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.

Old School rules... Now, that's what I'm talking about Dave.

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).  

I agree, i NEVER leave my cables plugged into instruments when not in use, even at home or rehearsals. Not worth the risk.

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

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)

***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-

Got the word by phone today to change to picture #1 from last Friday.

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

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...
 
 

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

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)

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.

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)

I made this computer charm for keepsake.
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 17, 2009)