Hakeem's Custom Bass "Tomahawk"

[mica]

I'm going to show you 3 pictures. First, with the controls measured out and plotted to your picture:

 Note the filter controls are differing distances from the edge of the body. You'll have to decide if this bothers you or not. The pickup selector feels very close to me as I expressed to you before.  Next, with the focus of the pickup selector moved to give a little more comfort to the volume controls:

 If you want to keep on straight lines, I think this change is needed or you will collide with the pickup selector when you want to adjust the volumes and vice versa. I wish I rotated that pickup selector in this photo to show the bass pickup selection like the others. I think you can still see there's a little more room this way when in position, so please be aware of this difference.   Next, with the filters scoonched a little to give a little more room between the volume and filter controls which are dropped slightly to give an inkling more room between them and the pickup selector switch:

 This is closer to the orignal mockup I made, measured out more carefully.   Of course the knobs are still placed by eye (I need some clear knobs for mockups I see), but I think you can decide what is more important to you.   If one of these layouts looks good to you, just tell me which one and we'll drill. There's only one chance to drill it right, so nothing else is happening until this is ironed out.

[toma_hawk01]

Hi Mica,  
 
First let me thank you for your responsive reply, I appreciate much assuredly and deeply.
 
Picture #2 is the best.  
 
Mica, my choice for the best control layout for the Toma_Hawk Bass:
 
Drum roll please...  
 
Picture #2 (the middle picture).
 
I like symmetry even better than my last edit.
With the lines drawn, it provides an even better perspective to space and I love the selector switch looks to be more centered with the pickup.
 
Picture #2 wins.  
 
Drill at will...

[pierreyves]

sorry to disturb YOUR thread Hal... for me the pickup selector is to close of the bridge pickup, you may change pick up by accident (I don't no in english). The jack output is really necessary ?? In case of non functionnaly 5 pin output ? If you delete jack output, you may have more place to redefine your knobs AND, If I was you, I will use smaller knobs... but it's not MY thread ;o)
I think, for this really small body, the best is to have only 5 pin output and get the pickup selector in the original place (like old serie I), and use small knobs.

[toma_hawk01]

Hi Mica,
 
I am fixed with picture #2 as shown below.
Thank you.
 
Fire in the hole!
 
Thank you,
 
Hal-
 

[toma_hawk01]

I had always been against side mounted jacks.
 
The strongest foundation of any bass, is its perimeter (side) walls.  
 
One of the last thing I would ever do, or request, is have a hole along the sides of my basses.  
 
Lessons learned from my Ibanez bass when it fell off its stand from me tripping over the cord.  
 
There it was... a hair line fracture inside the inner cavity of the hole. Yeah, it was a freak thing, and I should had paid more attention to where things were, but finding that it cracked around the hole area and no place else, was just common sense, that a side hole weakened a once stronger wall, un-drilled or once untempered area -- thus now, prone for a clumsy guy like me, to trip and break. I am pretty sure if the side wall was not drilled, the bass would had been able to absorb the shock without cracking in the first place.    
 
For anyone who wants to side mount their jacks, go for. It's your custom, not mine. I'm just offering a friendly word of caution.
 
I hope this never happens to you.
 
 
 
(Message edited by toma_hawk01 on October 11, 2009)

[David Houck]

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.

[toma_hawk01]

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

[s_wood]

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).  

[jazzyvee]

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

[jacko]

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

[toma_hawk01]

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)

[toma_hawk01]

***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-

[otis]

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

[toma_hawk01]

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...
 
 

[tmoney61092]

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