I just want to chip in here on the subject of destroying instruments. Whilst it's possibly ok for someone to destroy a fender that was made by a machine which doesn't care either way, I can just imagine that the handful of artisans at Alembic would be appalled and heartbroken at seeing an instrument that they had a personal hand in crafting being destroyed.  
Also, I think it highly unlikely that Stanley would even countenance it, considering that, apart from the dragon's breath, he's paid the same as us for his Alembics.
 
Graeme

I think the destroying of any instrument is a self indulgent waste. It's bad enough we live in a world where we waste its natural resources for personal gain and comfort. Regardless of how inexpensive an instrument it is, somewhere someone could use it.
 
Don't burn or smash it, DONATE IT.  
 
OO

Nicely put Olie.
 
Graeme

Olie, I agree with every word you've just said. Here in Brazil, were music schools are not able to afford instruments, those donations would help to create some amazing musicians. Instead of giving an artist a second of glory, it could give a future artist a life of glory...
Hal, sorry to change the subject on your thread, I just felt that I needed to lay my opinion on the destroying instruments subject...
Greg

There out to be a law with no bail
Smash a guitar and you go to jail
With no chance for early parole
You don't get out till you get some soul

The soul of this thread was napalmed like many of the other threads I created.  
 
I'll just say a prayer, and let this one rest in peace.
 
It is amazing how the same people kill's my threads. I will say nothing more, for I accept the position of humility before a much larger problem than this.
 
 
This really is hilarious!

Can't we all just get a bong? By the way I love your idea or any idea that has originality, you are gonna love the Toma-Hawk and thats all that matters. I wish you the best of times with your new creation. Congrats! Peace & low notes......Bear

The weak always recruits.  
 
Thus it takes many Hyenas to take down a Lion.

Thanks Smokin Bear.  
 
The Toma_Hawk will be made by the best people in the business, so I have no bit, byte, and/or musical note of worries in my heart.
 
I will love all the flaws too, for there is nothing on earth perfect, nor is life about this anyway...
 
Peace,
 
Hal-

Hal, I don't think you should get upset that some threads evolve into some other discussions... Every conversation leads to another, otherwise, we would stuck with silence.
I believe that you are probably feeling like this because this thread represents your dream, and some upsetting stuff happened here.
But let me tell you something: I'm placing all my bets that the Toma_Hawk is going to be one of the best basses around. Different, full of passion, original and unique. And you know that nothing should make you feel otherwise.  
It is indeed a shame what happened here, but it happened. And I'm sure that will be soon forgotten... because bad stuff happens to give strength to the stuff that really matters.
I'm for sure one of the people here that will follow your bass step by step. Because I realized it is not only another custom bass, but another custom dream. And that is what Alembic does. They build dreams.
Sorry if I said anything wrong here, I never intended to say anything of such nature.
 
Greg

TOMA_HAWK UPDATE:
 
Just got the approval and blessing from Susan and Mica that the Toma_Hawk Bass can be made with no limits in sound quality, playability, and performance.  
 
Susan also boldly said, if there were any design problems that would cause problems, the Toma_Hawk concept would had never been accepted. Alembic quality will never be compromised.  
 
Not only am I very happy to understand this philosophy, I am also honored to have had my design accepted to enter the very long halls of Alembic Inc today!
 
The ball is now rolling, so bring on the love, and positivity to see this bass concept move from here, to the virtual halls of: FACTORY TO CUSTOMER  
 
Aproved!
 
Let's build THE TOMA_HAWK BASS!!!!

Congratulations Hal!!!! Such good news!! Time to watch carefully the FTC!!
 
Greg

Thanks Greg,  If you notice, I had second thoughts on clear pickups after thinking really hard about them. Clear pickups does not contrast better than the black pickups against (Maroon) flame Maple.  I had also done away with the white side walls or bindings. I felt it was too much of a cosmetic add-on, that just was was not necessary. The Les Paul look got lesser and lesser.  However I added something new to the concept bass; I added a Master volume control.   So, yeah this baby is headed to the factory this week and the pictures are my latest renderings.        



  Body: Maroon Flame Maple front/Mahogany middle/ Maroon Flame Maple Back.  Neck: Ebony Laminate  Neck Finger Board: Ebony.  Neck Side wall: Blue Side LED'S.  Mother of Pearl Oval Standards Inlays.  Body Shape: Toma_Hawk Body!

Hal, personally, I never really approved the idea of the clear pickups... I think the black ones will give your bass a much better look...! Keep it simple, remember?  
Now, just a thought: did you consider moving the Pickup selector switch to the lower horn instead of this new set up?  
I'm just afraid that maybe it will make the knobs section to busy like this...
 
Greg

Keep in mind that the Flying V and the Explorer were considered strange in their time. Look what those '58 beauties are worth today.
 
Good luck, Hal.