Polaroid camera... The sky's were blue, so he has all the help... LOL! I am the small old guy with the buttoned collar and the shirt properly tucked.   (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 07, 2009) | ||
| jedisan
Intermediate Member Username: jedisan Post Number: 101 Registered: 3-2008 |
Hal, That's got to be one of the coolest pics of Disneyland happiness I have ever seen. Certainly brought a smile to my face. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 146 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Tim, Man, it's times like those, which are so short lived, you must stop, and give credit to the people who played a very positive roll in providing you a sense dignity and self respect, which you learn to protect from a world that is full of emotional instabilities. Never a day go by, I try to lift others spirits. Today, I just leaned that my cousin suddenly died yesterday while under a kidney dialysis treatment. She was only 29 years old. I am still getting up, and I will be there with her parents and use what I have to get them through this tough time. Peace. | ||
| gregduboc
Advanced Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 223 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hal, If I may say, my condolences to you and you family. Sincerely, Greg ps. Your bass is looking soooooooo good.... Can't wait for more pictures. Be strong. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 147 Registered: 9-2009 |
All man..., Thanks Greg. Mica's pictures run right through heart every time. | ||
| serialnumber12
Senior Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 542 Registered: 12-2004 |
i Googled 'toma_hawk' there's several links about your bass,also toma_hawk is a forged weapon to cut/Slaugter the enemy,so my guess is you'll be choppin folks heads off with funkbass lines that will just kill in groove situations! http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=toma_hawk&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=2cca7b2e99206b9c | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 149 Registered: 9-2009 |
#12, "Don't think; feel. It's like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all the heavenly glory." AWWWWEEEEHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Bruce Lee- Why trust the Internet, when the knowledge is here? Yes, the Toma_Hawk is a FUNK bass pure and simple. It's the kind of music that we all smile and feel the heart and soul of the audience when we play. This bass is for people to get off the wall and dance, and be joyful. This bass is for getting grandma, and granddad remember how they uses to "get down" and funky! I have a feeling this bass is being watch by some very powerful and beautiful people.... And that us! (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 08, 2009) | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 755 Registered: 1-2004 |
Hal, wonderful to see your bass take shape. It's stunning to see how (relatively) fast it evolves. A unique instrument that by far looks better to me than any mock up. If I'm honest I was seriously doubting if I was going to like it, but I love it! Good choice about the knob placement. I agree with a previous poster that it matches the shape / lines of the body much better now. Wilfred | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 157 Registered: 9-2009 |
Thanks Wilfred! First rule - (tap, tap, tap...) "Actual objects must always look better than it's drawings." Now, if you like the Toma_Hawk pictures from Mica, imagine the real thing in your hands... Be honest... | ||
| the_mule
Senior Member Username: the_mule Post Number: 756 Registered: 1-2004 |
If I'm honest it feels like thinking about touching another woman, and since you have a blonde SSS1 for yourself you even decided to let go for similar reasons, you know that's a nono to keep the peace! Here's my Blondie: http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/10532.html?1254215816 ;-) Wilfred | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 165 Registered: 9-2009 |
Sure-you're-right Wilfred! Man, your Blondie is gorgeous!!! I was going to sell mine, but I found a new hope for it. My Toma_Hawk will be used for Performances and recording and my shorty will be used for technique building and work outs. She my Gym bass. Then when I get in the ring of fire, my Toma_Hawk will get the people in the groove. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 09, 2009) | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 6412 Registered: 6-2000 |
I'm going to show you 3 pictures. First, with the controls measured out and plotted to your picture:  Note the filter controls are differing distances from the edge of the body. You'll have to decide if this bothers you or not. The pickup selector feels very close to me as I expressed to you before. Next, with the focus of the pickup selector moved to give a little more comfort to the volume controls:  If you want to keep on straight lines, I think this change is needed or you will collide with the pickup selector when you want to adjust the volumes and vice versa. I wish I rotated that pickup selector in this photo to show the bass pickup selection like the others. I think you can still see there's a little more room this way when in position, so please be aware of this difference. Next, with the filters scoonched a little to give a little more room between the volume and filter controls which are dropped slightly to give an inkling more room between them and the pickup selector switch:  This is closer to the orignal mockup I made, measured out more carefully. Of course the knobs are still placed by eye (I need some clear knobs for mockups I see), but I think you can decide what is more important to you. If one of these layouts looks good to you, just tell me which one and we'll drill. There's only one chance to drill it right, so nothing else is happening until this is ironed out. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 169 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hi Mica, First let me thank you for your responsive reply, I appreciate much assuredly and deeply. Picture #2 is the best. Mica, my choice for the best control layout for the Toma_Hawk Bass: Drum roll please... Picture #2 (the middle picture). I like symmetry even better than my last edit. With the lines drawn, it provides an even better perspective to space and I love the selector switch looks to be more centered with the pickup. Picture #2 wins. Drill at will... | ||
| pierreyves
Senior Member Username: pierreyves Post Number: 462 Registered: 11-2006 |
sorry to disturb YOUR thread Hal... for me the pickup selector is to close of the bridge pickup, you may change pick up by "accident" (I don't no in english). The jack output is really necessary ?? In case of non functionnaly 5 pin output ? If you delete jack output, you may have more place to redefine your knobs AND, If I was you, I will use smaller knobs... but it's not MY thread ;o) I think, for this really small body, the best is to have only 5 pin output and get the pickup selector in the original place (like old serie I), and use small knobs. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 170 Registered: 9-2009 |
Hi Mica, I am fixed with picture #2 as shown below. Thank you. Fire in the hole! Thank you, Hal-  | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 175 Registered: 9-2009 |
I had always been against side mounted jacks. The strongest foundation of any bass, is its perimeter (side) walls. One of the last thing I would ever do, or request, is have a hole along the sides of my basses. Lessons learned from my Ibanez bass when it fell off its stand from me tripping over the cord. There it was... a hair line fracture inside the inner cavity of the hole. Yeah, it was a freak thing, and I should had paid more attention to where things were, but finding that it cracked around the hole area and no place else, was just common sense, that a side hole weakened a once stronger wall, un-drilled or once untempered area -- thus now, prone for a clumsy guy like me, to trip and break. I am pretty sure if the side wall was not drilled, the bass would had been able to absorb the shock without cracking in the first place. For anyone who wants to side mount their jacks, go for. It's your custom, not mine. I'm just offering a friendly word of caution. I hope this never happens to you. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 11, 2009) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 8861 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hal; according to the rules, if you ever place an Alembic in its stand with a cable still plugged in, whether the jack is side mounted or top mounted, you forfeit possession of the instrument and it must be returned to Santa Rosa immediately. Just thought I would let you know in case you were not already aware of this particular rule. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 176 Registered: 9-2009 |
Old School rules... Now, that's what I'm talking about Dave. ;) | ||
| s_wood
Advanced Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 303 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yes! To Hal and everyone: PLEASE don't ever leave your instrument in a stand while plugged in. That is, by far, the number one cause of broken pegheads (and broken hearts).  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1709 Registered: 6-2002 |
I agree, i NEVER leave my cables plugged into instruments when not in use, even at home or rehearsals. Not worth the risk. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 2448 Registered: 10-2002 |
And take the strap off too! Anything to make the instrument safer. I have a Hofner president semi acoustic that my brother has taken to New Zealand to have repaired after I dropped it on the side mounted jack - pushed the socket straight through the side of the instrument. I doubt if I'll ever see it agin but it's in good hands - I'm not much of a guitar player anyway;-) graeme | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 179 Registered: 9-2009 |
That's pushing it for me. I hate having a false sense of security with straps (on or off); that's why I don't remove my straps from my guitars or basses unless I am upgrading the straps (itself). I had some bad experiences with metal spring strap locking mechanisms. I'll never use them again. I use, cal-hide leather strap locks. With a simple screw, and by virtue of a metal hollow threaded connector; and held together by the torque of using a simple Philips screwdriver. I love them because they're strong, they can't scratch up your instruments, don't need oiling, no springs, washers or metal clips and they look natural and they never interrupt your spontaneity. Each time you remove your strap, you are adding wear and tear to any mechanism. It's just a matter of time before you bass would be on the floor. The metal locking system fasteners, are prone to go undetected before its too late. With leather, you can see and feel the integrity right there... I also use Hercules stands. Older stands, with the extended "bottom forks" are prone to come off or an even greater trip hazard. Leather Strap Locks below:   (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 12, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 181 Registered: 9-2009 |
***CHANGE CONTROL*** Hi Mica, I am so happy to had been able to speak with you today As stated over the phone, I desire picture #1 below.  Thank you for checking and validating no drilling had begun to make this sudden change... #2 is null and void. Peace and blessings! Hal- | ||
| otis
Member Username: otis Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2008 |
Hal, I think it's great that you're keeping your 76- I made the mistake of selling my 77 shortscale (schedua top & back) so I'm glad to see that you're not making the same mistake I made. I had that bass for 14 years, and it was my main instrument- I played with it live, recorded with it, wrote with it, and just played the heck out of it. Now I have 2 6 string Alembics (a custom Epic with Ebony neck lams and several other custom features, and what I believe to be a Europa with a custom body shape and headstock). I love both basses, but I really miss my Series. I hope to someday get my hands on a Series I or II 6, but for now, my quest continues. So far, all I've found are pictures! Peace;) Frank | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 183 Registered: 9-2009 |
There's so much "Slam" left in this 76. Looking back from a historic perspective, my Shorty was my guide, and prelude to the shape of things to come...  | ||
| tmoney61092
Advanced Member Username: tmoney61092 Post Number: 234 Registered: 9-2008 |
sorry to be almost a month late on this topic, but i found this website and thought people would like to see the movable pickup on this bass http://westone.info/railbass.html enjoy ~Taylor Watterson | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 187 Registered: 9-2009 |
Not bad... I believe, Wolf and I had come full circle on adjustable pickups. The basses from you link, looks really sleek and futuristic. Those bass looks to something from a Star Wars film. In fact, I had to convince myself those objects are bass guitars. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 16, 2009) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 451 Registered: 5-2009 |
Those are interesting Taylor . Very futuristic . I would have to agree with Hal that they that they might require a cognitive reminder that they are musical instruments. | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 189 Registered: 9-2009 |
Taylor, The rails are so large, it's the foundation which structurally supports not only the pickups, but the entire body... Then, if that's not enough, the maker prints: "THE RAIL" DAMMMM! From a design perspective, the more you project the rails, the more you have to remove a classical esthetically well understood -- exotically created, wooden bass. I think your example, is very-far to the right of the scale. Extremely radical. But it is still very relevant to this sub-discussion. Thanks. P.S. This bass almost looks like a miniaturized old vintage style, sliding X-Ray machine. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 17, 2009) | ||
| toma_hawk01
Intermediate Member Username: toma_hawk01 Post Number: 190 Registered: 9-2009 |
I made this computer charm for keepsake. (Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 17, 2009) |
