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)

Every time I read this thread, I have to smile.
 
Looking good, Hal.

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.

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;-)

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)

the Toma_Mock

Toma_Hawk you sound like a child on Xmas eve,Happy as Hell.....when was the last time you slept???

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

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.

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!

ok sorry, Dave delete my post please. I wrote a lol...

'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.....

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)

#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)

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.