2 cents...
 
There is no way to maintain it free moving Hal?
 
I mean, keep it in place just when you hit desired spot with some kind of clutch, but permit it to slip in rails freely until that. It would be quicker to set up its position this way.
 
Although using screws would be more precise and firm, finding its right place using screws seems will be as hard as adjusting a truss rod, don't you think?

Thanks Wolf,  
 
I was hoping you chime in for we talked about sliding picks last year on the Toma_Hawk build.  
 
I remember us reviewing other sliding pickups, and personally for me, I never stopped thinking about how one could be made, in tighter and smaller areas, and use knobs for making adjustments.
 
Mario, the tension from the tightly fastened wired cables does not move in any direction until you either do two things: physically move the pickup plates, or turn the knobs.  
 
I even placed heaver objects (heavier than alembic pickups) on the plates, and everything worked fine, and without any unwarranted movements.  
 
Also, when you look at this from the perspective of playing a bass, the rails are in the most neutral, and favorable position -- following  
the direction of the neck...
 
With this earlier proof of concept version, I was able to make more iterations that improved the system, which enhanced my experiences, to  sharpen the knob turns to a more granular as a professional tool should be.
 
I am also working with a third party, to customize my sprockets and belt systems, including a choice of knobs which click locks and a one knob, control both or all system.
 
So, it really comes down to the knob system now.  
 
The height system works really great too. That was the most challenging piece, and very useful.
 
The Great Bill Cosby said: ... in order to fulfill a dream, you must first wake up...
 
 
All comments are welcome  
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 23, 2010)

Oh wow, I'll follow that topic closer from now on...
 
Hope you fulfill this new dream soon, Hal.
 
(Message edited by mario farufyno on August 23, 2010)

Thanks Mario,  
 
I know there are all kinds of ways to make something work.  
 
I also understand, why people are very comfortable with fixed pickups system. I can honestly say, I love fixed pickup ideas too, however, I am looking forward to a newer satisfaction, which fixed pickups didn't solve.
 
I totally understand the facts behind fixed pickup systems. I am also emotionally attached to our beloved heritage, their world-wide appeal and the unparalleled esteem to a legacy of proven musical accolades, dawning an unthinkable number of awards for over 50 years.  
 
However, for me, it's time for a change. I believe floating pickups, will be the future. It's just that simple.  
 
I understand, Human emotions are greater than logic and reasoning. Most people act greatly and righteously for mainly emotional reasons. This is a good thing, and it's what makes us human.  
 
But I believe it becomes a bad thing, when we prevent ourselves from learning new ways, and new things.      
 
Some of the greatest ideas, will never breath the light of day, because of the powers of suggestions of commercial media, along with peoples cultural normality.  
 
In the 80's, Apple Computer commercial suggested people are hurled like cattle or programmed to only trust the familiar, and/or nothing new.  
 
However today, Apple users are so loyal some would compare them as a cult -- and to ever think of Apple consumers using anything else, is almost a sacrilege of the creed.  
 
However, what keeps Apple a float in maintaining their loyalty, is their abilities to upgrade their devices with new innovations. Without this, Apple wouldn't be Apple. Also, if you examine the concepts on their devices, you'd probably already realized the concept(s)years ago. In other-words, Apple didn't innovate anything new, they only validated your old concepts into reality.  
 
However the real question is:  
 
Why do we allow or provide a more favorable business environment for new innovations, as if these innovations would leads us into a brighter future full of hopes and dreams, and condemn other innovations in the opposite light as something to be feared, because it challenges our cultural values and norms.  
 
Should only ideas survive, if it supports only a limited cultural perspective?  
 
For example:  
 
When entering a Costco store, the first thing you see, are those wonderful flat screen TVs. Man those sets are crystal clear, and beautifully displayed with such exquisite color and shapes that spells Modern all over the chassis. The speakers hit you from every direction too.  
 
In a spit second, you'll might imagine yourself looking into the bright future of owning that modern TV you'd set your eyes on, or maybe you might not feel the need to buy a current model at the present time, but found word, there was something else (more advanced, and more futuristic) of worthy, replacing your older unit and, at a more affordable price.  
 
Why do we subconsciously approve and welcome TV innovations, and not approve or welcome change or innovations in the same light on guitars?
 
Are there technological bias for guitars?
 
I understand what a series I and II is about, with Alembic basses being already still so far ahead of the game, is there still a need to support a series III?
 
Tough questions here...
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010)

In all honesty sliding pick ups have been around for a few decades.
 
 I have an old friend who has a 2 Basses that have sliding pick ups. One of them has Alembic pick ups and electronics. I can  not post the image with out permission but I will ask . Their are others out there as well that have sucessfully mounted sliding  pick ups. I believe Hal posted one or more him self.  
 Here is another example that has Alembic Pick ups & electroincs that is on the web  ;  72-01  has sliding pick ups as you all know.
 And there are a few others ;
http://www.prairiesun.com/Guitars/Dragon.html

As Wolf has said, sliding pickups have been around since the early 70's. Dan Armstrong had them, the gibson grabber had them and I seem to remember westone produced some horrendous thing where the rails were the main part of the body. However, none of these really caught on and I can't help but wonder if anyone who ever bought one bothered to change the pickup position once they found their 'sweet spot'. It's a documented fact that jack cassidy's Alembic no 1 in the pic above had sliding pickups so that Jack could experiment with where the best position for them would be, not as a tone shaping feature.
 
edit : Hal - your device is going to add several pounds to the weight of what is already a pretty heavy instrument. You may want to hire a chiropractor if it ever gets built ;-)
 
Graeme
 
(Message edited by jacko on August 24, 2010)

Sliding pickups are over 45 years old...
 
Framus guitars were probably the first guitars to have siding pickups.
 
Well what do you know... Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stone, played a Framus bass with sliding pickup in 1960's.  
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010)

Jack, that was funny.
 
I don't even like heavy basses. This bass will be very light say under 10-lbs is fair.
 
Fretless basses don't uses frets bro.
 
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010)

Hal , if there will be a  Series III is  a good question. Perhaps the answer depends on multiple reasons of R&D to develop such an instrument  based on the metamorphosis  of design and application that is driven by a customer request basis .  Perhaps this   concept might only  make sense  to me but then this is only my own rationale for such an endeavour . _____ I just be thinkin man !

Hal, i don't think that not having frets makes a difference in weight, i've played 2 Fender American Jazzes, one fretted other fretless, didn't make a difference, both weighed the same. as Graeme said, this is going to be a really heavy instrument when built, another thing that would be a big factor would be balance since the added weight would make the body sink more, just some thoughts
 
~Taylor

A Series III would definitely mean it would cost more, or perhaps offering things that would be considered an optional on SI or SII basses.  
 
However, with a higher price, what are the benefits?  
 
For example with cars, and how fast will it accelerated from 0-60 compared to the older models, and what are the amenities and what are the real innovations with the product?
 
I have ideas, but nobody asked.
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-

I think I am in a better position to know the actual weight of my device, and requirements than anyone don't you think?  
 
Frankly, the weight of my device is very light... How light? About 4 times lighter than a typical bridge and could be made even lighter.  
 
However, I think I know where this is going...
 
So if people are interested in the development of the Jester Bass, please send me a private email, and I will gladly discuss the challenges and successes of the making of this bass. I been through this before with nay-say'er, and there is noway I am headed down that path again. The Toma_Hawk proved me correct in every conceivable way, along with people's rush to judgments and inaccuracies.      
 
I look forward to updating people who support a more kindred spirited discussion on this topic.
 
 
Peace and Love,
 
Hal-
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on August 24, 2010)

Wolf, and Mario I always welcomed your ideas, and many blessings Ived received from our discussions.
 
Thank you,
 
Hal-

just trying to help you realize potential issues, oh well, your money, good luck either way
 
~Taylor

Hal, Thanks . I enjoy sharing my ideas with you . It seems that we both share an enthusiasm of musical instrument innovation that encompasses both technological and aesthetic refinements.