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Alembic products => Showcase => Series I Basses and Guitars => Topic started by: the_jester on February 18, 2010, 12:23:10 PM

Title: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 18, 2010, 12:23:10 PM
The first picture of full completion.
 
 
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: musashi on February 18, 2010, 03:30:03 PM
You must be in almost Heaven, (to be fully realized when you receive your baby).  I am truly happy for you, brother.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: otis on February 18, 2010, 04:17:40 PM
SWEET!!!  Can't wait to see that baby in person!!!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: gregduboc on February 18, 2010, 07:10:59 PM
Congratulation Hal!!!
It feels good to know that the Toma_Hawk is ready for action!!!
I'm really happy, honestly.
I was going to ask for pictures, but I guess there is no need for it... You will do your Homework  
 
 
Greg
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: Enzo on February 18, 2010, 08:59:07 PM
Awesome bass ! Really happy for you Hal !
 
Looking forward to see the pics when she'll be in your hands.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 18, 2010, 10:06:09 PM
Man, that's better... Nothing in the world like good sleep!
 
This bass is the best thing I seen for the Funk since Bootsy's Star-Shape Space Bass introduced to us in 1976.  
 
As much as I love Bootsy's flamboyant statements of a bass design which fit's his personality, this Alembic fits the design -- putting ergonomic importance's for supporting The Funk, and with less attention to the flamboyance of my own personality.  
 
Without any questions, I believe the Toma_Hawk is one of the most purest high-end Funk Bass ever crafted, and I'd ever seen for Funk. (I speak with references of being around, before Funk was invented).
 
This bass has everything it needs to shape things up in the Funk world, but this comes to no surprise to anyone here, because we know Alembics are the best anyway.
 
Everybody, light a candle, and donate a toast for new new life, and the new birth of this Funk designed Alembic bass, blessed from our beloved Alembic organization, for where ever I go, you guys are with me too!  
 
GOD BLESS THE PRECIOUS ALEMBIC ORGANIZATION AND THE PLAYERS AROUND THE WORLD FOREVER NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE!!!!
 
Thanks for all the love and support fellas, I can not wait to play with y'all!!!
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on February 18, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on February 19, 2010, 04:40:28 AM
more pics dude & why no inlays? and is that 5th knob a master vol?
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on February 19, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: FC Bass on February 19, 2010, 07:14:17 AM
Ultimate Hal, congrats!  
 
+1 for the more pics dude  
 
And: I can not wait to play with y'all!!!
 
Are you suggesting an intercontinental online multiAlembicsmegajam? You can count me in! :-)
 
 
Forget your I will wait a few days remark, go get her, play the livin' sh** out of her and take some pics,   please. :-)
 
Cheerz to the Toma_Hawk! (http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76679.gif)
 
Mesabrother Flip-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 19, 2010, 09:22:25 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76705.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 19, 2010, 09:27:13 PM

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76709.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76710.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: sonicus on February 19, 2010, 11:03:24 PM
Awesome
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 19, 2010, 11:33:35 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76716.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 19, 2010, 11:51:10 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76720.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 19, 2010, 11:54:07 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76723.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 12:00:26 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76726.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 12:05:18 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76729.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 12:09:18 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76732.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 12:15:46 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76735.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: oddmetersam on February 20, 2010, 12:54:34 AM
My head's gonna explode...Incredible.  Those back plates are like viewing ports into the next dimension.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: krystoof on February 20, 2010, 01:03:25 AM
Hi, Hal
   Wow! Gorgeous instrument!!! I guess that not so many instrument  brands might be able to create such good looking AND good sounding basses like this one. I never heard it but I think it's the case!
    Have a good day!
 Xtof
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: garth4664 on February 20, 2010, 03:33:25 AM
Truely original yet classic in every sense - Nothing more to be said mate, well done...
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: sonicus on February 20, 2010, 05:23:34 AM
TOO COOL FOR JUST COOL__  Man ,  it is   ((((((((( KOOL_____________ !!!!!!!!!!)))))))))
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: pauldo on February 20, 2010, 08:16:54 AM
Nice -  
Any sound clips comin'?
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: lalogarcia on February 20, 2010, 08:34:46 AM
Nice bass buddy! It's hard to improve a classic design like the small standard body shape , but U DID IT!! It looks even nicer...
Ken Smith came up with a new body shape for his basses some 17 years ago; the new shape is actually horrible; the old was much nicer! Mr Tobias also had to create a new design and he could not do something as nice as his original Tobias basses (even though his new basses sound quite good); Spector needed to create a new body shape when Kramer owned the rights of the ns body... And it was horrible too!! But
 u my friend actually succeeded in improving a classic design.... I would not be surprised if Alembic offers this new body shape as an option... The moral of the story:
designing a new body shape is Very diffucult even for the super luthiers, so when a great new design is borned, it should stay for good!
 
Btw did u see my bass somewhere?
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: tbrannon on February 20, 2010, 09:08:05 AM
Is that a super streaked piece of ebony in the neck lam?  It almost looks like coco bolo with all the figuring.
 
Nice stuff Hal- enjoy it.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 01:20:14 PM
Taking possession of this this bass,  
is like winning a personal design award,  
and owning The Baddest Funk Bass  
in the world. A TWO-fer!
 
So, if Alembic want's to create  
a new line of Toma_Hawk basses  
in the future, GOD bless them and  
I wish all the success.  
 
As for me, I'll forever have  
the satisfaction of owning the  
knowledge behind the Toma_Hawk concept(s),  
and owning the first real Alembic  
Toma_Hawk Bass #01.  
 
If this design could help others,  
I am sure the nice folks
at Alembic would be happy  
to make another Tommy.  
 
Now, you may return to your normal
viewing...
 
I'll be on vacation from Alembic.com for a while... (a long while...).  
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on February 20, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 20, 2010, 01:54:16 PM
Ed, I asked Mica about your bass...  
 
She said it was all boxed up... Let me know when you finally get it... I can't wait to get the news from your review....
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: edwin on February 20, 2010, 01:58:43 PM
I have to say that I was initially skeptical, but the more I look at it, the more I love it! It's a thing of true beauty. Here's to you for having the vision and seeing it through!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: musashi on February 21, 2010, 02:49:14 AM
You've got your Guarneri del Gesu.  It doesn't get any better.  Congratulations...
 
Would love to hear it, and also see a pic or two with the LED's turned on...
 
(Message edited by musashi on February 21, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on February 21, 2010, 06:33:45 AM
Larry graham is waiting on some of that tomahawk funk!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76799.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76800.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: mario_farufyno on February 21, 2010, 04:18:30 PM
Wow, Hal... Congratulations!
 
Thanks for sharing with us all TH's gestation. It is kind of seeing someone's baby born... Wonderfull.
 
I'm trully happy for you, Pal. Enjoy the Funk!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: smokinbear on February 22, 2010, 07:47:36 PM
whooooooooooohhhooooooooooooooooeeeeeeeeewwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hal i am so happy for you right now man enjoy your badass Alembic bass to your fullest potential. Looks stunning a real thing of beauty f%$KIn A dude!!  ....   sorry got a little carried away ;>    peace and may you hit the sacred brown note many a time....bear
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 22, 2010, 08:57:29 PM
You're beautiful, Bear.
 
Thank you Man.
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 22, 2010, 09:11:05 PM
You are welcome Mario.
 
Thank you for your kind words, and speaking the truth on those things that are really important.
 
Peace brother.
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 22, 2010, 09:29:56 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76880.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 23, 2010, 06:47:58 AM
After 3 years of personal research, and 100's of hours of computer 3D renderings, Styrofoam markups, and lost sleep -- this is my most honest shape of what a Funk bass should had been after all those years.
 
This is the shape which I believed I would had offered Larry Graham, and Stanley Clarke or anyone to support their talents for Popping, Slapping and Thumping... and fingering.
 
The electric basses in general were never built to support the Funk, but I thought I would change all this, for I didn't spare a dime to make sure this bass was built 100% for Funk.
 
Keep peeking for my sound clip recordings, I will post them here, and everyplace else.
 
Also, read my Blog on the Funk... (located in the Blog section).
 
http://stanley.todhdsocial.com/blog.php?user=tomahawk&blogentry_id=6 (http://stanley.todhdsocial.com/blog.php?user=tomahawk&blogentry_id=6)
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 24, 2010, 11:49:42 AM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/76924.jpg)
 
09 14053 USA Toma_Hawk  /  76 484 USA Shorty
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on February 24, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on February 24, 2010, 12:36:30 PM
I love the chocolate Ebony stringer.  So you use the Stanley Clarke wood screw method for your strap.
 
Did you supply the exquisite wood for the top & back?
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on February 24, 2010, 01:17:25 PM
Thanks FunkJJ,
 
When I received the Toma_Hawk  
from Mica, I had already requested  
her not to drill any holes into  
the bass for the typical metal  
pins that's put on 99% of basses,  
because I wanted to use leather  
strap locks, and I wanted to take  
pictures of this bass without them...  
(Of course for historic reasons,  
I also wanted put the finishing touches...)
 
So, when I got the bass home, the bass were
completely without any holes for screws.  
(A rare picture moment indeed...)  
 
I hate metal pin locks.  
 
I prevented an accident with my  
first Alembic from the 80's, when  
the pin from the tail came off, but  
I was holding the neck, so that was  
a close call.  
 
With these leather lock straps, the  
straps are double folded, per screw.  
The leather lock straps stays on your  
bass, but enables you to change shoulder  
straps with ease. I also like the fact  
that no more pins to hassles, only soft  
leather touches my guitars asses.  
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on February 24, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: altgrendel on February 25, 2010, 08:51:56 AM
sound clip please?
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 01, 2010, 07:22:26 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77123.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: gregduboc on March 01, 2010, 07:36:57 PM
Would you dare to funk with me? I will slap you with no mercy!  
(No pun intended!)  
Now that we have the looks, sound clips are mandatory!
 
Greg
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 01, 2010, 08:36:09 PM
Greg,  
 
believe it or not that's all  
I been doing... is recording.  
You will not believe the way  
this bass sounds.  
 
This bass is truly from another world.  
 
Honestly, I feel like Moses returning  
with the 10 commandments, --  
The Commandments of what a Funk Bass  
should be, and sound like...  
(and in absolute and in no  
compromising terms...)
 
The wings of this bass, projects the  
sound waves for a even fuller and  
stronger slap and pop. Man, this bass  
will make you move and get on the dance  
floor, and get the ladies to shake  
that thang...    
 
The Toma_Hawk is pure muscle, and it  
can handle the beat down I give it,  
leaving me exhausted, but wanting more.
 
Yeah, it's everything, and much more.  
 
I was right with this design, and it's  
perfectly clear now. Looks is only  
skin deep, it's about the heart --  
accepting love, peace, faith and  
believing in those things that are
real. Negative people are sad people
and there's nothing you could do for
them but pray, that they find peace
too. I celibate getting out of bed
each day, to add a good mark on my
soul, because before you know it
the parties over. Life is too short
for the BS.    
 
Not even Stanley Clarke could resist  
himself from acknowledging the beauty  
of the Toma_Hawk... That's cool enough
right there...
 
But besides all this, what is important is
I see the light of this magnificent bass.
 
So, now my brother, my battle is over, and I  
found victory in having my ultimate dream bass.
Greg, I know you're going to love the sound of
this bass coming out from my Mesa Boogie double
amps.  
 
P.S., Sometime around May, I hope to be hooking up with Stanley. I'll email you the sound clips of that encounter too.
 
P.S. This bass is almost as cool as me  
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on March 01, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on March 02, 2010, 04:29:56 AM
good pic Hal......for a minute i thought i was the only Black guy here!.....(besides jazzyvee).
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: garth4664 on March 02, 2010, 06:21:35 AM
Hal that bass is one bad ass motherfunker. Your LEDs look great too. It's just right and looks better on a strap than on a stand. I'm glad I'm not there to play it, there would be little chance of me escaping without placing an order to Alembic for a Toma_hawk.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: gregduboc on March 02, 2010, 07:59:07 AM
Hal, I'm really glad your bass came out the way you expected. It must be an amazing feeling, a feeling of having completed a perfect extension to your body and your musical believes.  
I believe everyone here is really anxious to see how it will sound coming out of you Mesa Boogie stack!
And I know the feeling of not being able to stop playing and recording to see how it plays and sounds like... That is exactly what I'm doing with my new Stanley Clarke Deluxe....
 
Greg
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 02, 2010, 09:23:08 AM
#12 I seriously doubt you didn't  
know my African American heritage  
after showing pictures of my brother  
and mom at Disneyland in the 60's.  
 
Also, I had posted my little girl  
posing next to my Alembic... LOL!!!
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by the_jester on March 02, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 02, 2010, 10:36:57 AM
Garth,
 
The Alembic Toma_Hawk was about  
making a Series Bass  
Cross Over to THE LAND OF FUNK
and be FUNK-TISED.  
 
From a pure design perspective,  
this is the bass I told  
Stanley Clarke, if I was in  
the bass design game, I would  
had built this bass for him  
and Larry Graham 30 years ago
because I believe it would had
provide the versatility, and  
freedom not known to any bass
I seen them play.
 
Yes, I agree, this is a bold  
statement, but it's the truth.  
The Funk style of playing had  
moved this industry, and I hope  
musician start considering  
designing their instruments,  
that honestly addresses, and  
supports their style of playing  
instead of one type fit all...
 
Also, I can't see paying over  
$10,000 - $30,000 on a body design  
that never considered Slap, Pop, Strum,  
or Thump playing styles. For me, fingering  
is cool, but it's year 2010 for heaven  
sakes, Design a bass for the Funk!  
(So, I did...)
 
Alembic Inc. get's my deepest  
blessings for taking on such a  
challenge, and they did an  
outstanding job in raising
the Bar! (LOL!!!)
 
I can only pray, they continue to support  
others as they'd supported my dreams.  
I simply can't thank them enough for what  
they did in the past, and what they done
for me.  
 
Honestly, if I known this  
bass would sound this good, if  
Toma_Hawks were available;  
I would had paid double or  
even triple the price, because  
the sound and design is just
THAT GOOD!  
   
But since I came up with the concept,
and design, I was given a generous  
and righteous discount.
 
P.S. - Some Alembics are more hollowed  
(like my 1976 Shorty) and it gives that
Traditional Alembic sound...  
 
However, Toma_Hawk is a much thicker, and
more solid bass as a whole. It's  
PURE MUSCLE with no fillers...  
In fact, my drummer said  
the Toma_Hawk's vermilion wood  
markings, looked as if the skin  
was striped -- exposing only  
the muscle cells... (a very
good analogy indeed). LOL!!!
 
 
Peace and love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by the_jester on March 02, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 03, 2010, 09:50:27 AM
Hal's Ucayalis and Ipods  
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77178.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 03, 2010, 10:55:10 AM
The Toma_Hawk: The Early years... Styrofoam and all...  
 
The controls were a little different...(LOL!!!)  
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77181.jpg)
 
Peace and love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: jet_powers on March 03, 2010, 02:33:47 PM
Congratulations or receiving your dream. It's a beauty....
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 03, 2010, 03:45:19 PM
Thanks for the good notes John.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: altgrendel on March 03, 2010, 05:38:07 PM
Oh
 
Wow.
 
That pic of you with the Toma_Hawk is so cool.
 
 
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: pauldo on March 04, 2010, 07:47:20 PM
Hal - Plug that beast in and press the record button. . . .  PLEASE!
 
I know I'm not the only one waiting to hear the heartbeat of the 'Hawk
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 04, 2010, 09:57:50 PM
LOL!!!
 
Man, your guys are going to be blown away with the sound of this bass!
 
Oh, my goodness gracious!!!!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: oddmetersam on March 05, 2010, 01:06:49 PM
...for a minute i thought i was the only Black guy here!.....(besides jazzyvee).
 
Well, actually I'm Black, too -- and we're facebook buds, for cryin' out loud!  Seriously, everyone should be really proud of who they are and their heritage, but when I see pictures of you guys on this forum what I'm thinking of the most is how proud I am to be an Alembic owner and we are ALL a special brotherhood (and sisterhood) because of that fact.  I wish I could personally meet every last one of you!
 
This was really driven home when I attended my first Alembic Northern California gathering back in June of last year (hint, hint).
 
Hal, you are truly one of a kind and this instrument mirrors that outlook (out of all the incredible shots of the 'Hawk, the pic of the back with the optical illusion-inducing reflections in those backplates is the one I can't stop staring at!).
 
Play her until the stars weep and Jimi smiles....
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: dluxe on March 05, 2010, 07:32:56 PM
That is one fine bass Hal!  Fits you perfectly too.  I can't wait to hear the funk.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 05, 2010, 11:15:16 PM
Sam, Robert...
 
It's people like you and others  
here make being a member of  
the Alembic Club really worth wild.  
 
Thank you for your very kind  
words and gestures of goodwill.  
No question, I feel the same way  
about you, and of the those many  
beautiful things which brings  
peace to the heart and soul to  
enable us to share special moments  
like these.  
 
Sam, I now understand how you and  
other feel when you guys picked up  
your brand stinking new bass...
 
...and Oh what a feeling MAN!!!!
 
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by the_jester on March 06, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on March 07, 2010, 02:59:11 PM
Recording time...
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77315.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: the_jester on March 08, 2010, 02:47:52 PM
Greg,  
 
One critical step to  
deploying a great
sounding bass, is to  
first established
drum tracks and  
coordinating all the  
changes smoothly in the tempo.
 
My Korg D32 XD has so  
many great similated
drum tracts, you could  
tell a story with the  
drum kit alone, and I
also have an Alesis DM5
which has 21 internal
Drum Sets, where each
Drum Set contains 61 Notes,
thus each Note is treated
as a voice. So that's a
1,281 voices and combinations
are endless...  
 
Working out  the bugs of a song,  
starts with the drums and it keeps
my drummer happy too, because
he appreciates my approaches, his  
edits.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: otis on March 08, 2010, 07:24:02 PM
Hal,
 
Congrats, Brother!  I'm so happy for you- I remember what I felt like when I first picked up an Alembic.  
 
I drove 7 hours, one way, with my guitar player at the time, and we finally got there- I was so excited I didn't even want to take the time to hit the bathroom to take a pee- I wanted to see that son of a gun, right away.  But I think I really had to go, so I went, but when I came out of the bathroom, I saw that open case, and she was a laying in there, all pretty like, and such...
 
Here's a picture of the two of us, before I broke her- it's a long story I'll tell some other time, LOL, and I actually have a picture of me and her after I broke her at a show- I'm crying, and I just didn't care...
 
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/77387.jpg)
 
 
Six years later, I found myself holding in my hands the bass of my dreams- a Series II Six.  I never thought it would happen, and I didn't even realize that I wanted it, until I broke my 4, sent it to Alembic to be repaired, and purchased my Zebrawood Epic 6 from them (and later sold it to purchase my Brown 6- which I was perfectly happy with until I discovered the possibility of getting my hands on a Series II Six via good old Shawn C. of the Club).
 
Anyhow, I hope you're crying tears of joy, now, my friend- you deserve it!  Play, play, and play some more, it's all you'll be able to do, in response to receiving your dream instrument.
 
Peace;)
 
Frank
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 12, 2010, 12:03:32 PM
This first original oil painting of it's kind  
and ever will be...  
 
Once completed... The Toma_Hawk oil painting will be auction on Ebay.  
 
One hundred percent (100%) of the monies made from the auction, will go to medical charities.  
 
The music will follow... (FUNK is it's own reward...)
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/82581.jpg)
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 12, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: musashi on July 13, 2010, 12:54:11 AM
Hello Hal,
 
Welcome back.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010, 07:23:05 AM
If you have no critics, you'll likely have no success.
 
Thank you Musashi.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: sonicus on July 13, 2010, 07:39:00 AM
That is a cool painting  Hal  !
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010, 08:35:41 AM
Thank you warmly Wolf.
 
Oil painting is challenging, because you have to mix the right colors to blend into the right hues of wood tones.  
 
The oil I am using on this painting (for about the past 6 months now), would probably take a few more months -- before its done.  
 
The oil I am using, is a very slow  
drying linseed oil base, imported  
from the Mediterranean -- so with each  
stroke of paint on the canvas, it literally takes weeks to dry.  
 
But, what's the hurry?  
 
I am healthy enough to paint, and I am listening to Bitches Brew in the background, and drinking black coffee... being cool --  
and all at the same time, praying for world peace, with hopes to celebrate #46 this week
with my children.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: artswork99 on July 13, 2010, 08:55:11 AM
Happy upcoming Birthday Hal!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010, 09:39:41 AM
Thanks Art...
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 13, 2010, 03:39:08 PM
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/82643.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 24, 2010, 12:04:59 PM
I made it!
 
I feel good, (and I knew that I would)!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: sonicus on July 24, 2010, 12:22:09 PM
Happy Birthday Hal !
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 24, 2010, 02:18:06 PM
Thanks Wolf!
 
Peace and Much LOVE!
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: David Houck on July 24, 2010, 04:45:40 PM
Happy Birthday Hal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTidxEU-Uns)!!!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: oddmetersam on July 24, 2010, 11:03:04 PM
Hey, Hal!
Happy Birthday
-Sam
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 25, 2010, 12:52:21 AM
Dave, Sam... Ain't that a groove!
 
Thanks fellas!
 
Right on -- to the right on!
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on July 25, 2010, 06:18:25 AM
Beat your Bass today & make it Holla sooo loud i Could hear it here in chicago land..........Happy B-Day Funkster!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 25, 2010, 06:59:03 AM
#12,  
 
I am Pimp Slap-in,  
Body Slam-in,  
Thunder Thump-in,  
Lightning Lick-in, with Jimi's Voodoo Child-in  
to make the ladies in Chicago say: Oh Sweeeetback, please do it one more time ah-gin!
without any Sin.
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on July 25, 2010, 07:21:46 AM
 
 
(Message edited by serialnumber12 on July 25, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on July 25, 2010, 07:21:59 AM
What the hell you know bout Sweetback?........I went to Aptos jr high School with his Son/Actor Mario-Van Peebles.http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/Mario-Van-Peebles (http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/Mario-Van-Peebles)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 25, 2010, 08:07:02 AM
#12, let me know when you are back in town  
on the West Coast, it would be my treat  
on dinner at The Ginger Bread House in  
Oakland, Auntie Kizzy's or Roscoe's chicken and waffles in Los Angeles.
 
Man, when you told me you attended John Muir Elementary School is San Francisco  
(my school as well...) and attended  
Lincoln High -- I know you know D'wayne Pettway? I been married to his sister for 18 years now. LOL!!!
 
What you know about that!
 
Peace and Love back at ya!
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 25, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: edwin on July 25, 2010, 02:20:40 PM
Happy belated, Hal! Here's to many more!
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: malthumb on July 25, 2010, 04:51:24 PM
Hal,
 
Happy birthday!
 
Keavin....
good pic Hal......for a minute i thought i was the only Black guy here!.....(besides jazzyvee).
 
Really?  This picture has been floating around the A-Club for years....
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/83254.jpg)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 26, 2010, 01:27:17 AM
Thanks James.  
 
My first Alembic was an Omega Series 1 just like the one you have. I am still hurting when I think of my dumb teenage years in selling it.
 
Lovely basses man.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on July 26, 2010, 06:52:50 AM
Add the me to the list with Serial#12, Jazzyvee, Toma_Hawk01, and Malthumb.  
 
The great thing about this forum is that it does not matter.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: lbpesq on July 26, 2010, 07:46:05 AM
The Gingerbread House closed a few years ago.  It was a great restaurant, but no more.
 
Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: tmoney61092 on July 26, 2010, 10:07:58 AM
color doesn't matter here, we're all musicians who love our Alembics and just want to play them!
 
~Taylor
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: mario_farufyno on July 26, 2010, 12:01:02 PM
Hey, Hal, happy birthday man (hope not too late to congrat you...)!
 
By the way, dug your jetson's retro-futuristic drawing. What is written on the LP?
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 26, 2010, 01:25:01 PM
Thanks Mario, never too late.
 
Just art man... It's all about capturing a mood and an ideas, on life's very few known pleasures.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 26, 2010, 01:46:12 PM
Edwin, what's happening baby!
 
Thanks brother man!
 
Peace and Love bass play-ah!
 
Hal-
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: malthumb on July 26, 2010, 08:47:14 PM
tmoney61092 said.....
 
color doesn't matter here, we're all musicians who love our Alembics and just want to play them!  
 
~Taylor
 
No doubt.  I'm just surprised Keavin didn't remember that picture, since he commented on it when I first posted it.
 
Peace,
 
James
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: malthumb on July 26, 2010, 08:51:50 PM
Hal,
 
Didn't realize you are the artist of the Jetson's picture.  That is really nice.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 26, 2010, 10:02:08 PM
That's my cartoon picture of myself, doctored from a picture some else sent me for my Birthday.  
 
However, I do more computer 3-D rendering and animation, and I love working with oil resins.  
 
If you'll provide me a picture of your basses, I might make a oil painting of it.  
 
(It might take a year or two, but I would love to tackle it. I donate my art to charity).
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 26, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: chuckc on July 28, 2010, 09:59:58 AM
So Hal, I've seen your bass from the start of the project through the completion stages. I always had one question that I don't recall seeing anyone ask. Does the smaller, angular body cause you any problems with neck dive? It appears that would be a problem but thought I would ask and see how the overall balance of this design works.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 28, 2010, 11:42:17 AM
Chuck, (for me) Shape matters and I believe
the bass should always be played in the most neutral position as possible.  
 
Not only must you find the groove  
that move, but you must be in  
complete Yoga balance for your body  
to hold the sound, to keep it going  
until the next cord change happens.
 
I respect your question in reference  
to my Toma_Hawk, because from the time  
people first seen my renderings, some  
asked the same questions in the  
Dreaming... for now section.  
It's a valid question bro.  
 
When I play any bass,  
my arms are in a approximate 90  
degree angle. Although I seen  
players who play their basses with  
their arms in a 45 degree or even  
in 180 degrees but it's up to you
and the style you like.
 
I love the 90 degree bend of my  
playing and swinging right arm and  
hand, while the neck is almost appearing at 0 degrees -- allowing my left hand  
(my note playing hand) palm completely  
up,and flat/balanced -- (without tilting  
more in either direction) with my knees,  
and legs in a almost KUNG_FU forward  
leaning -- (knees bent) stance/posture.
 
As for the The Toma_Hawk, this is the most balance bass I ever played, so far...  
(as an adult), and it's the most easiest,
and most joyful too.  
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 28, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: toma_hawk01 on July 29, 2010, 08:48:23 AM
Chuck, if I may add...
 
When Slapping the bass, neck balance  
is much more important than playing  
the bass in traditional finger play.  
 
Please allow me to explain:  
 
With finger play, your arm  
can brace, or nest up against  
the top wing of the bass, thus  
holding it place, while gracefully  
moving your fingers. So, with  
the extra support of your arm,  
you may get away with a neck  
heavy bass.
 
However, for playing the bass  
in the attack mode or slap  
style playing, your arm may  
leave the entire bass all together  
thus, your bass balance is  
potentially more at risk.  
 
Because my playing consist of these  
air attacks (where my arm, leave  
the entire bass) I absolutely,  
positivity, without compromise,  
can-not play a top heavy neck,  
nor a bottom heavy bass, for an
unbalance bass, must be sized and
correctly fitted... (just like  
shoes or seeing glasses).  
 
So balance, may be looked in multiple  
ways, and depending on the unlimited  
ways the bass is played, I believe  
every individual should consider their  
multiple styles their bass is played,  
and to make sure the balance from  
the bass are considered, and supported.
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on July 29, 2010)
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on December 12, 2011, 11:26:45 AM
Hard to believe this beauty is now for sale
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: bigredbass on December 14, 2011, 10:51:46 PM
After reading the length and breadth of this post . . . it's not THAT hard to believe . . . .
 
J o e y
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: serialnumber12 on December 15, 2011, 04:44:51 AM
people who sell their alembics tend to regret it later.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: funkyjazzjunky on December 15, 2011, 10:15:55 AM
Tell me about it.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: klinkepeter on December 16, 2011, 06:59:49 AM
I?m still waiting for a piece of music  or at least a soundfile , so many words were spoken......
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: malthumb on December 16, 2011, 09:57:02 AM
Folks,  please keep in mind that Hal has started a company producing basses inspired by the Tomahawk design.  His selling the Alembic Tomahawk is more a reflection that he has everything he needs in a Tomahawk bass in his own products.
 
Me personally, I'd keep the prototype.....the granddaddy.  But Hal is going into this thing (the company and selling the Alembics) with eyes wide open.
 
Peace,
 
James
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: slacker42uk on December 16, 2011, 11:56:06 AM
Sometimes after spending so much time designing a bass, you end up hating it. To be honest, the bass doesn't look good. A real shame, because Alembic bent over backwards to come up with the goods for this guy.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: klinkepeter on December 18, 2011, 05:07:20 AM
just in case, if I would thinking about to buy one of his basses (not the alembic..), where the hell i should ask or look for it?  
His webside is just a joke, no basses, no offers, not even something in progress, only bla bla about funk bass and  The beginning of a new era for basses, isn?t that a bit too pathetic for something nobody has seen before?
And what makes the phantom so funky like nothing else, the alembic electronics? ( very funky indeed!), the bodystyle, the spirit of the luthier?
Correct me, if I?m wrong but usualy people start there company and the advertisement for it on a real product instead selling a custom bass made from a major company for a ridiculous price.  
Sorry, but that drives me crazy.....,
Peter
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: malthumb on December 18, 2011, 09:16:00 AM
You can like Hal....You can dislike Hal.....You cannot question his conviction.  This is a shot of some of his in-progress work.
 
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/118712.jpg)
 
Peace,
 
James
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: hydrargyrum on December 18, 2011, 09:32:21 AM
Some of those look like really handsome instruments.  I hope he has lots of luck with his design.
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: klinkepeter on December 19, 2011, 10:01:45 AM
a picture tells more than 1000 words....
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on December 19, 2011, 10:59:04 AM
....and the first of those words is Photoshop.  The buckeye grain runs through the maple & ebony, and the edges & angles are wrong.
 
Peter
Title: Re: Hal's Toma_Hawk - 2010 - Pure Funk Bass
Post by: artswork99 on December 19, 2011, 11:11:22 AM
As mentioned in another thread that has derailed onto the same subject...  Several moderators have discussed this and feel that the subject would be best if it were given a rest.