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)

Hal, that hidden pickup system looks like the Lightwave system, which is an optical pickup.

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)

Hi Mica,
 
Please take note of the string spacing measurements  
between the spaces on the bridge.
 
0.52 inches at each space unit (1,2, and 3) is my desired string spacing for the Toma_Hawk.  
 

 
 
 
Thank you,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on September 16, 2009)

The string spacing is determined by the fingerboard dimensions you specified. I checked the order and see the fingerboard is built with 1.6 x 2.15 (nut x 24th fret). This calculates to a bridge spacing of about .57 inches between the strings.  
 
So, if you want the spacing tighter at this point, we'll need to cut the slots of the E and G string farther from the edge of the fingerboard. This space we call the edge allowance and it's measured from the edge of the string to the edge of the fingerboard. The default setting is .15 inches.  
 
To get .52 at the bridge, the edge allowance would have to be increased to about .23 which is fine, many basses have that large of a space and some even larger, we just have to know you want it.  
 
Your drawing indicates the space between the strings at the tailpiece, which will be slightly wider yet than the bridge.
 
So you'll have to tell me if you want to:
 
1. leave the string spacing at .57 with the default edge allowance of .15
 
2. change the string spacing to .52 with the edge allowance of .23
 
3. something else entirely.

1. Leave the string spacing at the default value of 1.6 x 2.15 (nut x 24th fret). This calculates to a bridge spacing of about .57 inches between the strings.
 
Thanks Mica!

Routed:

 

  Still much carving to do before the sealer coats and then the looong wait while finish completes. Just trying to prepare you!

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...

Awesome ! And only from ALEMBIC !  
 
 I am also happy for you Mr,toma hawk01 !
 
 Such awesome creations are always worth a celebration !

Thanks Wolf.
 
I am still frozen in shock.

see Hal, i told you she would turn out just fine :-D
 
~Taylor Watterson

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

Wow - AWESOME!  Truly one of a kind!
Nice to see your vision coming together.

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!

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.